A Letter From Malawi

Rarely does a letter come in the mail that brings glory to God. Think about it: most of what comes through the post is simply, as we say, junk mail. But yesterday was indeed unique. I received a three-page letter from a young man in Malawi, Alexander Kaoiche, whom we met on our trip in January. Like most young men in Malawi, Alexander faces many challenges, many of which are emotional and spiritual, not simply pecuniary. When I met him, he was forthright in telling me that he struggled with his faith, and spent much of his time doubting God's benevolence.

Nevertheless, he was writing to let me know that our two day visit to his parish had 'transformed the city into believing that Jesus loves them', and that he, too, now believed that Jesus loved him no matter what!

I was overjoyed at reading his letter. To speak truthfully, I didn't think our time at his parish was successful at all. In fact, I feared we did very little, for we were tired and downright grumpy that day. How could God work through our frustrations to do something so wonderful, is the question I asked myself as I read his note.

I share this with you for two reasons. First, God can and does work through us, even when we assume otherwise. Don't forget that.

I find that when it comes to labouring with God many Christians either gravitate to one extreme or the other. On the one hand, some think they can fix the world and cure every societal ill, and God will bless 'their' efforts. The problem with this view, of course, is it discounts sin and elevates pride, both of which hamper our labours. The other extreme, however, is the one that considers the human worthless; the country hit 'Poor, Poor, Pitiful Me' is emblematic of this construct, one in which we are doomed to a permanent lowly state.

The truth of God working through us for His glory lies in between these poles. St. Paul reminds his flock in Corinth of this when he tells them, 'For we are God's servants, working together; you are God's field, God's building'. The fact is, as God’s servants, we do work together – with Him – in His fields.

But the important part is this: we work for HIM in HIS field. To speak in street slang, It’s all about Him, not us. The moment our co-labouring becomes about us, we slide into a broken vision of pride, which indicates the absence of God. But make no mistake, we were created to seek God and work with Him for the building up of His kingdom. This is what it means to be created imago Dei.

Alexander reminded me that God worked in us – perhaps even despite us – to bring young men into a deeper relationship with their heavenly Father, and for that I am most grateful.

So, brothers and sisters, I would leave you pondering what it means to work with God for His glory. You may be surprised to know the ways in which you’ve changed someone’s life.

Finally, I would caution us not to fall into extremes; avoid both traps. We are neither capable of accomplishing anything on our own, nor are we, as some have said, sinners in the hands of an angry God. No, we are born in the likeness and image of God, and are delivered to new life through the grace of Jesus Christ.

Alexander has reminded me that God has equipped each of us in our own unique manner to ‘enlighten the nations’. This may be as little as smiling at the right moment or as seemingly grand as risking even your health to spread the news of Jesus.

By extension, Alexander’s note has reminded me that Lent is that time of year we must ask whether or not our efforts are for our own selfish means, or are they truly working with God for the sake of His kingdom?

And once we do ask, don’t be surprised if God takes our selfish ambitions and creates something edifying from them. For the message of Lent is one of death turning into life, for out of the dark tomb of Good Friday comes the unending joy of Easter morn.

Finally, since I shared many fresh-from-the-tree mangos with dear Alexander, here’s a simple mango vinaigrette, which, like seeking to labour with God for His sake, will surely enhance your joie de vivre.

Bibb & Frisee Lettuces with Mango Vinaigrette

Ingredients

1 ripe mango (soft to the touch, but not soggy)
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
3 tablespoons fresh cilantro
3 tablespoons olive oil (I use B.R. Kohn from California)
1/4 teaspoon crushed red-pepper flakes
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 ounces Boston lettuce, 1 small head
4 ounces frisee (or substitute arugula or baby spinach)
1 Kirby cucumber, thinly sliced into rounds

Instructions

Make the vinaigrette: Peel the mango, and slice sides away from pit; use a paring knife to remove the peel. Slice one side into 1/8-inch-thick slices, and reserve. Chop remaining half, place in blender with lemon juice, lime juice, and cilantro and puree until smooth. Transfer to a medium bowl, and whisk in olive oil. Add red-pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper.

Combine lettuce, frisee, mango slices, and cucumber slices in a large bowl, and toss to combine. Toss with a few spoonfuls of mango vinaigrette.