“..to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.” (Isaiah 61:1)

 

On August 29th, as truckload after truckload, minibus after minibus dropped off hundreds of women for our Free Methodist Women’s Conference in Central Malawi, I was amazed by how much this conference had changed since I first attended in 2007.  In 2007, there were only about 50-75 women in attendance and many churches were not represented, but each year, the numbers continue to grow.   

Throughout the conference, we heard moving testimonies of women being delivered from the darkness of witchcraft, husbands being freed from addiction to alcohol, and families being made whole through the healing love of Jesus. 

On Friday, Jennifer Willson and I “marched” around our neighborhood dressed like our Malawian sisters in white “Kuunika” uniforms.  Afterwards, we spent an hour singing and dancing with our friends in the church.    I looked at some of the pastors’ wives and said in Chichewa “You are laughing!”  They said, “No, we are just very happy.”  I realized in that moment that I was exactly where God wanted me.

The next day, I decided to take Lydia to a classmate’s birthday party. On the way home, as I was turning into the parking lot of a bakery, I suddenly hit a fuel tanker head on.  In the moments after the accident, I immediately thought “Enough is enough.  I can’t take this anymore.”  Lying in a private clinic in Lilongwe, I began to make phone calls to my family.  “I am coming home,” I said, “I can’t risk the safety of my children or take another tragedy.” 

Some of my closest Malawian friends came to visit me in that clinic.  As they gathered around my bed, they each squeezed my hand with tears in their eyes.  Then, they poured out their hearts to me in Chichewa, even though some spoke perfect English.  I listened (and somehow understood) as they reminded me of what I had shared with them two days before.  I had shared Psalm 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”  They reminded me that Jesus told his disciples that “in this world you will have trouble” in John 16:33.   They wanted to encourage me not to lose hope or be discouraged but to remain faithful to God’s calling.  I wept as they said these things, knowing that I was leaving them.

In the accident, I suffered a shattered patella (knee cap) and a broken pelvis.  Thankfully, Lydia escaped with cuts and bruises and some whiplash.  After talking to Dr. Perry Janssen, an American doctor practicing in Lilongwe, we decided that I would receive excellent care at CURE International Hospital in Blantyre, Malawi, a hospital specializing in orthopedic care.  On the following Monday, as the nurses were taking me into surgery, Jennifer Willson and I were crying, asking “Why did this happen?  Why has my time here been cut short once again?”

Several days after the surgery, a couple of close friends confronted me about my return to the states.   They desired to respect whatever decision I made, but they sensed that this accident should not be something that would change my call to be in Malawi at this time.  At first, I was angry, thinking, “They just don’t understand!  My family needs stability!”  But, the Holy Spirit softened my heart and I began to pray and seek wisdom.  I reflected back on my thoughts when I was dancing with the women and on the words my Malawian sisters shared with me in the clinic.  I thought about all the times I shared in churches about my call to return to Malawi after Ryan’s death, even though it meant I would serve as a widow with three children!  As I prayed, reflected, wept, and read God’s Word, I knew that I was supposed to remain in Malawi.  God is not finished with the work He has here for me yet!

Will this be difficult?  Absolutely, but I now know that I can receive the care and physical therapy that I need, right in Lilongwe.  I am already walking with crutches and not experiencing much pain.  I have had my brother, Paul, and sister, Julie here to help me and VISA missionary, Stephanie Harris, has just arrived to help as well for as long as we need her.  I also know that I have a fantastic support system of family and friends who are praying for me daily and willing to help in any way possible. 

The Lord has been, is and will be faithful and He is simply asking me to remain faithful to Him. 

 

Comments

[colette hudson]

Thanks for sharing this story...and how God is working in this situation. Good to know how to be praying! Love you...Colette

[Sandi Hull]

Katie,
I ran into Chari at school Tuesday and she told me! You've been on my heart ever since. While cleaning out my wallet this morning I found the contact card you gave me and just connected to your site.

God holds you and your girls in the palm of His hand. Stay right where He wants you and you won't go wrong. I'm so encouraged for you by the people around you gently nudging you to stay.

I can't imagine the emotional roller coaster this has been, and I'm praying for you and the girls.

Hugs!
Sandi Hull

[Jenny Blaire]

Dear Katie~ I am a classmate of Ryan's and I have loved following your story on this blog. I am so sorry to hear about your accident, and am so glad that you and Lydia are going to be OK. You are an incredible inspiration. I admire your strength, dedication and belief greatly. I will continue to pray for you and your beautiful girls as you continue your journey. May God bless you and heal you quickly.

Jenny (Anderson) Blaire

[Nancy Harris]

Katie: Thank you for sharing the details and opening up your heart, emotions, and questions so willingly with us. So many "mom" questions came to my mind when I read about the accident. That is where my prayers were focused for you initially. Thank you for allowing us to read so clearly your own initial thoughts and fears, how you prayed, sought our Lord and listened to the wise counsel of those who listened to your own words and brought them back to you to encourage you. God chooses not to remove obstacles from the world but chooses to work through obstacles to once again remind us of Romans 8:28. No wonder this walk is a moment by moment one. God's speed in healing. What an encouragement to walk and pray through this with you, even though we are 4,000 miles away.

[Craig Harris]

Hi Katie,
God bless you in your recovery and may His angels protect your precious girls and yourself as this powerful testimony takes the gates of hell and stomps them into the sands of eternity. Because of your faithfulness, there are strongholds of the enemy that now look worse than ground zero on September 11th, 2001. Jesus is my hero and, my dear sister, you look just like Him.
Craig

[Kathy Callahan-Howell]

Katie,

God has given you great courage, beyond my imagining. Retreating would certainly be understandable in your situation. Your daughters will grow into amazing women because of your example. May God's strength be evident daily in your weakness.

Kathy Callahan-Howell, FM pastor in Cincinnati