ASK AND YOU WILL RECEIVE…
“If you don’t ask you don’t get,” has been one of the reasons for the success of the Malawi Project. When it comes to the needs of the people of Malawi it is obvious, they have little voice on the world stage. After all, they are a very tiny country when it comes to land mass, and even more, have little manufacturing, so they contribute only a meager amount to the world economy. Being at peace with your neighbors should be a real plus but, in their case, not being a squeaky wheel has its downside. They are ignored.
For the past 30 years the Malawi Project has sought to champion the need for assistance to the nation and its people. A major success, in this endeavor, has been the Project’s Baby Pack program. This is where small or large numbers of people (churches, community groups, neighborhood groups, social organizations, and Girl Scouts are a few examples) gather to prepare packets of items needed during and after the successful birth of babies. The list was prepared by Doctors Without Borders and is composed of simple items, easily obtained in the U.S. and other nations, but well out of reach for many, if not most, of the village mothers in Malawi.
A recent example of the “If you don’t ask” principle came with three women in central Michigan in their quest to make as many baby packs for Malawi as possible. Lesley, a Registered Nurse, her sister who is also a nurse, and her mother, a retired dental hygienist, have been increasing what they are able to do by asking for help from others. She explains how they sought help from a major corporation, and how quickly a positive response came back to them.
“I am thrilled to announce that I asked Shaklee Corp. if they would donate 1000 bars of soap (Meadow blend bars which are pH balanced and don’t make your skin inch). God is so good! It only took 4 days and the CEO I emailed said yes!!! The soap arrived on Thursday on one pallet which had 14 boxes. There are 72 bars in each box! My mom, Kelley, and I have sent 500 Baby Packs for Life to Malawi and now we have 1,000 more to go! Our new goal is now 1500! We are all set on soap which is great because we didn’t get many donations of it. Thank you, Shaklee! Thank you, God.”
Seeking assistance from businesses, churches and other groups can be one of the most effective ways to obtain sizeable amounts of aid, much more than can be developed by one or two people alone. Besides, the saying is true, “If you don’t ask you don’t get.” The reverse is also true and in fact, has a Biblical base. “Ask and you shall receive.”
An earlier story about this family and their excitement with the chance to serve in the Baby Pack program can be found at: https://www.malawiproject.org/baby-packs-with-love-from-michigan-to-malawi/
To start a baby pack program for Malawi mothers and their newborns write today for flyers and details giving information about starting this program. Contact suzi@malawiproject.org