Glenn Duker’s Reflection on Visiting Malawi

I have pondered over the last few days how visiting the Church in Malawi impacted me. And then it dawned on “me” that this is the whole problem with our western world. We think that it is all about “us”. We don’t necessarily see it but our society is self-absorbed – and in our great comfort (which we are born into). As a society we are blinded by the things of this world… not appreciating that it is all vanity, it all passes eventually, is a memory for a while and then forgotten. Cf. The book of Ecclesiastes!

What seems to restrict us is our “clutter” or our “stuff”. We are so busy… mostly about things that don’t ultimately matter. We just convince ourselves that they do. Jesus put it simply (paraphrased) and advised the smart alternative: “Martha, Martha .. you are anxious and troubled about many things. Mary has chosen the good portion (listening to the simple words of the Gospel), which shall not be taken away from her”.

Yes – there is a super-rapid expansion in Malawi of the Church… but for good reason. Even in my life, I recall that once upon a time in Australia people were more open to the gospel, intrigued about the miraculous and the miracle of speaking in tongues. In less naturally comfortable circumstances, these people in Africa REALLY hunger and thirst after righteousness and the power of God. They are yearning for it. Malawi for me has brought into focus with some clarity that we don’t need to search far for the Lord or the miracle… just drop the sophistication, the questioning, put aside the cynicism, forget the disappointment of denominational “religion” and how it has let the world down by not preaching the full gospel (as opposed to God’s spirit-filled Church) and just realise that the Lord is right there waiting to bless; and as Spirit-filled people we should not think that the Lord is far away. He is the same God in Malawi as He is here – and we would be encouraged to learn from the simplicity of the acceptance of the Word of God in Malawi and humbly follow the example of their zeal for the things of God.

I went to Malawi to work, to contribute what I could in some small way for the Lord, and to learn. I praise the Lord that I received exactly what I asked for…to have a new adventure each day of watching and experiencing the Lord’s miraculous hand in action and interacting with our wonderful, faithful, longsuffering fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. I am so glad I went… and that I understand more that it’s really not about “self” and the here and now at all… but about our ultimate destination: the kingdom of God and “the more exceeding and eternal weight of glory”.

Thanks again to John, Gilbert and all who made this trip possible.

 

Glenn Duker’s Mission Trip to Malawi

August 4th, 2018

These wonderful people are so rich in the joy of the Holy Ghost. The children received the Holy Spirit, with the evidence of speaking in tongues, in about a minute or less and were baptised, as were so many adults. We can learn so much from these fellow saints. The Lord is right there, waiting to bless. We would be wise to put our “questioning” mind to one side and follow their example: just believe our wonderful God without hesitation … and the miracles will follow. Jesus Christ is truly the same yesterday, today and forever.

-Glenn Duker

 

August 6th, 2018

Had a great few days here in Malawi with an outreach, then two communion meetings yesterday and a visit to a newer Meeting today, which is growing rapidly in numbers. This is “spiritual immersion” and I am loving it.

Had a great time this morning at the hotel – I spoke to two of the hotel employees and they were happy to seek for the Holy Spirit, which they received, speaking in other tongues, within a few minutes of each other. This is incredibly exciting stuff. All we do is preach the word and, willing to receive what the Lord has for them, they receive it freely!

What is the rest of the world doing!!!

The Bible says that only the fool says in his heart that there is no God.

The time is now to receive the Holy Spirit. Forget trying to work it all out… the Lord is there to fill people right away!

This is real and powerful – the power of God unto salvation and an incredible joy and privilege to be part of.

-Glenn Duker

 

August 8th, 2018

Another amazing day…our day off turned out to be a big day on… and it was worth it. From talking to the gardeners, to the walk to the village to meet the lady chief, to a strong talk from Pastor Nelson to the ladies in the village (the men were at work fishing… I guess we were also fishing!), to praying for the sick in the village and seeking or for the spirit and.. of course, some baptisms, then to the assistant manager of the resort receiving the Holy Spirit. C’est la vie. I just wish all days off could be like this!

-Glenn Duker

 

August 11th, 2018

Great couple of days… 7 more baptisms today and encouragement. Made some wonderful friends: we are united in the Lord, one hope, one faith, one baptism. The Church here continues to grow rapidly and these folks are well grounded in the Lord’s doctrine and passionate about staying on the Word of God. They tell us that they are grateful for our time of fellowship….yet we are so grateful for theirs. We are one in Christ.

The scenery is nice but that’s not what this trip is about. For me, this just reinforces, as Pastor Vic so aptly puts it, that this our “real job”.

-Glenn Duker

 

What Can You Do on a Mission Trip

Going on a mission trip can be an experience you will never forget. You are going to less fortunate areas to provide help and the love of God. Along with the opportunities to spread the word of God, mission trips can include humanitarian projects also.

Construction:

Countries hit by natural disasters or lack financial aid could have construction projects that consist of renovations, rebuilding, or starting from the ground up. The mission trip typically helps to build new schools, churches, orphanages, and homes in less fortunate areas. If you are able-bodied, you do not need extensive previous knowledge or experience with building or construction.

