There is a Malawian saying, ‘Procrastination results in failure.’ Which means, when life presents you with a problem, work hard today to find a solution. If you wait, the problem will be with you for the rest of your days.
The proverb has proved an inspiration for Alishikado, pastor of Kaphatenga Assemblies of God Church: ‘As a church, we were looking for people outside to come and help. We thought that others would come and give to us.’ This was before Alishikado received support from AG Care to help uncover solutions from within the community.
‘Life here used to be very tough. We would use the Word of God to encourage people that things can change. People would say that the task is too huge. Since we started the training, people have begun to believe that we can do it. People are no longer worried. Because their mindset has changed.’
Listen to the proverb in the original Chichewa, a Bantu language spoken in much of southern, south-east and East Africa.