Malawi Update - Ben Ellison

Where to even begin... Rafiki village Malawi is such a special place. I have been to the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and Guatemala all on missions; but the kids here at Rafiki in Malawi have been the greatest joy by far. These orphans are some of the most special individuals I have ever met. While learning all 98 of their names is very difficult, you learn rather quickly how different and special they all are. One wants to become a doctor, another a professional athlete. Some desire to be lawyers and fight for the marginalized, and others desire to be humble labor workers. They all have different stories of how they got to be here, and all are perfect creations by our Father in heaven. They all, for the most part, understand they are blessed and want to give back because of this - something that should be a given by any American. I was quickly inspired by their attitudes to go back out and make Malawi a better place.


I am recently transitioning into a new season of life, and the stresses that come along with that are always great. I’m glad to see the previous season in my rear view mirror, but there are so many unknown’s going into the future that leave me with constant feelings of anxiety and worry. It has become clear to me that the Lord placed me on this trip to not only encourage me, but to transcend some of His peace on me as well. Here at Rafiki, we can pour into the children every day and in doing so breath some fresh air as we so easily experience Jesus through these children. They have been more of a blessing to us then they could ever understand, and it pains me to think I may never see any one of them ever again. 


While it became obvious rather quickly how difficult goodbye’s will be, I am so confident in these children. I just know they are going to go on to do great things and be amazing testimonies of God’s grace, mercy, and provision. ​