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| Tuesday, March 03, 2009 |
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Malawian’s First Journey To America
By David Morrison on Tuesday, March 03, 2009, 4:03 PM
:: 1367 Views
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For the last three years, Kelvin’s character has drawn our attention. In a society where there is plenty of lying, theft, adultery and laziness, it is a breath of fresh air when you find someone exemplary. Kelvin Sitati will be the first Malawian from Iris Africa Malawi to travel to the United States for training in order to learn how to manage a fish farm. This sustainable program is another step forward to reduce the hunger that has plagued southern Malawi.
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When I first met Kelvin he was involved with the ministry as a member of the choir. His charming smile and expressions during worship at church was not a performance, it was the real thing – real intimate worship to Jesus. Kelvin’s heart is pure and from this springs forth a lifestyle which honors our Lord.
Last year I hired him as a general labourer to help with construction on the ministry base. I was a little hesitant at first because of his handicap. One leg is shorter than the other which hinders his movement, well, that’s what I thought. In no time my assessment of this young man’s ability was proved wrong. He not only accomplished all his assignments, he did so with great endurance, faithfully fulfilling his required hours of service without slacking off.
Thanks to donors from Canada who have a vested interest in Iris Africa Malawi and the poor in this underdeveloped country of Malawi, there are provisions to build a fish farm on the ministry base which will provide sustainable food, enough for the ministry and for the poor in the community. We also believe that through revenue of fish sales at the market, this program will eventually be able to sustain itself, without foreign help. |
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When plans for this new development were born, a search also began for the right Malawian to be trained to lead this program. Leadership is the key to successful implementation of any new development. So in the latter part of 2008 the search began. One day while Kelvin was digging a trench, I looked at him and as I did, I had a strong conviction within me. I stared at him and as I did so, his past three years of his involvement with us flashed before my eyes. I asked the Lord, “Is this the one”? Deep within me I felt a peace and certainty that Kelvin was the right person. I stared some more, and the more I stared, the stronger the peace. In weeks following, I prayed as well as confidentially bounced the idea off other respected national leaders. There was a consensus – Kelvin should be considered. |
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It is not easy for a young man who has never been far from his small rural village in southern Malawi to comprehend what it means to be considered to be trained in order to develop and lead a future fish farm here in Bangula. Up to now, Kelvin’s world has been a mud house with grass roof, walking barefoot on dusty paths, subsistent farming to provide enough maize for nsima to feed his wife and child, drawing water from a village well, living without electricity so that the evening light is either from the moon or a lit paraffin lamp. Some would describe Kelvin and his family as poor, disadvantaged people who live primitively, and with a very narrow world view. This is true, they are so poor they don’t even have a toothbrush. But do not be fooled – comforts of life do not bring strength. Kelvin is poor physically, but he is rich in his relationship with the Lord and with his family. They are happy, filled with joy, content and satisfied with life. They have each other and they exhibit faith in their Faithful God.
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During the last three months we have been helping Kelvin get ready for this journey. Unlike the experience of most people, Kelvin’s passport was processed in one day. Similarly he received favor from the officials at the American Embassy where he received a traveling visa. Thanks to Joanna and some visitors from Canada, Kelvin has had a huge learning curve in his ability to understand, speak, read and write English. This was Kelvin’s greatest challenge to overcome in preparation for this call. We are now all confident in his ability. But, will he make it through the airports that he will have to connect through on his upcoming journey beginning March 11, 2009? With God’s grace he will make it.
Kelvin will be spending three months at an aquaculture research and training centre in Florida. Morning Star Fishermen is a non-profit organization whose mission is to help fight world hunger, especially in underdeveloped regions. Since 1994 they have been researching and developing sustainable food production technologies for needy communities, providing support and training in aquaculture and community development for people from countries all over the world. Once completed, Kelvin will have the knowledge to lead this new program at Iris Africa ministry base in Bangula. Friends of Iris Africa in Canada are working behind the scenes customizing a fish farm plan suitable to our conditions here. Soon, a container with building materials will be leaving Canada so that construction will begin in September. Soon, there will be plenty of Tilapia fish to enjoy in Bangula.
Kelvin’s wife Mervis and two year old son will be supported by the ministry of Iris Africa while Kelvin is away. I am so excited for this new chapter in Kelvin’s life. It is wonderful to see a Malawian national being raised up to help conquer the problem of hunger among his people. |
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A Boy in Malawi |
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Life story of Kelvin Sitati (written by Kelvin Sitati – January 2009) |
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| I was born in Mtendo Village, Traditional Authority Tengani and the district of mine is Nsanje. I was born in 1985 on the 18th of June when my father was an evangelist. My parents enjoyed farming and praying. They liked to gather the church members and have nights of prayer most of the time. Further more, Dad like visiting those who were lacking the Word of God, and mum liked singing melodies. |
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I started going to school when I was five years old. I passed Standard 8 and began Form One. After I passed my primary level, my father was struggling with finances. I was going to school, but not how my friends had gone. God was with me, that’s why I proceeded in my education up to now. During my schooling I liked Religious Studies, English, as well as Geography.
When I was a child, there was one thing that made me sad and this was my lame leg. Other people laughed at me because of my limp. In those days, I disliked moving or playing with friends because when they laughed at me, I wept. I had questions in my heart: ‘God don’t you know about my lame leg? Am I not important to you?
As I grew up, there was a certain choir that I joined. We had our practices three times a week. This choir made my heart happy because we shared ideas with each other. Our pastor came and preached the Word of God after our practices each and every day. These practices introduced me to Jesus and gave me great joy.
When I was about 15, I had a dream. I was swimming across a river, and when I was about to come out from the river, I saw a big crocodile swimming towards me. I called for help and a man came and took me out by the hand. After that I knelt down and prayed to the Lord.
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I met my wife when I was in Nsanje District High School. I was troubled in my heart to have neither sister nor brother, but it was impossible. My friends had their brothers and sisters while I didn’t have any, that’s why I considered marriage. I asked my wife about marriage and she agreed. Before being together as one body, the pastor came and blessed us and bound us together as a family.
I was born in a Christian family. Both of my parents were Christians. It was easy for me to know Jesus. I received Jesus as my Lord and Saviour when I saw a dead man raised from the dead. I nodded my head continuously and said: ‘Oh! There is a Lord and I am wasting my time.’ I asked my parents to have overnight prayer and we prayed all night. From that time up to now, it is only God whom I trust. |
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- By Kelvin Sitati |
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