STAMP 2012 begins the moment we step off the plane. Arms waving from the VIP lounge invite us to walk to the left and enter Blantyre as if we are VIPs (which, of course, we’re not!). But it saves us the ordeal of standing in queues or finding our own luggage. The process may, in fact, take longer than it does for the other 150 passengers on the plane … but that’s not the point. It’s about relationship and dignity rather than efficiency or saving time.
And the singing! … fully uniformed mvano women from two nearby Presbyterian churches form a guard of honour as they sing songs to welcome us. Ultimately, it’s not us they honour, but the Lord Jesus Christ. For they are a witness to the grace and mercy of a loving Saviour as their songs float across the whole airport compound. Not ashamed to name the Name. Singing is from the heart with joy on their faces.
In Malawi culture it is important that visitors are received into their country with a warm welcome … and a speech or two.
On route to our accommodation the Synod bus pulls into the CCAP Ministry to Orphans called ORBUS, funded essentially by Australian donors from the PCV. This is an outstanding project. The landscape is restful and refreshing, the buildings are solid and fully functional and a credit to designer and builder and funder. The surrounding farm with its goats and pigs, banana and mango trees, tomatoes and maize are simply amazing.
Orbus is a haven of peace … a house of mercy for children of Africa with no parents to love or care for them.
Rising above the turbulence of some difficult days this ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ is emerging into something of strategic importance for the Presbyterian Church of Blantyre Synod. The STAMP team walked into this compound and felt there is something special here. It’s a ministry we can be “proud” of and a gift from PCV to Blantyre Synod for which the Synod is becoming increasingly grateful.
Mentioning some names is bound to be a mistake (by omitting others) but we think it’s worth the risk. The vision for Orbus was provided initially by Colin Mbawa, and Orbus ministry today would not be where it is today without the dedicated service and support from men like Vin Lopes, John Steendam (with Sue), Rob Boyle and Craig Manners (with Jayni). (pic of green trees surrounding buildings)
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