Description
This story summarises the character of Margaret Anne Lawson, known to many an Annie. No stranger to wild living, she was saved by grace and called to a most unusual sphere of service. An MAF engineer, hangar foreman and evangelist in Africa for over a decade, she was called Matika (Child of Grace) by locals, Patronne by her awe-struck staff, and 'Tool Waitress' by a fellow engineer who felt threatened by her formidable gifts. Her time of ministry saw not only aircraft soaring over east Africa, but dozens lifted out of poverty and hundreds coming to faith in Jesus. The pages throughout brim with humour, startling imagery of life in Africa, and larger-than-life characters. Exorcisms, perilous journeys, police corruption, rotten goat meat, mysterious illnesses, and a distinct lack of personal space are only some of the trials of missionary life described. A plain-speaking American midwife, a black 'twin', and a host f unsuitable suitors guide Annie through her adventures among the tribal villages and nomadic settlements. Though honest about struggling with the consequences and memories of her hard-living past, as well as her long season of singleness, Annie committed herself to the Lord's timing and service, knowing that He is no woman's debtor. Despite suffering reverse culture shock after leaving missionary service, Annie found a new sphere of ministry with Christians Against Poverty upon her return to Scotland. Her marriage at the age of 48 and the cancer diagnosis that followed conclude the story of a woman who considered herself God's servant in all circumstances.