Just ten minutes ago our member, Radweeky Bisiwasi Kaimaima left the church.  He announced to me that his six year old nephew died.  It’s not like a nephew in the U.S.  This nephew was an orphan under Radweeky’s care, just as he is an orphan. The family had no money to buy a coffin for his nephew.  At 25 years Radweeky is the oldest living member among his close relatives.  In the last six months four close members of his family died plus his father-in-law.

But there is a blessing with the death of this young nephew.  The boy was baptized.  Radweeky and I read several verses that convey the power and blessing of Baptism.  And as his acting father, he strengthened his nephew’s faith by talking about Jesus.  Now he goes to his home village for the funeral with the opportunity to share his faith with relatives who are once again shaken in their faith.

It is sad that death is so much a part of the lives of Malawians.  Malaria, typhoid, tuberculosis, HIV and AIDS all claim many Africans at an early age.  Jesus also died at a young age.  His death brings us sure and certain hope.  His death means that the Father looks at Jesus and pardons us.  The power of the resurrection brightens the sad days of death.  We can say to the relatives of those who die in Jesus, “Jesus died and rose again and everyone who looks to him in faith will have a blessed death and a glorious resurrection.”

So during this Holy Week remember that the message of Jesus’ passion and resurrection is being proclaimed in Malawi through our missionaries and national pastors of the Lutheran Church of Central Africa.  My brothers and I speak to many people who need to be prepared for death now.  Youth is never a guarantee for living through the week.  How much more so in Malawi, Africa!

Keep us in your prayers this week!

Missionary Mark Johnston