The Malawi Project, Inc.http://www.malawiproject.orgChanging a Nationenhttp://wordpress.org/?v=2.2MalawiProjecthttp://feedburner.google.comSubscribe with My Yahoo!Subscribe with NewsGatorSubscribe with My AOLSubscribe with BloglinesSubscribe with NetvibesSubscribe with GoogleSubscribe with PageflakesFacts about Africahttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MalawiProject/~3/2qcEl8spcwk/About MalawiRichard StephensMon, 29 Jun 2009 21:47:02 PDThttp://www.malawiproject.org/2009/06/29/facts-about-africa/I. Africa, as the second largest continent on earth, has 11,699,000 sq miles, 22% of the world’s total land mass.

        A. 15% is considered desert.

        B. 10% is tropical rain forest.

        C. 35% is savanna/grasslands.

        D. The rest has ocean or mountain climates.

II. There are over 800 ethnic groups in Africa. 1000 languages are spoken.

III. Lake Victoria is the largest lake in Africa, and the second largest in the world.

IV. Lake Tanganyika is the deepest lake in Africa and the second deepest freshwater lake in the world.

V. Lake Malawi contains the largest number of fish species of any lake in the world, probably over 500 from ten families.

VI. The Nile River drains north-eastern Africa. At 4,132 miles it is the longest river in the world. The Blue Nile begins in Ethiopia, and the White Nile originates at Lake Victoria.

VII. The Rift Valley extends 3,000 miles from Syria in south-western Asia to Mozambique in southeastern Africa. The Rift is still moving, with the western side moving away from the eastern ridge at 6 mm per year, while the south it is moving together at 2 mm a year.

VIII. The Sahara Desert is expanding southwards at a rate of ½ mile a month.

]]>I. Africa, as the second largest continent on earth, has 11,699,000 sq miles, 22% of the world’s total land mass.         A. 15% is considered desert.         B. 10% is tropical rain forest.         C. 35% is savanna/grasslands.         D. The rest has ocean or mountain climates. II. There are over 800 ethnic groups in Africa. 1000 languages are spoken. III. Lake Victoria is [...]http://www.malawiproject.org/2009/06/29/facts-about-africa/feed/http://www.malawiproject.org/2009/06/29/facts-about-africa/Land Beyond Imaginationhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MalawiProject/~3/GIPpcGKzCOk/About the Malawi ProjectRichard StephensSat, 20 Jun 2009 07:47:36 PDThttp://www.malawiproject.org/2009/06/20/land-beyond-imagination/    Dedza, Malawi … In early April Scott Gordon, then Treasurer for the Malawi Project and Mike Ferris, Treasurer for the Green Valley Church of Christ in Noblesville, Indiana made a trip to Malawi with two major objectives in mind. One was to survey a number of the programs currently underway and receiving support from the Malawi Project, and the second was to attempt to complete negotiations for the purchase of approximately 25 acres of land just south of the capital city of Lilongwe. The purpose of the land purchase is to open the way to establishing an international school in Malawi in cooperation with churches in Malawi, the Green Valley church in America, and the Sunset International School in Lubbock, Texas.

    A turn of events suddenly changed the whole picture and its outcome. A new plan was offered, and with the help of the Dzidalire Development Agency a plot of land was made available near highway M-1 approximately 40 miles south of the capital. This land was actually under the jurisdiction of Tribal Authority, and an upon learning the plans and purpose of the international school a plot of land approximately 175 acres in size was quickly donated in order to house the school.

    Although the American team was led to the land from the south and west side, and it was first viewed in an easterly direction, there is actually a road that reaches highway M-1 from the land. M-1 is the main highway through the nation of Malawi, and Dedza is the first district and major training center south of the capital. The following pictures present the trip to see the land and the signing of agreements that made the land transfer a legal document.

