MY MALAWIAN GODSON!

Last Sunday a new couple came to church. They wanted to make a fresh commitment to walk God's way, and as part of this new direction they asked  if they could have a naming ceremony for their infant son. The church administrator agreed, and it was announced in the service that I would name the newborn baby boy the following Sunday.



I asked Arnold Banda about the cultural/historical background for this. He told me that in the past, a person may have said to the new parents, "I'd like to name your baby." This person would be like a godparent (though the actual term is not used) to the child, and give him or her small gifts from time to time. In recent times it has become the parents' request if they want someone to be their child's "godparent." Because of the poor economy though, gifts are no longer customary or expected.


But I gave this tiny boy a gift of clothes and a little cap, and I gave his mother a new wrapper so she can feel beautiful.
I pondered and prayed about this baby's name all week, and "Joseph" kept coming to mind.

I named him for two Josephs: the Joseph of the Old Testament, and for Rev. Joseph Ndalama, the late and beloved bishop of Kings' Victory Churches who died in 2010. The parents (and the church) loved the name.

Something else amazing took place this morning. We had the district presbyter, Pastor Kenyiss visit and preach this morning. And lo and behold, this unnamed baby boy was his infant grandson!  Pastor Kenyiss' son Regis had left the church and the faith some time before, and he had not had any contact with his father for awhile. Pastor Kenyiss was astounded to see his son in church, asking for a blessing for his new baby.

His name is Joseph--my Malawian godchild. And truly, God has blessed me to bless him.

JOSEPH of the Bible:
-Jacob and Rachel's son
-His name means "may He (GOD) add"
-He was faithful
-He did his work well
-He had a right attitude--he refused to be bitter
-He was a dreamer; he made big plans and refused to give them up; he was determined to leave his mark upon this world
-He was confident: bold, open, plain, and straightforward
Because of all this:
-God's hand (favour/grace) was on him
-He was raised up in God's timing


Just too sweet for words!

Nervous and shy

Village women are taught to NEVER smile at an important occasion.

I laugh with delight every time I look at this adorable little face!

Newborns are often cross-eyed until they are a few weeks old.

Well, hello there!

 Shy, but also excited. I don't know if they'd ever had their photo taken before.

Presenting a gift to the new mother.

Daddy approves!

The church adminstrator, smiling at the picture on the onesie.

Daddy liked the teeny, tiny shorts.

Daddy LOVED the cap!