God Put You in My Way (Pastor Vasco Kachipapa)

By Peter Van Kempen

In the 1800’s, a man named Harry left England to search for his friends fighting with the British army in the Sudan; but he lost his way. Near death, he lay alone in the vast deserts of Africa. He was found and rescued by an African who cared for him until he was restored to health. Amazed at the stranger's kindness, Harry asked him why he had done so much for him. The man's answer was short and direct: "God put you in my way."

The youth department of the Malawian CCAP church had been sorely neglected. In 2000, the Nkhoma synod realized that, unless drastic measures were taken, the youth of the church would be left behind. Most of the elders, teachers, and counselors of the church, although dedicated, are inadequately trained and have problems relating to young people. There is a very real shortage of pastors. Most of them are older and simply don't have the time to devote to the youth. The synod called a young pastor, Vasco Kachipapa, to become the youth leader of the church. However, they had had no youth pastor for more than three years and no funds were available to help him start. So Rev. Kachipapa walked the land, talked to young people, and prayed. He accepted the challenge, trusting in God to provide the necessary funds.

In 2003 Rev. Kachipapa came to the United States to study youth ministry at Reformed Bible College (now Kuyper College) in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He left his family with no visible means of support, only an undoubting trust that God would provide. Upon arrival in the U.S., his luggage was lost, leaving him with only his carry-on and the clothes on his back. He entered a completely foreign culture, having to learn to live with a clock, to be on time for classes. At one frustrating moment he asked, "What is it with you people and time?"

My wife and I were privileged to become part of this dedicated young man's life. He still calls us Mom and Dad and we call him our African son. On many Lord's Days he worshipped with us at our church and spent the day with us. After graduating with high honors from college, he returned to Malawi to develop his vision: "To lead every young person in the Central Region of Malawi to a personal and living relationship with Jesus Christ."

HIV/AIDS is such a big problem in Malawi’s youth that it threatens the future of the country and the church. Malawi is losing its future leaders. Among other reasons, young people in Malawi are victims of AIDS because they lack proper education about relationships. They receive confusing messages from the government and media about prevention and cure., They suffer from poverty and, as orphans, lack of parental care. The only effective answer to these problems is proper education, especially in the knowledge of the Word of God.

With this in mind, and with Word & Deed funding, Rev. Kachipapa started a Behavioral Change Program (BCP) in 2005 to educate the youth from a biblical perspective. The idea is to train the most teachable young people. These youth will then pass on their knowledge to others who are committed and willing to be involved in youth ministry. Young couples are also trained to be counselors. He asked each of the 55 congregations (127 churches) to select ten young people and five couples to meet together in groups for training at the Youth Camp. The training topics include boy/girl relationships; marriage as designed by God; the spread and prevention of HIV/AIDS; and caring for orphans spiritually, physically, and emotionally.

After the five-day training sessions, the participants are expected to be models and teachers in their home congregations. This program is now in its second year and has trained over 400 young people and 250 counselors.

Although the training is still new, the results are good. Many of the pastors, seeing positive change, are excited about the program. Their young people are excited and active among their peers, starting youth groups, choirs, and counseling. On a trip to Malawi last September, we visited with the Secretary-General of the Nkhoma Synod. Although he had no idea that we knew and supported Rev. Kachipapa, he told us how encouraged he is about the changes happening in the churches because of how God is blessing the work of a vibrant young pastor. The young people are much more interested in the church and the liberal element is diminishing.

The start of this BCP training is very encouraging, but much more needs to be done. These young people need to be remembered in prayer so they will be encouraged to withstand ridicule and difficulties. There has to be follow-up training and teaching for those who are actively involved, and the next age group awaits instruction.

As we live our lives, we must respond to the needs of those we meet. Either we will show the reaction of the Good Samaritan, or we will be indifferent. How do we respond to those whom "God chooses to put in our way"? The needs of Malawi’s youth are great. Will you help?

Peter Van Kempen is president of the board of Word & Deed USA. He resides in Marne, Michigan.