Our Two Interns are Home from Malawi
Derek Campbell and Alyssa Stewart Q&A
Posted 08/11/2010
In June 2010, two young people with a heart for missions traveled to Malawi, Africa for a two-month stay, partnering with and working alongside our resident missionary Cindy House. The things Derek and Alyssa experienced will leave them forever changed, and they have returned home more eager than ever before to share their heart with others.
How did you decide to spend two months of your summer serving in Malawi?
Derek: Doug Sarver did a missions program at my church. I surrendered to missions, and later after much praying, decided to go to Malawi for a summer term.
Alyssa: I had been talking to Doug Sarver for awhile about being called to missions. I had only been on short-term trips before, and was interested in spending a longer amount of time somewhere serving. When Cindy committed to stay in Malawi for two years, the opportunity I had been waiting for opened up and I was able to go.
What was the most difficult thing to get used to in Malawi?
Derek: The pace of life - things are slower, and it is more difficult to get things done.
Alyssa: My answer is similar. I think it's just the way the Malawian culture works. It takes so many more steps to accomplish a goal - every process takes longer than you expect it should. That can get very frustrating.
What did you miss most while you were in Malawi?
Derek: The comforts of home-the simple things we take for granted here.
Alyssa: Family and friends, of course. My bed and all of the other comforts we take for granted. But one of the biggest things I missed was the privilege we have here of not always having to be hyper-aware of bugs, mosquitoes, contamination and disease like we are when we are there.
What was the greatest most impactful moment during your time in Malawi?
Derek: The night we showed the Jesus film to the residential and non-residential orphans. Alyssa shared her testimony, I preached the gospel, and 31 children came to Christ that night.
Alyssa: One moment definitely stands out: the Jesus film night. It was unexpected because those kids hear the gospel all of the time and have even seen the video before. Because of that, we had little faith that God would do great things. But the kids heard the gospel in a new way that night. I have learned that it is our job to share the gospel and God's job to move in the hearts of people.
What was the most difficult time of your trip?
Derek: Going to Anne's funeral, on the last day we were there. I didn't struggle with her death because she was one of the 31 who received Christ the night of the Jesus film, but seeing the broken hearts of her friends and dealing with the emotion of that day was tough. (Anne Bindini was one of the orphans involved in the Esther's House non-residential program. She passed away unexpectedly as a result of complications from malaria. Watch her story here: http://vimeo.com/13855020)
Alyssa: Dealing with death in general was very difficult. Anne's passing was heartbreaking because she was one of our own. But to watch Bruce and Gertrude grieve after the loss of their baby - there were so many we cared deeply about connected to that tragedy. It was a shock, and it was so unnecessary. (Bruce and Gertrude are one of the sets of house parents at Esther's House who lost their firstborn son because of complications in childbirth. Read more about their story and how you can help at: http://puremission.org/news/2010/07/pure-mission-medical-training-center-project/)
After being in Malawi and experiencing what you did, what would you tell people here at home to encourage them to take part?
Derek: Our lives are so full of luxuries and we have so many ways we can take control of our own lives. In Malawi their lives are so different - they are just getting by the best way they can, trusting in God and His provision. We need to learn to trust in God and His plan for this world. I would encourage everyone to get involved in some way.
Alyssa: I would stress that the needs are great. It's not just the orphans and widows; it's everything. From medical care to the fact that the people need Jesus. It is important to remember that God has commanded us all. We need to either go or send others to go.
For more about how you can give, go or get involved, go to www.puremission.org.
