Malawi Meditations - Week 1

Malawi Meditations
Malawi 0808
Week 1 (June 30-July 6)
Meditations Before We Depart

Why are we going to Malawi? 1) To encourage and support our missionaries.

Scripture to think about this week:

Philippians 4:10-19
10 I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. 17 Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Questions to ponder:

• In what ways am I like the Philippians in this mission trip to Malawi, and in what ways am I like Paul?

• What did Paul think about the Philippians’ generosity toward him? What did God think about it? See v. 10 and v.18. What acts of generosity have happened to me with regards to this mission trip?

• In what specific ways can I be generous to our missionaries in Malawi?

• In what ways can I have the same attitude as Paul in vv. 12-13?