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Viewpoint from Marion Ferrari 13/06/2025
 Marion Ferrari
Elim Pentecostal Church, Bradwell
I woke up this morning to no electric and no water! I am in Malawi, Africa. This is not unusual; they both go on and off quite frequently. I have learnt here though not to focus on or complain/ grumble about the lack, but to be thankful that most of the time I have both electricity and running water. The majority of the population here have neither and still have to go to the well or borehole. Being thankful is a choice! An attitude of gratitude changes our whole outlook on life!
Personally, I had some difficult news last night that sent my emotions in a downward spiral. The circumstances have not changed but this morning I am reminded of the verse Paul wrote in prison “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice!” Phil.4v4
 Paul is able to rejoice in God, His Saviour, whatever the circumstances, and we too can make that choice! God still loves us, He doesn't change, He is always there for us, and we can trust Him to work out His good plans for our lives. God is all powerful; no situation is too difficult for Him! So let's take our eyes off ourselves and our problems and rejoice in Him!
Here a lot of people face grinding poverty, struggling to meet basic needs. I am volunteering with the local church, starting a project to empower disabled children. Often these children can be stuck at home, so the first task is to find them. Here there are none of the benefits or support systems we have in the UK
 Most of the children we are supporting have Cerebral Palsy, a couple with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus. There are others with an undiagnosed 'learning disability', and we have 4 children who are deaf and mute and need to go to a boarding school for the deaf
Without support these children are trapped by their disability and their life opportunities are very limited. We are working with the local hospital to make aids for children who can't sit, stand or walk. CP chairs, standing frames, rollators and tricycles- these can transform a child's life and help them develop
We want to empower people, but often have to start with 'handouts' to meet urgent basic needs. We have a fortified Porridge Programme for those who can't eat solids or the very malnourished. They get a monthly supply of flour, eggs, and cooking oil. The aim though will be to help the carers to start small businesses to provide for their families
We have so much in the west; so much that we take for granted! Today let's count our blessings!
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