They Are Worlds Apart
Betty Liles lives in the western part of the U.S. in the state of Colorado, on a sprawling ranch. Moster Kanyinji lives in northern Malawi, Africa in a region populated by mud huts with thatch roofs, almost no running water, and few mechanized vehicles. The two have never met, and their cultures could not be farther apart, yet Betty has developed a love for the people of Malawi that has continued to grow over the past 20 years.
Betty especially loves children, and her concern for the children of poverty-stricken Malawi compelled her to find ways to help the little ones who suffer needlessly from the cold and hunger. Instead of simply wishing for a solution Betty started using tiny scraps of cloth material in order to make small quilts for the children. Others saw what she was doing and started giving her material to use in her project.
Entire Congregation Gets Involved
Active in World Bible School for many years Betty became involved in assisting a local preacher, Moster Kanyinji, in the northern region of Malawi. She sought his help in doing follow up work for the students with whom she was studying through her correspondence course lessons. This led to a growing relationship through their correspondence, and subsequently led to her entire congregation in Montrose, Colorado becoming involved in helping Malawi.
In recent years Betty has watched the congregation provide hunger relief, send hundreds of boxes of clothes, help with financial support for several evangelists, and see a number of other members make trips to Africa. Both Betty and the congregation have also become involved with the Malawi Project and its outreach to the nation.
When asked for a picture for this story Betty requested the glory be given to God for all that she has been allowed to do, and all the blessings so many have received. Betty feels that one does not have to be rich or famous to be able to accomplish great things for the Lord. He will give you opportunities if you will keep your eyes open and look for them. Her life has proven this to be true.
Being the Change
Praise God for all the people like Betty who go about their daily lives, finding ways to help those who need help, who will give their time to sew a quilt in order to keep a child warm, who donate to hunger relief, and who pray for God to provide what is needed in “the warm heart of Africa” for their survival. It is not enough to bid them be filled and be well, and not do something to make it a reality.