Y-Africa

Earlier this year, my family and I met an inspirational woman, Mphatso Nguluwe, during her speaking tour in the USA.   During her visit in San Clemente, she stayed at our home where we learned Mphatso is the chief director of three hospitals and 10 health clinics in Malawi, Africa.  Impressive.  She has lead, served and volunteered in multiple areas in Malawi revolving around medical care, AIDS and underage marriage.  My wife Kim, my daughter Shea, and I have all traveled to Malawi on short term mission trips.  Malawi is the 3rd poorest country in the world.  This country and it's warm people have a special place in our hearts.

We asked Mphatso many questions and learned of the serious challenges she and her team currently face on a daily basis.  Lack of medical supplies, dwindling financial support, and lack of reliable transportation have created conditions where lives are frequently needlessly lost. 

Since Mphatso has returned to Malawi to continue to volunteer and lead under the guidance and support of the Synod of Livingstonia , Kim and I have maintained communication with her.

Kim and I have both felt called to do something to help support Mphatso and her team of volunteers.  So, I asked Mphatso, besides monthly giving, what would be one of the top needed priorities for the hospitals she is in charge of.  Her answer - transportation, specifically ambulances.  She expressed the multitude of lives lost and serious complications all due to lack of adequate, reliable transportation.  The hospital that requires primary attention being David Gordon Memorial Hospital  located in remote Livingstonia, Malawi.

Cost to purchase a new 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser  ambulance is approximately $60,000 USD plus outfitting.  The ambulance will be purchased from one of three sources.

1. In Malawi from a Toyota Dealership
2. Purchased and shipped from Japan
3.  Purchased and shipped from Germany 


NOTE: if we are successful in exceeding our fundraising goal, we will be assisting in the purchase of two new Ambulances!

Because David Gordon Memorial Hospital is located and serves a remote area, with poor infrastructure of roads, reliability and capability is critical for the patients and volunteer medical team.  The next nearest hospital in the area is approximately 95 miles away.

This situation is urgent as every day without needed transportation could mean the worst for those who need immediate attention.  The most common victims are mothers in labor, newborns and children under 5 years of age.

Do you feel called to help?  100% of your donation will go toward helping save lives. Your prayers for Mphatso, her team and the men, women, children and babies who need love, care and medical attention are most welcome and appreciated.

Thank you for reading and your interest in helping support these volunteers who's mission is to save and change lives.

Blessings,

The Nicolai Family
The Triton Air team

PS.  A special thank you to Larry Hall and the Team at Y- Malawi for their assistance in financial stewardship for this fundraiser.

MORE INFORMATION BELOW:

Pictures of the existing ambulances in disrepair: 




A tragic reoccurring  story written by Mphatso: Lister is a 22 year old who was pregnant and labor started when she was in the village. She needed to be brought to the hospital immediately but the only ambulance which was available had gone to fetch another patient in an outreach clinic. With the other ambulances broken down, it was not possible to bring Lister to the hospital. The villagers had to bring Lister to the hospital using an ox cart and at its own pace and it took ages to arrive at the hospital. The condition of both Lister and her unborn baby were at stake and they were immediately taken to theatre. Unfortunately it was too late for the baby and we lost this precious life before birth. We thank God that at least Lister is alive but left with a scar and memories of her baby. If we had transport, we would have this baby alive today.

The Ox Cart Lister rode in to the hospital



Lister recovering from her loss 



Some links you may find useful:

Google maps of David Gordon Memorial Hospital

Story written by a medical volunteer at the hospital 

Blog from Doctors who volunteer at David Gordon Hospital 

Mphatso's work over the years:

Child marriage 

Food & nutrition Crisis 

AIDS in Africa and Mphatso's incredible adoption of 10 children 

If you would like to know more about Mphatso or you have interests in serving or supporting those in need in Malawi, please email me at [email redacted] or larryhall@y-malawi.org.

As Alice Msukwa, I have seen the extraordinary difference Y-Africa makes in the lives of people in Malawi. Their mission to foster community connections—between individuals, churches, and God—opens pathways for change and purpose. One story that touches me deeply is that of Maria, a single mother of three, who found hope through Y-Africa’s workshops. These gatherings are more than meetings; they are lifelines that help individuals like Maria realize their potential and find strength in unity.

Funds raised through this fundraiser are crucial for expanding Y-Africa's outreach and supporting more individuals in need. Your contributions will be used to:

• Organize community workshops that empower individuals to share their skills and stories.
• Provide essential resources for participants, such as educational materials and food support.
• Facilitate partnerships with local churches, ensuring that spiritual and practical needs are met.

Every moment counts when it comes to helping communities like Maria's. The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. Together, we can help Y-Africa connect more hearts and ignite the change that so many people are yearning for. Your support can make a significant difference in fulfilling their mission and changing lives.

As Mounil Sulaiman, I have seen the extraordinary difference Y-Africa makes in the lives of people in Malawi. Their mission to foster community connections—between individuals, churches, and God—opens pathways for change and purpose. One story that touches me deeply is that of Maria, a single mother of three, who found hope through Y-Africa’s workshops. These gatherings are more than meetings; they are lifelines that help individuals like Maria realize their potential and find strength in unity.

Funds raised through this fundraiser are crucial for expanding Y-Africa's outreach and supporting more individuals in need. Your contributions will be used to:

• Organize community workshops that empower individuals to share their skills and stories.
• Provide essential resources for participants, such as educational materials and food support.
• Facilitate partnerships with local churches, ensuring that spiritual and practical needs are met.

Every moment counts when it comes to helping communities like Maria's. The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. Together, we can help Y-Africa connect more hearts and ignite the change that so many people are yearning for. Your support can make a significant difference in fulfilling their mission and changing lives.

• Organize community workshops that empower individuals to share their skills and stories.
• Provide essential resources for participants, such as educational materials and food support.
• Facilitate partnerships with local churches, ensuring that spiritual and practical needs are met.