MALAWI CORE MINISTRY

The core ministries of the Church of God Malawi are those that empower evangelism and enhance spiritual growth, focusing on Christ-centered living. Funds are needed to assist the Church of God Malawi in Christian literature, education, church building support, and providing pastors and evangelists with bicycles. The total cost per year is $20,000.

Bibles are a prized possession and should be in the hands of every believer. However, many congregations have only one Bible for the entire church. The need for Bibles and songbooks in the local Chichewa language is very real.

The Church of God Malawi endeavors to train existing and new pastors and evangelists through Theological Education by Extension Malawi (TEEM). This program further equips these Christian workers in the study of the Bible, evangelism, and sermon preparation. The funds for this program are used to assist with transportation to and from training events, supplemental resource materials, and meals.

Many churches in Malawi meet under trees or in grass and stick-walled shelters. As the congregations grow and mature, they pool their resources and skills to make bricks from mud to build their own brick structure. The roofs are often made of thatch which deteriorate quickly, damaging the church structure. Funds from this project supply plastic sheets to incorporate into the thatch roofs. For those who have constructed brick buildings, funds help purchase galvanized sheet metal for the roof, which in turn helps protect the walls.

Pastors in Malawi primarily walk to the different churches they serve. The bicycle has become a vital tool for evangelism, enabling pastors to cover greater distances while planting and nurturing congregations. The cost for each bicycle is approximately $152, which includes a bicycle repair kit and air-pump (necessary tools to keep the bicycle functioning in the difficult terrain).

Regularly scheduled meetings at the centrally located national offices of the Church of God Malawi enable executive, regional and district leaders to interact and set goals for effective ministry. Some of the participants travel up to five hundred miles over two days on mini buses. The objectives of the meetings include evaluating the spiritual health, strength, and well-being of pastors, lay-leaders, congregations, and communities. The funds for these meetings help provide food, resources, and transportation.