Thondwe, Malawi … Life is difficult in the nation that registers 171 on the poverty line of 187 nations. Cars are a commodity most will never afford, and even a bicycle is something only a few can purchase. Most walk everywhere they go. For some, and especially those who work in fields of ministry to the sick, or in teaching and preaching the hardship of transportation is doubly difficult. A recent shipment of wheelchairs has made a different in a number of lives of those who serve. Two of these are noted below.
Moses Kanyerere Banda (Ministry of teaching and preaching)
Moses is a 24-year-old young man who joined the Mission two months ago. He works as an Administrative Assistant. Besides assisting in the administration section of the work, he also manages the Library, and teaches the students at the Bible school. As with so many others on staff transportation is a major problem to doing their jobs efficiently. Moses and his job responsibilities deemed him as a candidate to receive one of the bicycles from the recent shipment.
Moses extended his appreciation for timely donation of the bike that will help him with mobility. Like other Mission workers, Moses visits and teaches in other congregations on Sundays. This bicycle will play a very important role in his ministry.
Easter Kalitera (Ministry to the Sick)
Easter resides 5 kilometers south east of Namikango Clinic. She is one of the longest serving members of the staff at the maternity clinic. For fifteen years, she has been walking back and forth to work most of the time. Only occasionally has she had use of an old sometimes with the aid of an old bicycle, or be able to afford a bike taxi at K 200 a day.
At times because of her difficulties she reports for work late. Her problems are even more difficult when the torrential rains pelt her as she moves along the roadway.
As the proud owner of one of the bicycles Easter extends her gratitude to those who donated it to her. “Now, I will be able to report for work on time. I also thank God and those who shipped this bicycle to me. I am very happy”.