Mission Moments: Malawi

Seed for sowing

By Gary Fallesen
Climbing For Christ

Heavy rains descended on southern Malawi in late November, marking the start of the planting season.

The morning after the rain, Pastor Duncan Nyozani emailed: “People will be busy planting their seeds, but it seems most of the people have no seeds to plant due to hunger. And many were expecting to have rains in December, so please pray that we may get seeds and fertilizer for our farmlands.”

Duncan, a Climbing For Christ member since February 2009 and the founder of Searchlight Ministries in the Migowi area, said he needed US$400 for seed and fertilizer. “It is really expensive to buy fertilizer these years,” he said. “For example, it cost $45 to buy a bag of fertilizer.

“In Malawi, it is better to plant with the first rains. Sadly, we will not be able to plant with these first rains.”

God provided the funds Duncan needed through Climbing For Christ within a few days. The LORD’s timing was, of course, perfect. “The problem with the first rains a few weeks ago,” Duncan relayed on Thursday, Dec. 19, “is that the rains did not come again so seedlings (some people planted) were drying.”

This week, Searchlight was busy planting hybrid maize seeds. On Wednesday, Dec. 18, Duncan said “we had good rains for planting.”

Orphans supported by Climbing For Christ's Project 1:27 planting maize seeds this week. Pastor Duncan Nyozani, who cares for the children, says learning to farm is part of the children's education.

When told that Climbing For Christ would pray for this growing season, Duncan said, “Yes, please pray for a good season. The situation here is terrible. Two kids in the Dedza District (in Central Malawi) died of hunger this week.

“In the mornings, I am fond of running away from my home because an average of four women comes early to ask for food. I am really troubled very much. If I say I am not able to help them they do not believe.

“All my church members are also very affected. One church members was about to faint when she came to ask for food three days ago. Food prices are very high this month.”

Pray for the many that are in desperate need and for a good year for crops.

“He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.” – Psalm 126:6 (ESV)