Ever think to yourself, “How did I get here?” Sometimes God takes us places in life to prepare us for what He has coming in the future.
Way back in 2008 Dana was attending a church that decided to build water wells in Malawi. She didn’t know anything about Malawi back then, she just knew people needed clean, safe water. She decided to jump in. The church called the campaign, “Your wants for their needs.”
Those days were tough for many people. The economy had taken a downturn, people were losing their homes and jobs. Even so, God moved in a big way. The goal was exceeded by amounts no one expected. It was Malachi 3:10-12 in action. “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in my house, and thus put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts; see if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you an overflowing blessing.”
Fast forward to 2022. Dana’s friend told her about how she was sponsoring a girl in Malawi. She told her that she was going to Malawi on a Vision Trip in 2023. Again, Dana didn’t hesitate. She sponsored two women that same day. Then she signed up to go to Malawi!
In Malawi she met the women she was sponsoring and much more. She participated in Bible studies, adult literacy classes, took part in programs for children, youth, and met with Chiefs. She saw people learning skills that will help them start their own businesses. She talked with people who had learned new ways to grow food. She was able to give people Bibles, the first they had ever owned! The trip impacted her deeply.
On the way home she talked with people on the plane about her experience. When she got home, she talked with friends, co-workers and anyone who would listen about what she had experienced. She told them, “I saw the work in action. I saw that Y-Malawi is doing everything they talk about in their newsletters. I actually experienced it. When I send money I know exactly where it is going now. It’s going to change lives!”
Dana was so enthusiastic that people couldn’t help but respond. Four more girls have been sponsored. A nurse herself, Dana sponsored two more girls going to nursing school! Y-Malawi is talking with a potential new church partner, and a group of people are talking about taking a Vison Trip in 2024. Now that’s what we call fruit!
God uses Y-Malawi Vision Trips in amazing ways. They change lives. Since the trip Dana says, “I have more joy and am just thrilled about what God is doing.” Dana didn’t expect that to happen. She didn’t ask for it. She didn’t know what God was preparing her for when she first the word “Malawi.”
Look in the rearview mirror. What has God been preparing you for?
