Tent Ministry. I’m finding out that I have one. Mind you, NOT in the traditional – or even synodical – sense of the term.*

Instead, tent ministry is my own description of my own experience in Malawi.  Here’s the best theological definition that I can come up with that best defines my tent ministry: I sleep in one! Quite a mind boggler, huh?

My ministry work takes me to “far-flung” places in Malawi.  Our family lives in Lilongwe, but my work takes me to Mzimba, Mzuzu, Karonga, Chitipa. Not an exhaustive list but they can be exhausting trips!   [slideshow=77]

I visit these northern areas once or twice a month to “touch base” with pastors, vicars, evangelists, lay leaders and congregations.  From my work in Malawi, I now read of Paul’s missionary journeys and work with a bit more understanding and feeling.  When Luke writes (Acts 14:21ff) that they traveled from place to place, preached the good news, strengthened the disciples and encouraged the people to remain true to the faith…I feel like I’m stepping in some mighty big footprints!

Oh, this land called Malawi…. Quite the country!  Malawi is the 6th poorest country in the world.

Quite the crowds!   Over 10 million people.

Quite the congregations!   To a large extent…shepherdless!  Out of approximately 140 LCCA congregations in Malawi, more than 80 congregations are vacant at this time!

Hmmm….large crowds….plentiful harvest….few workers….shepherdless sheep… Reminds me of another place and another time.  (Matthew 9:35-38)

Despite all the obstacles and challenges we face in Malawi, we have the same compassionate Shepherd: Jesus Christ!  His love is great and his mercy magnificent! (Ephesians 2:4).  Grace is truly amazing!  I’m thankful to God for the opportunities He gives me in this “Warm Heart of Africa” to speak of our Lord and Savior!  “Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel…” Paul wrote to the Corinthians 9:16 and then announced to the Romans in 1:16, “…the gospel…is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes…”

So when I’ve said Amen and the meetings are done and our discussions are ended and our visits are made and the sermons are preached and communion is received and the Bible is read and the prayers are said and hearts are encouraged, I start to head home.

But because there are lots of kilometers and little daylight between me and home, I drive until I find a tiny spot on God’s great land and pitch my tent.

Tent Ministry. Paul the tent maker (Acts 18:3; 1 Thessalonians 2:9) would be amazed.  Not at my ministry –  he knows missionary work much better than I do. He’d be amazed at my tent. He’s never seen, nor made one — like it!.

Speaking of tents, I need to pack mine again.  I’m going “up north” tomorrow.  Let’s see, besides my Bible, hymnal, sermon and meeting files, it also means a sleeping bag, rope, bungee cords, tent, stakes, tarp, coffee pot, lantern, matches, flashlight …well, you know what I mean.  After all, it’s a… Tent Ministry!

Missionary John Holtz

*Tent Ministry. “Some pastors have a tent ministry, which means that their ministry responsibilities are only “part time” and therefore come with a part time salary. In such a case a pastor would be asked to seek additional “secular” employment.”