Malawi

Centuries ago, a large portion of southern Africa was ruled by the Kingdom of Maravi. A portion of this kingdom included the rolling hills and wide plains, which we now call Malawi. This land-locked country is a little smaller than Pennsylvania and is plowed through the center by the Rift Valley through its entire length. In the late 1800’s, the British formed a protectorate over this region calling it Nyasaland after the large lake it contains. David Livingston explored this region and settlements and missionaries followed him.

It received its independence in 1964 becoming the country of Malawi. While the country’s recent history has been predominately peaceful, they have suffered the effects of authoritarian rulers. It is still considered a least developed nation with over 80% of its population living by subsistence farming. Even after the UK’s control had ceased, its influence was still felt. Malawi retained English as its official language along with its own language of Chewa. It also retained high respect for Christianity. Doubtless, even at this time, Christian terms and practices were being adopted and assigned new meanings by animists. Whether or not it was so, the fact remains today that the Christianity that so many claim is confused: it has been mixed with error. The passing years have also brought doctrine from other denominations that further mix ideologies and preach a different Gospel. In addition, the Muslim population is increasing, and even some Hindus can be found.

However, there is great potential for ministry here. There is a complete Bible in the local language of Chewa, making Truth available, even to those we are not comfortable in English. The population is also very young: of its twenty million citizens, nearly 50% are under the age of 15. Not only is this country full of seeking young people, it is also home to over forty-thousand refugees, providing yet another avenue of ministry. The Bible says many that are poor are rich in faith, may missionaries prove that this country — one of Africa’s poorest — may yet produce a rich harvest in eternity!

Missionaries in Malawi: