by admin | Feb 10, 2021 | BLOG
Throughout most of 2020 cases of COVID-19 were minimal in Malawi. Early in the pandemic, the government reacted quickly putting response measures in place that were impactful. By the end of 2020, with a population of 18 million people, Malawi had experienced less than 6,000 cases and fewer than 200 deaths.
That changed near the very end of 2020 as cases began to rise rapidly. It is speculated that infections spread from South Africa over the border into Malawi. Cases have risen sharply each day since January 1. At the time of this writing, there are more than 20,000 cases and more than 600 deaths. That is a 230% increase that occurred in fewer than 30 days. Note also that testing remains primarily available in the larger cities, while the majority of population lives in rural areas. Therefore, the reported cases likely do not reflect the full impact of the pandemic yet.
In response the government has again taken quick action. Schools have closed. Curfews have been put into place on markets, shops, food and drink establishments. Masks are required to be worn under penalty of fines. The government has also increased the number of testing locations, but these are limited primarily to the larger metro areas.
So far, the strategy seems to be having some impact. Infection rates have begun to decline, and vaccines are expected to arrive (minimal quantities) in March. Even so, there have been several deaths of high-profile people. Names everyone in the county knows, government officials and religious leaders. The result is that the people in rural areas are afraid. They reason, “If these people cannot survive, what hope do I have.”
Y-Malawi is responding while following strict precautionary and safety measures. We have installed hundreds of wash stations out in the villages, given out thousands of masks, and integrated education about COVID prevention into every program.
Some organizations and ministries have made the decision to scale back during this crisis. But what if like the story of Esther in the Bible, God has placed us here at this very time and place, for just such a time as this? Throughout history, followers of Jesus have always been the ones to respond when people are in trouble. It is when people are fearful that they need Jesus most.
Instead, we are moving forward, one step, one day at a time and in constant prayer. Already God is using this unique time in history for His glory. Please pray with us that He will use Y-Malawi and our partners as we seek to minister to the most vulnerable and share the love of Jesus at a time when they need it the most.
by admin | Dec 31, 2020 | BLOG
It was crazy how many things had to be done differently during 2020. That got us to thinking, why don’t we do something different for our 2020 Annual Report? So we did.
The end result is an hour long movie about the amazing things God is doing through Y-Malawi. The movie will take you into a home in the village. You will learn more about what is happening with churches, children, youth, Chiefs, and women and girls. You will get to see a graduation at the vocational training center. You will even make a visit to the store where student made goods are sold. You will hear and see lots of singing and dancing. Along the way you will get a brief glimpse into how God is changing lives in Malawi.
The movie is on the Y-Malawi YouTube Channel. To watch the movie in high definition, use your television and Y-Malawi on YouTube. You will find Come and See under the category of programs and progress. If you must use your computer or tablet to watch, you can just click on the button below to get direct access.
What God is doing in Malawi is hard to capture in words. We hope you will take the time to watch. Get yourself some popcorn and a drink, then sit back in your most comfortable chair. Even better gather the family together to watch. We promise, if you take the time, you won’t be disappointed.
When you do watch, please consider subscribing to our channel and be sure to leave us a comment to let us know what you think.
Now off to 2021 we go!
Click here to watch the movie Come and See
by admin | Nov 11, 2020 | BLOG
No one seems to know who really said it first. Lots of people have taken credit. The majority of people seem to think it was Albert Einstein who said, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” Whoever said it, there seems to be a lot of truth in the words.
None of us are immune to falling into the trap of comfortable practice and thinking. We just get accustomed to doing things the same way. Perhaps we learned how to do something as a child and that method just sticks with us, change is hard. Other times certain practices can even be cultural. Ever hear someone say, “Well that’s just how we do it around here?”
In Malawi, people have been gardening and farming a certain way for generations. A lot of the common practices grew out of the days of colonization. The British brought familiar farming practices from Europe. Unfortunately, many of these practices were not well suited to Africa. Others evolved from longstanding cultural practices powered by the lack of modern tools, knowledge, and products. No matter the origin these practices have hindered the very people who live in a rich and fertile environment from sustaining themselves by growing their own food. The words of the prophet Hosea ring true when he said, “My people perish because of a lack of knowledge.” (Hosea 4:6)
Enter Farming God’s Way. This new thinking begins by examining how God farms, learning how plants grow in the wild, how natural mulch works. It extends to understanding the growth components of sun, soil, water, and natural fertilizer. The strong value add component in the mix is the interweaving of Biblical knowledge and discipleship. Results have been impressive. Those utilizing the practices experiencing yields of 2 to 3 times the norm.
Recently Y-Malawi gathered about 30 sponsored women and girls specifically to provide them with Farming God’s Way training. In Malawi, many of the gardens and fields are the responsibility of women. Participants gathered at the Y-Malawi Vocational Training Center for this full day event. They experienced both theory in a classroom setting and practical learning outside nearby.
From some of those who participated:
” My participation Farming God’s Way training is so beneficial to me. I have learned how water is wasted when we use traditional way of farming and how we can preserve water.” Bigrida Maili
“I am very thankful for calling me to participate the training, when I was using the traditional way of farming, I was not harvesting enough food. Now I am eager that I will harvest enough because we have learned how to use garden trashes, the earth blanket as manure.” Veronica Kayira
“I was not aware on the proper way of planting seeds in planting stations, but now I have learnt the proper way of planting seeds and distance measuring.” Robina Chimpesa
“I have learned the importance of early planting. When you plant early you don’t worry, even when the rain stops earlier.” Mary Halidi
The goal is to increase food security and sustainability. But it extends to drawing people closer to an understanding of the love of God for all people. Understanding that God loves us is the beginning of understanding how to farm God’s way, and how to live God’s way.
