October Highlights from Malawi
October has been full of energy and purpose as both Dan and Irene are on the ground in Malawi. From hands-on projects to heartfelt connections, here’s a glimpse into what they’ve been up to this month.
Monthly Mother & Baby Clinic
On the first Monday of each month, we now host a Mother and Baby Clinic in partnership with the local public health team. Mothers bring their little ones to be weighed, receive vaccinations if needed, and take part in educational sessions on nutrition, hygiene, and overall well-being. This collaboration also allows us to identify babies who may be malnourished—so we can begin supporting them with targeted feeding and care. Through this partnership, we continue to walk in faith, offering practical help and spiritual encouragement to families in need.
Health & Wellness Village Outreach
We’re excited to share that the Health and Wellness Team has begun regular village visits, with three teams now going out twice each week. These visits bring vital health education directly to rural communities, covering topics such as nutrition, hygiene, and holistic care. As they go, the teams are also identifying babies who may be vulnerable or malnourished so that we can respond early with feeding support and prayerful care. It’s a hands-on ministry of love and service. Another beautiful part of this outreach is sharing the herbal products now grown and produced right here at Mitongwe by our staff—turmeric, hibiscus, and moringa powder and more. These natural remedies are helping families discover God-given ways to strengthen their health.
Equipping Local Leaders
Over the past four Wednesdays, Dan—supported by Kingsley’s translation—has been leading leadership training sessions for more than 25 chiefs from surrounding villages. These gatherings are not only strengthening the chiefs personally but also laying the foundation for a deeper partnership as we work together to uplift their communities. It’s a powerful step toward shared vision, mutual respect, and lasting impact.
Responding with Love and Formula
Last week, Dan and Irene were called to the Kasinje Health Clinic after a heartbreaking emergency. A mother had gone into premature labour and was travelling from her village—about 25 minutes away—on a motorcycle taxi. No ambulance. No car. Just a desperate journey to reach help. She gave birth on the way, arriving at the clinic with her newborn in her arms. Tragically, she passed away shortly after. She was 40 years old, and her baby weighed only 3.5 pounds. Dan and Irene visited the baby and offered immediate support with formula. Later that day, they met the baby’s sister and grandmother and gave them a ride back to their village. There, they met the grieving husband—heartbroken and surrounded by their four other children, including two young boys still at home. The grandmother and sister have stepped in to care for the baby, and we’ve welcomed this little one into our baby feeding program. It’s a small act of love in the face of deep loss, and a reminder of our calling to be present in both joy and sorrow.
Honoring Ruth: A Life of Love and Leadership
Last weekend, we lost someone dear to our Mitongwe family. Ruth—our girls’ soccer coach, youth mentor, and Young Warriors leader—passed away suddenly after a brief illness. Just days earlier, she had completed a 10-day youth training, always learning and giving. She leaves behind four daughters and a legacy of love and service. At Sunday’s funeral, her soccer girls sang in their jerseys, and our staff came together with songs, food, and heartfelt support. It was a true testimony of the love Ruth inspired—and the strength of our Mitongwe community.
As 2 Timothy 4:7 reminds us, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Ruth’s race was run with courage and grace, and her impact will live on in every child she inspired.
Responding in the Dark: A Baby in Need
On Thursday evening, Dan and Isaiah were called to a nearby village after a mother—struggling with postpartum illness—was unable to feed her newborn. With no resources and no one else to turn to, the family reached out to the local clinic, which then called us for help. In the pitch dark, Dan and Isaiah arrived to find the baby’s sister trying her best to feed the infant with powdered milk. Dan had come prepared, bringing bottles and formula to offer immediate care. The next day, the sister brought the baby to our clinic, where she was assessed and registered into our baby feeding program.
This story is a sobering reminder of how hard life can be in Malawi—where even the simplest care is often out of reach. And yet, through your prayers and donations, we’re able to offer hope. God is at work through Mitongwe, shining light into the darkest places and reminding families that they are not alone.
