The sun rises to illuminate smiling farmers taking their tobacco on ox-carts to Chinkhoma Auction Floors in Kasungu District.
Yet, for some people, a different kind of light—one of spiritual enlightenment and hope—shines brightly, carried by the hands of a 61-year-old Loyce Phiri, a woman whose sightless eyes see far beyond the physical world.
Phiri, blind from birth, has found her calling in spreading the teachings of the Bible, a mission made possible through the efforts of Jehovah’s Witnesses who produce Braille Bibles.
The creation of a Braille Bible is an intricate and laborious process.
Jehovah’s Witnesses have been at the forefront of this initiative for over a century, producing Bible-based publications for the blind in more than 50 languages, including Chichewa.
This dedication to inclusivity and accessibility is more than just a technical feat; it is a lifeline for many such as Phiri who are often marginalised due to their disabilities.
Her spiritual journey began with a simple, yet profound, encounter.
She recalls: “When I first received the Braille Bible in Chichewa, I felt an overwhelming sense of connection and inclusion.
“It was as if the words were directly speaking to my soul in a way I had never experienced before.”
This personal connection to the scriptures inspired Phiri to share messages of hope, love and salvation contained in the Braille Bible with at Nkhosa Village, Traditional Authority Njombwa in the district.
Evangelising through the bibles in a rural setting Chinkhoma presents unique challenges.
The stigma and discrimination against people with disabilities can be pervasive. Yet, Phiri remains undeterred.
Armed with her Bible and a deep-seated faith, she travels from village to village, often relying on her heightened senses and the guidance of friends and fellow Jehovah’s Witnesses.
She makes regular stopovers at house of a 40-year-old Mary Chapinga whom she evangelised 23 years ago.
She explains her transformative journey.
Chapinga recalls: “In 2001, Phiri came to my house to share the word of God. I was so intrigued and soon became her disciple. And, on May 16 2012, I was baptised as a Jehovah’s Witness.”
At first, she adds that Phiri would give her publications and they would later discuss.
She explains: “The word of God has changed my life. I was short-tempered and would get angry quickly when things do not go my way. All that is now the past. I am now a new person and more patient with people.”
Phiri lost his eye sight at the age of two after an illness.
And, apart from sharing the word of God with others, she also leads her family prayers.
She explains: “My father used to lead family evening prayers, but due to his advanced age and failing eye sight, he can no longer read the Bible.
“So, I lead the prayers and I am no longer deterred by darkness because I use my fingers to read.”
The evangelist likes James 5:11 which encourages believers to endure hardship as they will be rewarded in due season.
Baptised as a Jehovah’s Witness on July 27 1975, Phiri has led 67 to God, apart from Chapinga.
Her work is supported by the tireless efforts of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Augustine Semo, overseeing the distribution of braille publications in Malawi, explains the meticulous process behind each Braille Bible.
Printed in Wallkill, New York and shipped to various branch offices, Braille Bibles comprise over 30 volumes and are accompanied by visual aids converted into tactile formats.
“The sheer scale of production and distribution reflects our commitment to ensuring that everyone, regardless of their physical abilities, can access the Word of God,” explains Semo.
But for Phiri, the availability of Braille literature in Chichewa is transformative.
“Reading the scriptures in my mother tongue brings the stories and lessons to life in a way that English never could,” she says.
This personal connection to the text enhances her ability to communicate its messages with passion and clarity.
Munyaradzi Mutsinze, another beneficiary of Braille Bible, praises the efforts of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
“Having these publications in Chichewa shows that we are valued and remembered,” explains Mutsinze from Manase, village head Sumani, Traditional Nsomba in Blantyre.
Apart from Braille Bibles, Jehovah’s Witnesses also provide a range of educational tools to support people visual challenges.
The Learn to Read Braille workbook, for instance, is designed for both the sighted and those with visual challenges to use together, fostering an inclusive learning environment.
This holistic approach ensures that persons with visual challenges do not only receive spiritual nourishment, but also gain practical skills that enhance their independence.
Phiri shows the power of faith and the impact of inclusive efforts in religious education.
Through her unwavering dedication and the support of Jehovah’s Witnesses, she continues to shine a light in Nkhosa village and areas around Chinkhoma, guiding others toward spiritual enlightenment.
Her journey shows that true vision lies not in sight, but in the heart’s ability to perceive and share the divine message of love and hope.