 

1st line: Approaching the Property and a Warm African Greeting

Dirt road   Malawian greeting

(more…)

]]>    Dedza, Malawi … In early April Scott Gordon, then Treasurer for the Malawi Project and Mike Ferris, Treasurer for the Green Valley Church of Christ in Noblesville, Indiana made a trip to Malawi with two major objectives in mind. One was to survey a number of the programs currently underway and receiving support from [...]http://www.malawiproject.org/2009/06/20/land-beyond-imagination/feed/http://www.malawiproject.org/2009/06/20/land-beyond-imagination/When A Kitchen is Not A Kitchenhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MalawiProject/~3/t9_HZ2INuCA/Malawi HealthcareAbout the Malawi ProjectMedicalBe The ChangeRichard StephensSun, 14 Jun 2009 05:46:50 PDThttp://www.malawiproject.org/2009/06/14/when-a-kitchen-is-not-a-kitchen/

    Thondwe, Malawi … In the village areas of Malawi the women bend at the waist in order to stir black pots filled with white maize mixed to a porridge consistency. Fire blackens the old pots as the flames lap up from the wood or Mother with newborn at Namikango Maternity Hospital.charcoal cooking fire, and smoke fills the eyes of those trying to prepare the meal.

    While most people cook this way in the village it is usually expected that when one goes to the hospital there will be better facilities available for the caregivers to prepare meals. In almost every case relatives or neighbors must travel to the hospital with the patient in order to cook for them. They remain outside the facility during the entire stay of the patient. If they do not remain there to assist and feed them the patient will go without food. There are just not enough funds to extend food service to the patients. 

Births Jump Thirty Percent

    At the Namikango Hospital in Thondwe a large number of improvements have taken place in the past two years, not the least of all is the fact that Namikango has become a major medical distribution site for the Malawi Project in the southern part of Malawi. Millions of dollars in aid is passing through the facility as supplies move rapidly to other parts of the nation from a remodeled church building turned supply warehouse. In addition to the improvements the government has credentialed the hospital to assist government hospitals in the area in the delivery of babies. When this took place several months ago the number of babies being born at Namikango increased by approximately 30%.

It was enough to turn my Stomach

    However, one area that has not seen improvement is the dilapidated building used by the caregivers to assist in cooking meals for the patients. The current building long ago fell into disarray and the needed funding has not been available to fix the structure. During a recent visit to the facility Mike Ferris, a member of the Malawi Project Board of Directors observed, "When you see a mama holding her new born baby then think, these mothers, with weakened immune systems, after just enduring the physical trauma of childbirth, receive their food from this kitchen, which is exposed to all the outdoor elements, flies, mosquitoes, bird droppings from the birds that sit on the crossbeams in the shelter it was enough to turn my stomach.  We have to make it a priority to get a new facility built for these people!"

    This facility is one of the new target programs of the Malawi Project for 2009. Plans call for seeking needed funding to construct a modern facility where family members can prepare meals for patients in a neat, clean environment. 

 

 

 

 

]]>    Thondwe, Malawi … In the village areas of Malawi the women bend at the waist in order to stir black pots filled with white maize mixed to a porridge consistency. Fire blackens the old pots as the flames lap up from the wood or charcoal cooking fire, and smoke fills the eyes of those [...]http://www.malawiproject.org/2009/06/14/when-a-kitchen-is-not-a-kitchen/feed/http://www.malawiproject.org/2009/06/14/when-a-kitchen-is-not-a-kitchen/New Board President and Treasurer Selectedhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MalawiProject/~3/RIw-HPsrZaM/About the Malawi ProjectRichard StephensSat, 06 Jun 2009 22:41:24 PDThttp://www.malawiproject.org/2009/06/07/new-board-president-and-treasurer-selected/

     Indianapolis, Indiana … After nearly two years of preparation and grooming Scott Gordon has been selected as the new President of the Malawi Project. This move came at the request of Richard Stephens who has served as the CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors since the inception of the Project. Stephens made this observation at a recent meeting of the board.

