The UK3 have been in Malawi for 6 months now, and several projects are well underway, with more in the pipeline. We are thankful to the Lord that the agricultural project in Solomon Village is proving successful, despite this year’s unusually heavy rains which have adversely affected the maize crops elsewhere in Malawi. The District Agricultural Department have reported that our expected crop yields are much higher than normal, and the Solomon farmers are delighted. The maize harvest begins in early March, and will be followed later in the year by the soya, groundnut, and cassava harvests.
Health Education
During December and January, a pilot health education course was run in Chilomoni for saints and interested locals. Many subjects were addressed in the twice-weekly classes; topics included malaria prevention, personal hygiene, and AIDS awareness. The course was well attended, and each participant received a certificate and free mosquito net.
Orphan Day-Care Centre
A Day-Care Centre for orphans and vulnerable children was opened in Ndirande hall on 4th February. There are 20 children, cared for by three staff, who are in the assembly. Hilda, Lucy and Witley received 2 weeks’ training at the Association of Pre-schools and Playgroups of Malawi, learning how to care for under-fives. The course covered a wide range of basic skills, including practical lessons on how to make toys, keep medical records, sing and play with children, and teach Bible stories. Please pray for our sisters as they strive to make a difference in the lives of these little ones, many of whom are very needy.
Adult Literacy
As each assembly was questioned about the needs in their local community, it became apparent that many adults, particularly women, cannot read or write Chichewa. This means that they are unable to read the Bible for themselves. To address this need, two volunteers from each assembly attended a residential Adult Literacy course in February. They learned how to teach basic numeracy and literacy skills, and returned home ready to set up classes.
School uniform provision
School uniforms are compulsory in Malawi, but often families struggle to pay for these. Many children fail to attend school because the ground is too hot to walk on without shoes. As education is vitally important, the Project Team decided to provide each child in all the assemblies with uniform, and give shoes to those who need them. The money spent on this is having a double impact: assembly tailors, recently trained through Fellowship Relief funding, are gaining experience plus an income through the order for around 300 uniforms!
How can we sum up the work in Malawi over past years, and recent months? As Paul said to Timothy, “the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant” (1Tim 1:14). We ask you please, on our behalf, to continue to pray to Him “Who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think… to him be the glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all the ages, world without end” (Eph 3:20).
Norma McCarty & Colin Jarvis, on behalf of the UK3 and FRC