Teaching/Child Care:

You could be teaching in a school, church, or orphanage. There could possibly be a language barrier and you would need to pick up on language norms of the area you are residing. You could be teaching students, teachers, or townspeople. Teaching can help children grow academically, socially, and spiritually. Typically qualified or experience school teachers are meant for this role but if you have a passion for it, there should be no stopping you. You can also provide child care in certain locations. Child care does not require a qualification to spend time with people in need.

Medical:

If you are a doctor, nurse, or student in related fields of study, then you might want to consider a medical mission trip. This helps with practical experience, practice medical skills, and most importantly make a difference in someone’s life. You can bring medical relief to communities in need and lack the basic services in healthcare. Whether you are performing basic check-ups or shots, every moment helps.

Conservation:

If you love wildlife, nature, and ecotourism. a conservation mission trip may be the one for you. Helping the locals preserve beaches, rainforests, or mountains could be your next calling. Traveling abroad to exotic locations to help protect and help rehabilitate endangered species worldwide. You will be protecting natural habitats of wildlife and sometimes specific animal conservation projects.

The main difference between these trips just being thought of as humanitarian work, is that during them the members are spreading the word of God. The projects are a great thing to do but the participants will focus on promoting the Gospel of Jesus during mission trips.

 

Where Should Your Next Mission Trip Be To?

A mission trip gives Christians a chance to make a difference in the communities around them and beyond. Going to countries that are in need, to help and share God’s love is the main goal of a mission trip. There are many places around the world that need the help of mission work, whether it be in Latin America or in your own backyard.

Central America

Central America has many countries that could use the help of missionaries. The wet season here causes floods and hurricanes that destroy many homes. This creates a need for building and restoration projects. Also, missionaries often visit the many orphanages to spend time sharing the gospel with the kids.

Haiti

Haiti is a small, tropical country with rising poverty rates and a large number of orphaned children. Haiti has had its fair share of natural disasters. It has suffered cyclones, hurricanes, tropical storms, torrential rains, floods, and earthquakes. All these disasters either end in uninhabitable cities, injuries, or even deaths of many people. There is a strong need for food, water, healthcare, education, and building projects. There are many companies providing help. One company, Healing Haiti, sends people on mission trips to improve the lives of the people living in these disaster-stricken areas.   

Countries Where Christianity Is Not the Primary Religion

There are some countries that don’t consider Christianity a primary religion. No matter what religion the country is known for, there is still a need for mission work. The mission trip could simply be to have bible studies with orphans and spread the love of God. There are areas in Africa, India, and China that could benefit from a mission trip. The purpose of a mission trip is to create a life-changing experience for the community, no matter what the community believes in.

Your Home Country

A helping-hand doesn’t have to go across the world to make a change. There are plenty of projects that can be done around you and are just as rewarding as going around the globe. Participate in a project by building or repairing a house for someone who can’t afford it or who physically cannot do it themselves. This can still spread God’s love even if it doesn’t seem like it’s going very far. In the end, every bit helps.

 

If you want to read more about why you should take a mission trip, check out Glenn Duker’s Blog, Reasons Why You Should Go On A Mission Trip.

Reasons Why You Should Go On a Mission Trip

Are you having trouble planning this year’s vacation? Instead of using your vacation days to plan a trip to the beach, you can use them to travel to a new country and help people in need on a mission trip.  A mission trip takes a group on a journey to help less fortunate areas and provide them with materials, labor, and faith. The activities on mission trips can vary from building an orphanage to feeding the impoverished to just spending time with a family. This is what you can expect to experience while on your mission trip:

Togetherness

A group on either a short-term or long-term mission trip can experience many different things. Whether it’s building a house, playing games, or traveling, everything is done together. It builds a community within this mission group and bonds them not only to each other but to the community in which they are helping.

Broaden Perspectives

Reading a newspaper every day can keep you updated on what is going on in the world, but a mission trip helps you experience what is really happening. Reading that kids in Central America don’t have anywhere to live doesn’t quite hit you until you visit the poverty-stricken town. You can begin to understand that it isn’t just a newspaper article or a commercial asking to give 50 cents a month. It is a town like your own, struggling in this world, needing help that you can provide.

Challenging Comfort Zones

Mission trips will demand a lot from you, from getting up the courage to leave your home for weeks at a time to build a house for homeless orphans. The extent of the trip can be challenging. You will be experiencing new cultures, new skills, and new people every day of your trip. Your mission trip will certainly push you out of your comfort zone in several ways. It can also bring a new demand to your faith that is practiced outside the walls of your church. Your spirituality can be brought forth by your actions in the real world and not just be confined to sermons every Sunday.

Empowerment

Being able to share God’s faith is an empowering event. You can find many possibilities for the future and develop a passion for the work you have done. Not only can you find these things, but mission trips give you the ability to pursue them. Mission trips show the capabilities of people and the good they can provide in the world by delivering it with the help and the faith it needs.

To learn more about places where you can go on mission trips, read Glenn Duker’s blog, Where Should Your Next Mission Trip Be To.