GTC Malawi, Africa Mission Trip

MALAWI, AFRICA -- Is a rich country stricken by poverty.  It is a country few Americans could point to on a map; a country rich with diverse wildlife, indigenous culture, and breathtaking topography.

Despite this richness, Malawi is among the world's least developed countries. Around 85% of the population live in rural areas. Agriculture accounts for more than one-third of GDP and 90% of export revenues. The government depends heavily on outside aid to meet development needs. Only 9% of the entire country has electricity and running water. Only 20% of children go to secondary school, and less than 1% go to college. Life-expectancy is low and infant mortality is high. HIV and AIDS are highly prevalent, which drain the labor force and government expenditures. The staggering impact of poverty strips Malawi and its people of their inherent richness.

Now, in our 8th year as a new church plant, Grace and Truth Baptist Church continues its commitment to be a church that  focuses on taking the gospel into all the land. In  Malawi, the needs are plentiful, and the opportunities ripe to help our fellow image-bearers to loosen poverty’s grasp on them – spiritually and physically.  Our goals are 3-fold as we connect with the Passion Center for Pastors /Passion Center for Children to:

I.  Combat the Influences of Islam and Witchcraft.  There is great spiritual and physical need among our brothers and sisters in Malawi. Though Malawi is a majority Christian country, there is a significant Muslim minority that is steadily growing, as evidenced by the mosques –inargubly the nicest and most cared for structures in the country – that can be found every 5 kilometers. Along with the growing presence of Islam, ancient witchcraft is still heavily infused in the culture.

II.  Increase Crop Yield Through Biblical Discipleship.  Along with the need for spiritual nourishment, one of the greatest problems the people of Malawi face is shortage of food. Malawi is primarily a nation of subsistence farmers who rarely grow enough food to meet their needs. The Passion Center has launched “The Elisha Initiative” to help end the cycles of pervasive hunger through a discipleship training program that addresses the practical issues of crop yield within a comprehensive biblical discipleship model.  Pray for this initiative!

III.  Defend the Fatherless.  The book of James tells us that caring for orphans and widows is “pure religion.” The Psalmist tells us that God is “the helper of the fatherless.” Clearly, God cares about orphans and widows.  We have connected with three opportunities in Malawi to care for widows and orphans:

 · The Champions Club works with special needs children, who are often considered a curse in their village.
 · The Child Headed Household (CHH)  seeks to improve the lives of the many children who are left to be the head of household due to both parents dying or leaving their homes because they are unable to feed their children.  CHH builds homes for these children and helps them support themselves and their siblings.
 · Widows Assistance is greatly needed because many women are left to fend for themselves, often due to deaths associated with HIV/AIDS.

When the Lord opened the door for Pastor Ray Stewart to travel to Zomba in October 2017 – he didn't hesitate in seizing the opportunity to proclaim the gospel in the villages and to help equip pastors in their study of Scripture to help them “rightly divide the Word of Truth” and stand against Islam and witchcraft.

Pastor Ray has been invited to travel to Malawi at least 3 times a year to teach in the Passion school.  And in 2018, the Lord has also opened the doors for His wife, Dawn, who has been invited to come with him to teach a Titus 2 women’s study to the wives of the pastors.

Grace and Truth has a solid team of 7 members (including Pastor Ray and his wife) ready and excited to take their first mission trip to Malawi, Africa in October 2018.  Together, with others through the Passion Center, our goal is to continue to encourage and equip our brothers and sisters in Malawi to proclaim the riches of God's mercy among their people.

Your support in raising these funds will help cover half of the travel expenses for our Mission's team.  Reaching our goal would help us to carry on with the work of our ministry in carrying out the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:19-20, to "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations... "