By: Katie Dejong

"Therefore my beloved brethren, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, Knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." 1 Corinthians 15:58Amy With Child

Word & Deed partners with a variety of mission and relief organizations within Malawi. This past summer we had the opportunity to witness and participate in the testimony of the work done in Nkhoma, Malawi, among the orphans. We hoped that our trip would provide both encouragement and support for the local workers of the Nkhoma Orphan Care Project.

Six young women made the trip to Nkhoma, Malawi: Monica Bos (Cambridge, Ontario: Zion URC), Amy Brouwer (Cambridge, Ontario: Zion URC), Katie DeJong (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Trinity URC), Ruth Ann Freswick (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Bethany URC), Lenelle Moerdyk (Grand Rapids, Michigan: FRC), and Caroline Molenaar (Zoetermeer, The Netherlands: Walkerton OPC). Our team was equally partnered with local workers. We must especially thank Davison Mtionakutha, Machitidwe Septala, Notice Chada, Chisomo Nkhoma, Mary Chimutu, Job Mwale, and Manuel and Karen Kankhwani. Of our team members, Lenelle, remarked, “Their ideas exceed beyond our self-centered minds; it humbled me every time. Chisomo Nkhoma has shown us the true meaning of singing from the heart. Her favorite quote is 'God is good all the time! All the atime God is good!'”

Katie addressing a Bible class

"But Jesus said, Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 19:14

The Nkhoma Orphan Care Project seeks to provide practical assistance to the guardians of the approximately 5,000 orphans living in 21 different villages surrounding Nkhoma. The project helps provide food, clothing, and school fees for the orphans. Machitidwe describes their mission as, “To visit orphans and widows in their trouble and keep oneself unspotted from the world” (James 1:27b), for our God is “a father of the fatherless and a defender of widows”(Psalm 68:5).

Providing both child care and educational assistance, the Orphan Care Project also develops nursery schools within villages. Young children meet in the mornings to hear Bible stories and receive basic instruction in preparation for Primary School. We told and taught Bible stories with the assistance of a flannel graph and translator. We also provided practical tools, like alphabet flashcards, and held a teacher seminar.

Caroline singing with kids at Bible club

“When we play a game of Simon Says it is funny to watch them try to rub their belly and pat their head at the same time” says Caroline. “The nursery school teacher often uses singing to teach, and at the end of the day they all pray out loud.”

"Now Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of diseases among the people." Matthew 4:23

In the afternoons we started Orphan Bible Clubs within local villages. Children gather two afternoons a week to sing, play games, and hear Bible stories. They are also growing a garden to provide more food for the orphans, especially during the dry season.

“The voices of all those joyful children raised in songs of praise to God is a beautiful thing,” says Monica. “Each club also holds a service day once a month, to help the children learn the joy of helping other people. On one service day we helped an elderly woman in the village of Kalamba: the boys swept her yard and the girls washed her dishes.”

The Bible Clubs encourage local leaders to develop self-sufficiency, education, service, and ultimately thanksgiving to God within their communities. They are a place for the community to grow together, creating a safe place for children to hear the Word of God.

“Twice a week at Livuadzi, two year-old Marison would find me, his huge eyes pleading to be held,” says Katie. “Then, he would snuggle up and simply go to sleep. He did not want anything in particular, he just needed a hug—a safe spot to feel loved and protected.”

Monica with gardeners

"And He said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me." 2 Corinthians 12:9

Ruth Ann spent most of her time working at the Nkhoma Mission Hospital in the surgical ward. While she found the transition from western medicine difficult, the experience was also full of joy. “The staff works together, overcoming daily frustrations of limited resources with incredible endurance,” she says. “When a man needed a prosthetic leg, a South African charge nurse raised special funds to fit him with one. The resourceful staff and content patients motivated me to glorify God with whatever I am given.”

Lenelle with children

Throughout our time here in Malawi we have been blessed by those we have met. Malawi calls itself the warm heart of Africa. Everywhere we went the children would run out and greet us, seeking only a wave in return. We were always warmly welcomed. It is our prayer that God would increase both our efforts and the efforts of those working full-time

in Malawi.