Church at Katchimanga

The Katchimanga Church was not very far away time wise (maybe 15-20 minutes), but it seemed a world away in other ways.

We took off on a dirt road out of “our” town of Ntcheu. Right away we labeled it “church row” as there were about 5 churches lining the road close together. The government had allotted that land specifically for churches.

We passed all those churches up and also passed the home of Auntie Jane, one of the two hired housekeepers who take turns coming a couple times a week (more often with us here). On our right was the prison Pastor and Rich would visit later today.

We climbed the rocky hill on a road Rich described as a dry river bed. Passing over several narrow bridges, we looked down on women far below doing laundry or collecting water in their buckets. We met a truck that took up most of the road, but by tipping sideways a bit into the ditch, we avoided colliding with it and the pedestrians as well.

At the top of the hill, we entered a village nestled among the boulders. We followed a narrow path that winds between huts and tiny brick homes, the kind of village where most of the living takes place outdoors. Little pigs, chickens and children roamed freely in this picturesque village. Chet stopped the truck in front of a huge boulder beside the church, which is actually a prayer house instead of an official church because of a small congregation.

A small group of young women stood in the sun on the boulder practicing music they would soon sing in the church service. We were early enough that we walked beyond the church, past a man making bricks one at a time from muddy clay, to a scenic view on a cliff overlooking Ntcheu.
Back at the church, women had gathered outside. After greeting them in Chewa, I took their picture. I passed the camera around so they could see themselves. Many here never see their images as they have no mirrors.

When it was time for church, a man banged on a crude bell hanging from a tree on the boulder and we all entered, men to one side, women to the other.
Pastor Brian, Chet and Rich sat up front around the cement pulpit. Elsie snuggled close to me on the first cement, backless pew. Silas and Peter sat at the front on the other side near the church elders.

We appreciated the singing as always, though this service had a more formal and reserved tone than many we’ve been in here. Pastor Brian preached from II Kings 22 about Josiah and presented five Bibles to the church. The elders decided to leave them in the church for use by the women’s, men’s and youth groups who meet there midweek. So very few Christians here have their own Bibles.

After the service, we were led to the humble home of one of the elders and served a meal of rice and goat meat. (LeAnne wonders if they burned the cabbage dish.) A young woman entered with a pitcher and bowl for us to wash our hands. I was thankful to be able to use one of the serving spoons instead of using my fingers this time. The translator and we sat eating without the host and hostess. This is very common as their way of honoring guests.

We didn’t linger long as Pastor Brian and Rich needed to be ready to visit a prison this afternoon, It was difficult for me to think I had to miss that experience. I love to be out among the people and experiencing ministry taking place among them.

-Marla H.