Mzuzu University Report

Mwadzuka Bwanji =P (Good morning!)

We have returned to Lilongwe and are enjoying being “home” with the Swiney's. We spent a week at Mzuzu University, which is in the Northern Region of Malawi. Our team stayed in the hostels and homes of SCOM Uni students. They were so welcoming, offering us their beds, sharing food with us, and teaching us about college life in Malawi.

It was their Evangelism week on campus, so we had the wonderful opportunity to participate in contact evangelism with SCOM students. It was a challenging experience for us- trying to overcome language barriers while immersing ourselves in a style of evangelism very foreign to us all. As the week went on, with encouragement from Duncan the SCOM-University and College Section Director, we learned how to better blend our style of evangelism with theirs.

Also, we were able to partner with the Northern Region SCOM Secondary Schools and their director Jacob. Each day we would visit one or two secondary schools (high schools with students ages 13-22) where we gave a one hour presentation. We would sing English and Chichewa songs, share the purpose and aims of SCOM, give personal testimonies, encourage the students in the studies, and share Scripture.

Along with evangelism, we joined in other weekly activities with the SCOM student. One of these was 5am devotionals and worship. Despite our sleepy eyes, we danced and sang out giving praise to God. At the end of singing, we would pray out loud in unison our petitions and thanks. It was uplifting to see the passion and love that each student has for Jesus.

Not only did we begin the day in prayer, but we also ended the day by coming together to offer up intercessions. It was very similar to morning prayer, but we were just more awake =P.

Their Large Group took place on Thursday evening. Our team was asked to sing, and thankfully they are a very hospitable and encouraging culture. Their Praise Choir lead group worship, individuals shared their voices for praise, and a group put on a dance. Duncan gave the message from John 5.
Even when a blackout occurred, it didn't prevent them from continuing. There is definitely something simple and beautiful about hearing the word of God in the dark while surrounded by brothers and sisters from another culture.

As with most Christian Fellowships, they have fun activities together. CHRISCO!! A Christ-centered disco that took place Friday night. We must have forgot our dancing shoes, because they were able to dance with energy and enthusiasm far longer than us. It was enjoyable to try dancing Malawian style as well as see them try our crazy dancing styles (dancing Cotton-eye Joe style and doing the hokey pokey for example). They also served Obama, which was very delicious...Obama is a type of bread. They also have Bin Laden. Hehe.

The week concluded with a Mock Wedding to raise money for worship equipment. The main hall was decked out and students were dressed in their best. They held the reception part of a Malawian Wedding , welcoming the bridal party and newly weds as they entered the hall. The enthusiastic MC would have “family” of the bride and groom stand up to speak in honor of the newly weds. BUT! Before they could speak, friends and guests had to dance up to the front and give money offerings that would bless the newlyweds. Money would fly as they showered the speakers. The “family” actually consisted of students who posed as mothers,father, uncles, and the pastor of the bride and groom.

It was a week full of surprises, both enjoyable and frustrating. We are all grateful for a day of rest – catching up on laundry, processing, and recuperating.

Some prayer requests!
Team Health and Unity (and that the plumber will come bearing hot water)
Mzuzu University SCOM: students as they prepare for upcoming finals, follow-up with individuals we met during evangelism, and their personal spiritual growth
Our visits to more schools in Lilongwe in the upcoming weeks

Zikomo! (Thank You) And God Bless!

-Sarah Fuller and Arica Baer =]