Day 17
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Ngodzi

Today was the summit of our mountain – exhilarating but also the start of our goodbyes and sadness to be leaving – a real roller coaster.

The dedication service was awesome with visiting church leaders, visiting choirs, and a full house in the new church (approximately 500 people). After introductions and music, we all went outside to the front of the church for the unveiling of our marble plaque, installed above the main entrance, with the inscription in English and Chechewa, “Thank you for allowing us to help you build this church – to the glory of God.” We were all deeply moved. This was followed by the dedication of the church by Bishop Matonga.

Next, after being reseated, were the necessary speeches by the pastor of the new church, Pastor MacDuff, Dr. Chris Brooks on behalf of Lifeline Malawi, Hank as Malawi Team 2007 leader, and Bishop Matonga. Everyone was highly appreciative of our contribution to making this church a reality in only two weeks – something no one here ever saw happen before and seen as a true miracle. To be honest, several team members were skeptical when we first saw the site that first Monday two weeks ago.

Then we were given the opportunity to sing the Chechewa songs we had worked on. The crowd literally cheered us on as we switched from English to Chechewa with “Alive, Alive.” Then we sang the original song inspired by Betty, “Mulungo Ali Pano,” which means “God is here.” It was a real hit and we were invited back up to repeat it, with the whole congregation joining in – a highly moving time for us all.

Bishop Matongo then gave a rousing message on “The Ideal Church” from Acts 2 in English and translated into Chechewa. Here is a quote from his message when describing the African tendency for events to start late: “Africans don’t have watches, but they have time; Canadians have watches but don’t have time.”

Following the service we were treated to a meal of rice and goat meat, along with the visiting leaders, while we were serenaded by the most beautiful African choir music we ever heard.
In the afternoon, there were a steady stream of people stopping by the guest house to say thank you and good bye. Some team members are already talking about the possibility Malawi Team 2009.

Closing thoughts as we are packing up to leave Ngodzi in the morning:
“Kind of like you’re leaving your other home.” – Fred
“Sad to be leaving; we grew on them and they grew on us.” – Garnet
“It was great to be called up to repeat our song; it made us feel so appreciated.” – Paul
We started out as acquaintances, we became friends, now we are leaving as brothers.” – Darren
“God is here. Mulungu ali pano.” – Connie
“Thankful that we got the building serviceable, and that we had a good connection with the Malawians.” – Kees
“The Malawian spirit of gratitude is a humbling experience.” – Janet
“We demonstrated that across the racial and geographic divide, we can truly be united and join hands in working for the greater good.” – Hank
“I will always remember the children – their joie de vivre.” – Betty
“To come to Africa, and walk with the poor, is to walk with God.” – Chelsey