I asked myself that question repeatedly when the Lord called me to be a missionary in Malawi. I had been reading a lot about unreached people groups and the 10/40 window. The thought of doing missions in such countries was exciting and, frankly, seemed a lot more logical than coming to a “reached” country. “Why Malawi, Lord?” I asked.
After two years in this country, I think I understand. Of course, there is also the slightly significant matter of obeying the Lord, even when it doesn’t seem to make sense. But apart from that, I now firmly believe that Malawi desperately needs the gospel.
A really good prayer
Let me illustrate using an incident that happened recently when we were visiting one of the displacement camps with basic food supplies and the gospel. One of the Malawians opened for us in prayer. It was a good prayer, really – asking for the Lord to open hearts to truly listen to the word of God and asking it all in Jesus’ name. From the way the others murmured agreement, you would have thought you were among believers.
But as soon as Goodson started sharing the gospel, it became evident that this was not the case. It’s a scenario that I’ve seen repeatedly in this country. Goodson began by asking how one can be right with God. And the answers I’ve heard so often started coming from the crowd – including the one who had led us so nicely in prayer: leave your sin, try to follow the ways of Jesus, repent, love your neighbor, do good works. Even after an explicitly and pointedly clear gospel message from Goodson, one of the men closed in prayer by saying how wonderful it was they could be saved by following God’s law.
The fact is, despite what the statistics from different mission organizations say, Malawi has not been reached with the gospel. Yes, everyone (apart from Muslims) goes to church on Sundays. Yes, everyone (again, apart from Muslims) believes that the Bible is God’s word. And yes, every school (apart from the Madrasas) has a Bible Knowledge class. But the gospel of grace has penetrated very few hearts. Millions of Malawians are desperately lost, completely blind to the truth of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
Door wide open for missionaries
Praise God that the door is wide open! Malawians respect the word of God. This provides a good foundation for sharing the gospel – something we have lost in the West. The hardships that characterize the lives of the average Malawian also make them painfully aware that they need God. And there is complete freedom to share the gospel pretty much everywhere: public schools, marketplaces, the list goes on.
But the laborers are few indeed. And so, we ask you to pray with us “for the Lord of the harvest…to send out workers into His harvest field” (Luke 10:2). There is simply too much work for our small team to do. And while we are actively seeking to train Christian Malawians to share in the work of the gospel – and we ask for your prayers for this, as well – there is still a need for many more laborers. The need is overwhelming, and the doors will not be open forever.
Again, I urge, pray “earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest” (Matthew 9:38). “I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together.” John 4:35-36