Southaven, Mississippi … “Be alert to opportunities to help Malawi,” has become a motto for church elder Jerry Winstead, of the Goodman Oaks Church of Christ in Southaven, Mississippi. He shares the vision of fellow elder, Smith Howell who, for many years before his death, focused intense interest, and energy on helping the people of the tiny nation of Malawi. Jerry Winstead has incorporated the same energy and focus to his life. In recent years he has repeatedly brought his influence to bear on persuading others to help Africa.
Jerry’s alertness to opportunity has brought aid and assistance to the Malawi Project. Recently his vigilance paid dividends again, as fellow church member Gary Lofton told him about a semi trailer filled with orthopedic supplies heading for a local landfill, because a single item in the shipment had been recalled. For some unknown reason the entire shipment fell into a no man’s land, and was doomed to the scrap heap, even though they were not part of the problem. Seeing a great opportunity for Malawi, the two men jumped into action to rescue over half of the 40-foot trailer of supplies. In a short time the Lads to Leaders youth group from the local congregation were preparing the treasure trove for shipment to Malawi.
From time to time the Malawi Project draws attention to individuals who stand out in the crowd because they see what others miss. In the everyday experience of life they see opportunities others do not see, act when others are still sitting, and change things while others are still talking. Obviously, Winstead and Lofton are among the number who fit a special category with the Malawi Project. “Be The Change”, fits their lives as they serve in unusual ways that benefit countless people among the poor and suffering in Africa, and in other places.
Suzi Stephens, the Malawi Project’s medical director, and one of its founders, recently saw the supplies the Goodman Oaks congregation was preparing for Malawi. It brought tears to her eyes as she relayed, “There are so many people in Malawi who have no hope of ever having a cane, a walker, or a wheelchair. Jerry, Gary, and the Goodman Oaks church are excellent examples of those who bring hope and change, for the betterment of mankind. We need more churches and individuals like these men, and the Goodman Oaks church.”