Melanie serves among the Yawo in Malawi with her husband Tim . After more than 15 years of ministry , she knows how vital supporters and partnering churches are !
Thanks for holding on !
These are our heartfelt words to those supporting churches , individuals and groups who have willingly stepped up to support and partner with us in our calling to serve in Malawi . We shared our story and they believed in what God was doing , so much so that they promised to hold the ropes while we went over the edge .
It reminds me of abseiling , those who go over the edge and those who promise to hold the ropes . There is trust involved and longterm reliance as we venture into the unknown .
Hanging over the edge as an intercultural team member brings vulnerability in all aspects of our lives . It is emotionally draining , physically taxing , spiritually exhausting and mentally challenging yet we go because of obedience and we do it because we know we are not doing it alone . There is a strength that comes from our vulnerability because the whole process is a miracle .
Sometimes I question why people would want to hold our ropes . Rope holding is difficult in itself , especially as life in Australia is so busy and demanding with many distractions and pressures . “ Perhaps they will forget about us ?” I wonder , only to get a message the next day from someone prompted to pray .
The whole arrangement has God ’ s fingerprints all over it . Since 2005 we have asked people to hold our ropes and as I look back over the ups and downs of our journey it brings tears to my eyes . They haven ’ t let go !
Some of them remind me of the anchor position in a tug of war game , those spiritually strongest who lock themselves in and won ’ t be moved .
This makes all the difference to the effectiveness of our ministry , to the movement of the Holy Spirit and the answer to our prayers . It gives me courage and boldness to head out into the village one more time and teach God ’ s Word .
I feel it when I am praying over someone in hospital close to death , when I am approached by people struggling to find food and when I am confronted by an evil spiritual presence . It renews my passion when I am tired and it reminds me that I am not alone ; there is a great crowd of witnesses cheering me on .
I delight in the arrangement so much that I have become a rope holder myself . I want to be part of the blessing of sending . And when I hear stories of faith , I know that my obedience contributed to it .
One day when we are all celebrating eternity together , there will be so much joy in connecting those who came to faith and those who held the ropes . When we ’ re there remind me to introduce you to Rashid , Ishmael , Mama Fatima , Saidi , Twaibu , Che Amini , Issa , Habiba , Halima , Aisha , Hassain , Ikira , Ellard , Atewu , Hahimu , Junio , Ibrahim , Bilaya , Sifati , Esnatu … those Yawo who God chose to hear the Gospel from us who were sent by you . Thank you !
Do you want to hold the rope for a Baptist Mission Australia team member or ministry partner ?
Contact our team :
www . baptistmission australia . org / Contact
RESONATE ISSUE 42 | PAGE 10