Malawian Prophets and a Warning to Us All

Malawi has a proliferation of prophets, some of whom are wealthy, highly regarded as being true, and have an international following. Some of the wealthy and powerful ones are imports from Zambia, Kenya, and, especially, Nigeria.  Most people here respect spiritual leaders, so they take the messages of these prophets very seriously. Also, because Malawi is very poor, the fourth poorest nation on earth, many people here are drawn to these leaders by the allure of power and prosperity. 

In May of this year, in the weeks and months leading up to the election,  newspapers articles documented the fact that several politicians sought out private council with these prophets, hoping for a blessing on their campaign, or even an endorsement. 

Huge mega-churches based in Nigeria are broadcasting their programs  into Malawi and have a network of satellite churches here.  From time to time we have been in a restaurant, a clinic or a hospital lobby where these programs are being viewed.

How does one describe them? They are more like a Jerry Springer type, reveal-all reality show, but in a church setting. For example, sometimes, there are lengthy conversations between the prophet and demons. 

On one occasion, we saw part of a program in which a large family was called out of the audience in front of a massive crowd somewhere in Nigeria. Then, with everyone watching, the prophet pointed his finger at one of them and said, "You! You are having an affair with this one." On another occasion, we heard him accuse one person of plotting the murder of another one in the audience. These programs can get quite bizarre. 

I heard about one of these prophets who has created and now markets a special formula for soap, which the prophet say washes away desire for persistent sin and drives away demons. 

Once, a group of prophets showed up without warning at a local church. They approached  the officiating leaders and asked for an opportunity to speak, so the pastor invited them to the pulpit. Afterward,  the men invited the congregants to come forward to receive a miracle. But, this was not an ordinary prayer service. The prophecies would be offered for a fee of 5,000 kwacha each.  

At that point some people began to mumble their objection, "But, prayer should be free, " they said. "No," the prophets answered. "Just look around you. Nothing in this world is free. Even salvation isn't free. And our fuel to come here certainly wasn't free! Keep in mind, the bigger your gift, the bigger the miracle you can expect!"  Convinced, many people came forward for prayer. After the last ones were prayed for, the men made for the door, smiling, with their pockets bulging with kwacha. 

Recently, a woman here in Zomba told me about a young prophet of the  homegrown, wanna-be variety who came into her apartment complex, going door to door, announcing that he was offering prayers and prophecy to anyone who was willing to let him in. Many people in the complex opened their doors and welcomed him into their homes. This woman determined to receive the prophecy, then wait and see if it would come to pass. Perhaps he would say something that would give her insight into her future. 

So, the man prophesied over all the other members of her household, but when it was her turn, he told the woman he would prophecy over her at another time. Then, he made an appointment for her to come later to his house to receive what he said God told him about her.  

So, she went at the scheduled time, singing a Gospel song along the way.  He welcomed her in, and after exchanging greetings, he appeared to be ready to prophecy. He looked at her for a long moment then said, "Your phone, is it bluetooth?" She answered, "Yes it is." Then, he said, "God told me you are to give me all the songs on your phone."

Jeremiah 14:14 "The Lord said to me, The prophets are prophesying lies in my name.  I did not send them nor did I command them nor speak to them. They are prophesying to you a lying vision, worthless divination, and the deceit of their own hearts." 

Matthew 24 "Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and the end of the age?"  And Jesus answered them, "See that no one leads you astray." 

A warning to us all.