Carrying Out God’s Mission in Malawi

“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, 
    and he will repay him for his deed.” 
Proverbs 19:17 

In every community, there are people in need. But although scripture instructs us to have compassion and love our neighbors, many Christians lose sight of God’s calling to help others. As a result, poor and needy people are forgotten. But in a small community in Malawi, Christians are gaining a new vision for how they can care for those in need.

Earlier this year, 20 local church pastors and leaders in Bua, Malawi, participated in Water Mission’s Church and Community Mobilization Program. Until now, theological training has been sparse in this region. Despite feeling called to ministry, many pastors and leaders in Bua lack formal biblical education. For most, Water Mission’s Church and Community Mobilization Program was their first opportunity to receive theological training. 

“The Church and Community Mobilization Program provides biblical training for pastors in the communities where we serve,” said Joey Garner, manager of Water Mission’s Living Water program. “Water Mission hopes to see lives transformed as the church not only proclaims the gospel but also demonstrates it within their community.”

Among the lessons learned, the pastors in Bua embraced a new understanding of what it means for the church to care for the poor, sick, and disadvantaged.  “This training has equipped me in many areas, especially in the area of helping people with their physical and spiritual needs,” said Pastor Yohane of World Christian Revival Church.

Covering topics such as church unity, servant leadership, integral mission, and reconciliation, the training is comprised of nine modules that are completed over several months. For pastors in Bua, understanding the importance of proclaiming and demonstrating God’s love to others was very impactful.

“When we want to be a very good teacher in Christ Jesus, we have to be loving people,” said Ewaeu, Church Administrator of Living Christian Church. “We have to take care of our community. Because when you are assisting needy people, you are modeling Jesus.”

The program has multiple components. First, it empowers local church leaders with sound biblical knowledge and discipleship tools they can share with their congregations.  It also equips them to serve as advocates for safe water, sanitation, and hygiene solutions.  Since its rollout, more than 1,100 people have participated in the training program. Many leaders have expressed their sincere thanks for the opportunity to participate in this level of theological training, which has never been offered to them before.

Thank you for helping us bring the Living Water message of Jesus Christ to our neighbors in Malawi and around the world.

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