Rescuing butterflies is a delightful way to spend an afternoon.  In Zomba, our cool retreat, there is a certain sticky plant which attracts innocent butterflies presumably by some alluring scent.  As Kalina and I walked we came across clumps of brightly coloured butterflies slowly coming to a sticky end.  Careful not to touch their delicate wings, we gently removed a few and found that they were alive and eager to be free.  Likely many flew off to land on a similar plant and die a similar death.  I hope some of them found friendlier flowers.

‘There is no one like you, O Lord, and there is no God but you.  And who is like your people Israel – the one nation on earth whose God WENT OUT to redeem a people for himself.’   1 Chron.17:20-21

In Bangula the rain pounded down again on our roof throughout the whole night.  We slept restlessly, awakening often, concerned for those whose grass shelters would not withstand these conditions. We know that this Malawi rain will eventually flow downstream into the devastated flood region of Mutarara, Mozambique, challenging relief efforts even more.  We pray and hope that in the midst of this, the thousands displaced find some comfort in Jesus, who we know is near. 

God’s question for Solomon:  “What shall I give you?” echoes through the ages.  ‘Ask anything in my name and I will do it.’  John14:14  ‘Ask, and you will receive.’  Matthew 7:7

“We welcome you and embrace the message of hope you proclaim.”    - Traditional Authority Chief in Mozambique

African rain does not usually fall gently, caressing the earth and nurturing the tender shoots.  No, like everything else in this stark land, rain pounds the hard earth, pushing anything weak before its driving fury.  Dry river beds are suddenly raging torrents.  Tentative shoots are harshly crushed.  Even knee high stalks bow to the ground under the rushing waters.  The fertile lands close to the River Shire, where crops were almost ready for harvest, are under water.  Only those who planted at just the right time and in just the right place will harvest this crop.

Children’s Homes:  Our two Children’s Homes are full.  There is one bed left in the girls’ home that is reserved for the little sister of two of our girls.  Our dream is to see the children healed of all that has hurt them, and set free to worship God with all their lives.  The day to day is full of cuts and bruises, ringworm, dirty clothes, discipline, and laughter.  Currently, the next boys’ and girls’ homes are under construction.  They will be finished in October or November, and then we can fill them with lost and abandoned children.