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by admin | Nov 4, 2020 | BLOG
With the winter months approaching in Malawi, blankets and warmer clothes become greater necessity. Like some of us, Malawian’s don’t much care for colder weather. When the thermometer drops to 60 degrees, that’s cold in Malawi. Folks start to shiver.
Recently, a Bible Study Group of mature women decided that when they meet, they could do more than study the Word of God. They decided to take up the skill of knitting. Hearing their idea, a Y-Malawi Field Officer encouraged them to take on the challenge. Together they got some books and began learning. They scraped together some knitting supplies. Y-Malawi helped with a portion of the tools they needed.
At first there was a steep learning curve, but as continued to meet, they improved. They are now making shawls, poncho’s for girls, and scarfs. They plan to give some of these items to people that need them and cannot afford them on their own. They also plan to sell some of the items to make some money for the Bible Study Group.
As they work they read the Bible, they sings songs of praise, and they encourage one another with prayer. It is a genuine example of faith put into action. The author of the book of James explains how important this is. “What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus, also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (James 2:14-17)
Faith and works go hand in hand, and for these women, so do knitting and the Bible.
Click here to learn more about Y-Malawi
by admin | Nov 3, 2020 | BLOG
The famous ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau said, “We forget that the water cycle and the life cycle are one.” It’s a true saying in that life as we know it cannot exist without water.
In the United States we can tend to take water for granted. We are accustomed to the ease of twisting that little silver lever at the sink or in the shower anytime desire. We don’t give much thought to the sprinklers and hoses that allow us to water plants and gardens. It’s hard for us to imagine, but for the majority of people in the world, these are not norms, they are luxuries.
Malawi’s climate is in some ways, much like that of Southern California. For a majority of the country, the rains come in late December and are done by the end of April. While Malawi has sunshine most of the year, it is these rains, and the water they bring, that define the growing season. Other water is accessible, especially near Lake Malawi where Y-Malawi is working. This lake feeds lagoons and ponds that seldom go dry.
The challenge is getting the water from the lagoons to the fields. In the past, anyone who wanted to grow more than one crop per year needed to water their field by dipping a watering can into the lagoon. Then, carry that one to three gallons of moisture to their thirsty plants. Quite a chore if you are trying to grow an acre of life-giving food during the hot sunny summer months.
But what if that same sun could be harnessed to provide the water? This month Y-Malawi has purchased and is testing several solar water pumps. These units can be moved from field to field, towed at the rear of a bicycle. They use solar power and a floating pump to lift water out of the lagoons and into the fields. The first Chiefs groups have now been trained on their use. For the first time people have been able to plant a second crop. So far, this equipment is proving to be an incredible resource. There is excitement in these communities that more food may be available this year during the hunger season.
Cousteau was right. Water and life are connected. While only God can give life, having access to water can certainly make a substantial difference for those who don’t have it. Thank you to those who gave special gifts to make this new project possible. You are truly making a lifegiving, lifechanging difference.
Click here to donate and help provide water
by admin | Oct 31, 2020 | BLOG
When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, they hid themselves from God. When God came to them Adam told God that they hid because they were naked. God’s reply? Who told you that you were naked? In other words, who have you been talking to? We might say in our day, who has been filling your head with this stuff?
Has someone told you that you are too old? Having a little grey hair and taking a little longer to get going in the morning does not mean your days of making a difference in this world are over. We have an important job to do here, even after we have gained a lifetime of experience and wisdom. Moses was 80 years young when God called him to do the most important thing in his life!
Here is proof. During this year a Senior Sunday School class at a church in Southern California decided they could make a difference. When they heard how precious Bibles are in the villages of Malawi, that people pray for, and are desperate to have the Word of God in their own hands, in their own home, in their own language, they decided to do something about it.
It didn’t take all that much. The hardest part was just deciding they could do something. Everyone pitched in a little to make a big impact. As we near the end of 2020 this class has put close to 500 Bibles into the hands of people in Malawi!
God has blessed their efforts in an incredible way. The gospel message has spread into areas where previously the Bible was not even allowed. Important Chiefs have received the message and decided to follow Jesus. Fueled by the Holy Spirit and their new understanding of the scriptures, more and more Bible study groups are being formed. On just one occasion a group was singing and worshiping during the evening and a crowd began to form. The Bible study group began to share the gospel message. More and more people came as they shared, sang, and prayed. This continued late into the night, before it ended the crowd had grown to more than 1,000 and hundreds made decisions to follow Jesus.
This class is making an incredible difference in a place where most of them will never go, for people most of them will never meet. Yet there is a bond. The people who have received these Bibles know about the class. They know they are mostly senior citizens. They have been profoundly impacted and encouraged to know that someone so far away cares about them. As for the class in California, they might say their lives have been impacted too.
Y-Malawi is about opening hearts for change, both in Malawi and in the United States. It doesn’t matter how old you are or how young. It doesn’t matter if you live in California, or New Jersey, or Michigan. It doesn’t matter what you have to give. The important thing is that you don’t listen to anyone who would tell you that you can’t make a difference. The important thing is to listen to the truth. The truth is you can make a difference too.
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