He’s no longer a slave – John’s been set free!
Peter and I chased after him for over an hour in our Pinzgauer truck over bumpy farmer’s fields, along twisting paths through thick brush, trailing the herd of cows that John was leading. With the help of people along the way pointing us in the direction where they last saw the herd our adventure came to an end on the banks of the Shire River in a small fishing village near Bangula. We called out to the elderly man near the herd who turned out to be the owner of the cows, and John’s master. John remained silent as we questioned the man and informed him about Malawi law that protects children from being used like slaves. He was submissive, and peacefully surrendered John over to us.

John did not take long to settle into his new home at the Iris Africa ministry base. Soon he was smiling, laughing, playing football and starting school for the first time.

Thanks to a trusted pastor friend in the village who notified us of John’s condition, we investigated and found not only John, but his three younger siblings as well who were left orphaned when their mother died a few weeks earlier after suffering with HIV/AIDS. Their father had died several years ago during a crocodile attack. As in many similar situations, the uncle took custody of the children but was already overwhelmed with the needs of his own family. Caring for the orphans was too much for him. We found the children dirty, hungry, weak, lonely and unwanted.

After filling out the required paper work and meeting with the Village Chief, the uncle released the children into our care and we began the journey home. What a blessed day it was! The youngest child Rebekah was soon wrapped in the arms of Dorothy, her new mother. The boys were welcomed into the home of our new house parents Phoebe and Foster. Later that night we formally introduced the four new children to the rest of the Iris family and welcomed them. I shared,

“Something very special happened to these children as we drove home today. They became a daughter and sons. They are no longer orphans.”

The house parents affirmed their commitment to love them as their own and then we prayed and called forth God’s blessings upon their lives.

Being an orphan is devastating – the most difficult class to be in. The future is grim, the present can be brutal. They are without worth. To declare their new position as sons and daughters is very important. We impart to them value, belonging and hope. Accepted as they are, dirty and torn clothes are exchanged for new ones. Empty stomachs are filled with delicious food. Love surrounds them, a stunning picture of what it is like when our Heavenly Father accepts us into His family. Grace flows down releasing acceptance, healing, and joy.

It often takes children a few weeks, or even months to embrace their new position. John experienced such a dramatic change in just a matter of hours. What was going on in his mind? Did he think he was dreaming? Was it all too overwhelming? Did he accept this as an answer to his daily prayers he had been crying out to God as he walked along the path with the herd? One moment in rags, living in a mud shelter, alone, earning a few pennies in order to buy food to eat – the next, surrounded by happy people taking photographs and giving so much attention to the new found treasures, showering with running water and sleeping on a bed for the first time in his life, living in a brick house with flush toilets, wearing shoes on his feet, and having a desk at school that is his very own. John recognized that he won a prize! I think he somehow was able to appreciate the blessing of adoption unlike many others. The following evening John rehearsed what he had experienced the day earlier. At bedtime John searched for me, found me, and gave me a big hug. What an awesome reward. Rescuing children and helping them begin a new life is the most satisfying thing ever!