The Chifundo program in Malawi continues to grow in many ways. Right now we meet with the core group of 20 children 3 days every week. In addition to feeding them a hot, nutritious meal the Chifundo team keeps them busy with many activities.
On Mondays, the children learn and recite scripture verses and have free time to play with the toys that have been provided by Ancient Path donors. On Wednesday we teach Bible stories using the colorful flannelgraph materials – and the children love to participate in the stories. After mealtime and story time, the children spread out to play soccer and jump rope games. After Saturday’s hot meal, the children participate in art lessons and dancing. It definitely keeps the children engaged and the team very busy! Added to this, once every week, an extra 50-65 children join us for Bible stories and biscuits.
Of course, even as the groups of children are increasing, each one has a story that is unique. 12-year-old Ephel Phiri, for instance.
Ephel was born into a Christian family and the Lomwe tribe, one of the four largest tribal groups in Malawi. Known as a young girl with a caring spirit,this Standard 7 student is well-liked by everyone. When not studying or doing chores, Ephel enjoys playing netball with other girls and playing with toys provided through the Chifundo program – such as the handmade doll pictured here.
Ephel is a brilliant girl, in both mind and spirit. She is always eager to to help her friends during the meal times and during the dancing sessions. She is a leader among the children, able to recite 5-7 scripture verses from different books in the Bible every month – and will soon be writing exams for her primary school certificate.
Ephel is doing well, but her home life is very difficult. Ephel’s mother, Flora Phiri, is a widow whose husband died in 2009 from malaria after a long illness, leaving her with six children to care for. Mrs. Phiri’s standard 8 education limits her employment possibilities so she works as a housemaid. But she finds it very tough to be the sole provider for her large family with her earnings. Her wish is that some people should come and help her to look after these children by giving them food, clothes, bedding and hopefully school fees. While she worries about her other five children, Mrs. Phiri is grateful that the Chifundo program has made such a great difference in the life of her daughter, Ephel, who she considers the only hope of their family.
As for the Chifundo Program, our challenges remain the same. As you can see, the number of children from outside the core Chifundo program is increasing at the rate of almost 5% every month. This number is very high and if this number continues to increase in six or twelve months we will not be able to accommodate all these kids where we are currently meeting.
We need your prayers! Please pray for land where we can build a good multi-purpose facility that will serve all the needs of the program. With so many children coming we also need more toys and basic medicines that their families cannot afford – please pray for this provision. And I ask you to pray for love and unity among the Chifundo team members – that we will continue to carry the heart of God for these children and represent Christ well in our community.
I just want to thank you all for the great support you are giving to us. Without your assistance this program is very difficult to run. May the good Lord continue to bless you and your families!
Moses Mtambo
Chifundo Director – Malawi
