One of the projects that I am attached with here in Blantyre is called the Tidzalerana Club.
Tidzalerana means ‘we care for one another’. This PCC-funded project reaches out to some of the most vulnerable members of the Ndirande community – those with disabilities – many of whom are already living in poverty and have very little resources or support. Over 100 men, women and children of all ages gather together once a week to hear a bible teaching, sing, play games and do crafts together, support one another, and to eat a nourishing snack. They also receive a few basic necessities such as washing soap and hospital transportation money.
To be honest, I wasn’t looking forward to being attached to this project. I am not very good around medical issues and I had heard that there were many people in the Club with severe physical challenges and who were living in devastating circumstances; men with no legs who pull themselves around on 2 hands, children damaged by cerebral malaria, TB or Cerebral Palsy, people who may be dirty, covered with sores, drooling, and probably hungry.
All of my manufactured images of this Club were true.
The first weeks I struggled to find my place here. I have no useful skills in this arena…no nursing background, physiotherapy skills, sewing or knitting training and not 1 crafty bone in my body! I felt frusterated and ineffective. Really, PCC? You want Me involved in THIS?
However, as useless as I felt, I determined to to find a way to be the caring hands of Jesus.
Yesterday, I loaded up my vehicle with paint and paper – Pinterest craft ready! – and a bunch of toys; puzzles, balls, hula hoops, plus 4 newly recruited expat volunteers who have willing hearts and some extra time on their hands.
I went in ready to help, to serve and to love. And you know what? I enjoyed myself! I sat on the floor, played with the kids, organized (others!) to do crafts, and got dirty. And by dirty, I do mean physically dirty, and also dirty in the sense that I dug in. I engaged. I tried.
I’m sure it wasn’t a perfect attempt and I feel clumsy and out of my element, but I came out feeling good. Feeling like I had honored and served God in the best way that I could in these circumstances.
No, I can’t address all of their needs for food, medicine and support. But I can be a small light in a dark place. And really, that’s all that God asks us to be.
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12