    "At nearly 72 I am aware of the advance of age. While I continue in good health I realize this will not go on forever, and I want to make this change while I am still fully active in the Project, and can assist the new CEO in a smooth, successful, and well planned transition. For this reason I am requesting that Scott Gordon be appointed the new President of the Project. With his first hand experience in Malawi he has already proven himself a very capable leader. If you will approve this move it will allow me to pursue in greater depth a number of the areas that I feel we have yet to explore and programs that need our attention."

    It took only moments for the board to review Gordon’s qualifications and unanimously accept his nomination. Stephens remains on the board as Vice President of Marketing and will serve in agricultural development. He is one of the founding members of the Malawi Project and has served as its President since 1999.

Gordon Commits to Proven Course

    With his acceptance Gordon made the following observation:

    "For as long as I have been on the Board for the Malawi Project I have approved of the course we have charted. To put programs in place that help the people get on their feet and carry out their own work is one of the most critical things we can bring to the table. All too often aid becomes a problem instead of help as it creates dependence instead of independence. The Programs of the Malawi Project have always been designed to encourage self-reliance and independence. It is my intention to steer our work on the same course in the future. We will expand into a number of new programs and work to increase the importance and value of the programs we are currently carrying out. All in all, I see nothing but good things happening as we move forward. Our board members have all been to Malawi, and most of us have been there over and over. We have in-depth experience and a number of great Malawi groups working hand in hand with us to accomplish our goals. It’s a great experience to now hold the position I have been honored with. With the help of God we will not fail."

Ferris Expresses Appreciation

    With his move to the Presidency, Gordon vacates the position of Treasurer for the Project. That responsibility will fall to Mike Ferris, who was nominated for Board membership during the same meeting. Mike and Scott recently returned from a trip to Malawi where they visited sites where the Project has programs underway. Mike responded to his acceptance on the board.

    "I want to thank you all for the confidence and trust you have placed in me by adding me to the Malawi Project Board.  Just 3 months ago, I never would have thought I would have had the opportunity to travel to Africa, let alone a little country known as the warm heart of Africa that I would really fall in love with.  However, as you all have observed, it seems God had a plan I did not see at the time.  The plan was evident (now) even back at Harding when I took course work in African missions.  I thank you all for your heart and passion in the Lord’s work in Malawi.  It is also very evident that when a ministry is based on the example of Jesus’ ministry, the fruit of all those years of labor is almost inconceivable.  No matter where we went in Malawi, the Malawi Project and Dick and Suzi are known and thought highly of.  Thank you both for this."

    More information about both Scott Gordon and Mike Ferris can be found in the Board of Directors section.

 

]]>     Indianapolis, Indiana … After nearly two years of preparation and grooming Scott Gordon has been selected as the new President of the Malawi Project. This move came at the request of Richard Stephens who has served as the CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors since the inception of the Project. Stephens made [...]http://www.malawiproject.org/2009/06/07/new-board-president-and-treasurer-selected/feed/http://www.malawiproject.org/2009/06/07/new-board-president-and-treasurer-selected/Over Three Billion at Risk from Malariahttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MalawiProject/~3/t87J-Zcqo9k/Malawi HealthcareNation of MalawiMedicalRichard StephensSun, 31 May 2009 20:10:53 PDThttp://www.malawiproject.org/2009/05/31/over-three-billion-at-risk-from-malaria/     In 107 nations of the world, 3.2 billion people are at risk from malaria. An estimated 40 percent of the population of the world live in malaria-endemic regions, with malaria listed as the most important parasitic disease. It is killing more people than any other communicable disease, with the exception of tuberculosis. Malaria is endemic in Southeast Asia, the Western Pacific region and in Africa.

More than 90 percent of the annual cases of Malaria occur in sub-Saharan Africa. Malaria is the highest cause of death in the under-five age group and is responsible for approximately 800,000 deaths each year.

