Location
Malawi, situated in southeast Africa, is a small, densely populated country of 12MM people and ranks 151/162 of the world’s poorest countries (Human Development Index, measuring income, life expectancy and education).
Population/Economy/Health
It is estimated that 55% of the population lives below the poverty line of US$40 per adult per year.
AIDS, malnutrition and other disease have caused the life expectancy in the past decade to plummet from 47 to 38 in this region.
HIV/AIDS afflicts one in every six people in this region and with each new day, 270 more people become infected and 140 die from the disease.
The Church in Malawi
As a predominantly Christian country, the role of local churches is pivotal. Churches face the daunting challenge of maintaining effective ministry and of building rural churches in the midst of extreme poverty, malnutrition and disease. Survival needs of the people often take precedence over opportunities for spiritual growth.
World Relief, through its Mobilizing for Life program, works to build up and train pastors in Biblical and spiritual areas as well as in HIV/AIDS prevention and outreach programs. Pastors’ networks are then formed through which legions of volunteers are trained to preach the word of God, while delivering “hands-on” relief care to those in need.
