Sunday, September 28

Malawi Support Group Book

This is the cover for my new book which was designed by my youngest daughter. Included is one of my stories called :RAINBOW WORM- written  for the local school children.

Rainbow Worm was once deep in the earth; a special Worm, longing for freedom, different to all of the other worms digging in the soil. Rainbow Worm was storing up great energy and courage to emerge from his darkness, into the light outside. When he emerged, the sun was bright, and burned colours into his delicate skin, but he was strong and courageous and endured his discomfort for it was not to last for long. Soon came the soothing rain. It increased his strength; giving forth such great energy it caused an almighty wind to sweep Rainbow Worm up into the sky.
We recognise this today as the rainbow!.
Rainbow Worm wanted to help. He viewed the Earth from his wondrous sky place and saw a very poor but hardworking community in the African country of Malawi. He decided that this is where he could help. He realised it was one of the poorest countries on the planet, but he also saw that the
people had generous and warm hearts. This is why Malawi is known as the “Warm Heart of Africa”.
“How can I help?” thought Rainbow Worm.
From his wondrous place in the sky he noticed a group of school children in Eltham on the vast continent of Australia. He decided to take them on a journey to Malawi.
All he needed to do was to tap on the classroom window and they found themselves crossing the wide oceans from Australia to Africa on the back of Rainbow Worm.
On landing they spotted a group of people cooking up a great feast. They learned that it was a feast where all are welcomed; a feast to remember and celebrate the lives of St Kizito, a thirteen-year- old- boy, and his friends, who died because they dared to believe in the Christian God. They were
welcomed into the celebration. There in the midst of the people was an old woman, her face wrinkled, but compassionate, her body bent, her character straight and true, her person small but mighty in spirit. She stood surrounded in a golden aura.

“I am your dear “Sister of Compassion “. I have been here for 25 years now so it is my home. I came here to work with these people, especially those who are suffering so much with the AIDS virus. Before I came I worked in the capital city, Lilongwe, in the hospitals as a medical missionary. But I was asked to come here to help for the suffering is great. Many things need to be done. We need help for special classes to teach families to be healthy and to improve their diets. We need help to
develop language skills and to encourage sporting activities. I am trying to organise concerts around the world to raise money to help these people.” Rainbow Worm and the children listened to their dear Sister of Compassion.

It was time to leave. Sadly there was no time to stay and enjoy the feast. “Never mind,” said Rainbow Worm, “We have much to keep in our minds and hearts, much to pray about”. It was late so their thoughts returned to home where morning was breaking. They told the amazing story to their parents.
Many people in Eltham came to hear about the story. Some formed a group that came to be called the “Malawi Support Group.” This group worked hard to raise funds for Malawi and the good people of Our Lady Help of Christians in Eltham continue to do this to this very day. An act of love for the people of Malawi from the people of Eltham on that great Australian continent.


 

5 comments:

susan said...

That's a wonderful story, Lindsay. May the blessings of the Rainbow Worm continue to bless all the poor people who so need his help.

The book cover looks great. Many congratulations.

Lindsay Byrnes said...

Thanks Susan
I am hoping the book as gift will be a fitting thank you to some of our very generous donors , including those from outside of the parish. What in encouraging is that many people respond well from all walks of life and faith. I think that the fact that 100% of what is given finishes up in directly in aid makes a good impression. And , of course as I oft remark , just little help goes such a long long way in Malawi,
Best wishes

Halle said...

A lovely adults' childrens' book Lindsay. When will you be putting it to music?

Lindsay Byrnes said...

Thanks Halle - have to leave that to my daughters who are the music makers/filmmakers !
Like to listen to some of the joyful local music I heard when I was in Malawi - reference to video clip at http://lindsaylobe.blogspot.com.au/2011/06/malawi-clip.html

Halle said...

Joyful indeed!