]]>    In 107 nations of the world, 3.2 billion people are at risk from malaria. An estimated 40 percent of the population of the world live in malaria-endemic regions, with malaria listed as the most important parasitic disease. It is killing more people than any other communicable disease, with the exception of tuberculosis. Malaria is [...]http://www.malawiproject.org/2009/05/31/over-three-billion-at-risk-from-malaria/feed/http://www.malawiproject.org/2009/05/31/over-three-billion-at-risk-from-malaria/V-Tractor Offers Hope For Progress Out of Povertyhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MalawiProject/~3/si1seLX1ZoI/People of MalawiNation of MalawiAgriculturalRichard StephensSun, 24 May 2009 07:21:42 PDThttp://www.malawiproject.org/2009/05/24/v-tractor-offers-hope-for-progress-out-of-poverty/Few Jobs, High Mortality, and Low Literacy Rates
 
    In these economically troubling times in the western nations it seems no job is certain.  As we watch the unemployment rate sneak up to 5%, 6%, and higher and we rightfully fret over our friends and family whose jobs may be threatened.
 
V-tractor ready for its trial run in MalawiImagine 80% Unemployment
    Imagine a country where the unemployment rate reaches above 80%, where almost no jobs were available and where there was no welfare system or any other safety net.  How would people survive?  The African nation of Malawi where I live is one such place.  How do people survive there, you might ask.  My first answer would be, "I’m not quite sure, but somehow they do."  My second thought would add, "Not too well."  The little country is terribly overpopulated with around 13 million people trying to live on a small piece of land that could comfortably accommodate about only about one-third that number.  With so few jobs, most people have to live off the shrinking amount of available land, which is being divided into smaller and smaller parcels as Malawians continue to have more kids, who are forced to divide their parents’ plots in order to survive.  On those little plots Malawians continue to use the age-old backbreaking method of cultivation with simple hoes.  Stooping over for months of the year, they first clear their gardens, then cultivate, then plant, and continue weeding until the harvestV-tractor put to use in Malawi finally comes.  Using this method, if the rains have been good–not too little and not too much–and if they somehow found the funds to buy fertilizer for the overused soil, they might harvest enough to eat for another year; and if they’re fortunate enough, they possibly will have a little left over to sell so that they can have money for soap, salt, clothing, and even send their kids to school.
 
    No wonder Malawi is listed as one of the poorest nations of the world with one of the highest mortality rates, lowest literacy levels, and so on year after year, decade after decade.
 
Tractor Offers Hope in Agriculture Development
    Enter the V-Tractor.  Tom Rich, owner of the L. T. Rich Manufacturing Company of Lebanon, Indiana has provided us, through the Malawi Project, a tool that offers hope for people to escape the grim realities described above.  The V-Tractor ("V" is for Village, hence "Village Tractor’) is the most versatile instrument I have ever seen.  Equipped to work with a plow, water tank, and a growing list of other applications, the tractor makes it easy to switch from one job to another in a matter of five minutes or so.  The operator simply loosens some simple fasteners like bolts and cotter pins, pushes the current application aside, and just as quickly attaches the new one.  Operation is even easier, a critical feature in a country where most people have never operated any kind of driven machinery.  The hydraulic pedal covers every movement, including forward and backward motion, and braking.  There is no need to change gears.  At the demonstration that I attended, a group of Malawians who had never driven a tractor or a car or anything else for that matter, got behind the wheel and flawlessly maneuvered the tractor on the flat and with a little practice were cultivating acres of land.
 
An Eyewitness Marveled
    The tractor moved at a good speed, it’s plow cutting through the rock-hard soil that had had several months of dry weather to harden.  It made its way back and forth, softening the soil for the nextV-Tractor in the field planting.  As it crisscrossed the field, it became obvious that this tractor could outdo the work of dozens of men working together using the old hoeing technique.  A Malawian eyewitness marveled that just one man could cultivate a larger area in a single day then a company of men could do in a whole week.  The possibilities for improving the quality of people’s lives here using a tool like the V-Tractor are myriad.  Because of its adaptability the machine offers tremendous improvements in the whole farming process including in the current available applications like cultivation and irrigation, but possibly for future applications like planting, applying fertilizer, and weeding.  It also offers opportunities to assist in other parts of rural Malawian life such as transporting water with its tank and other commodities by attaching it to a trailer.
 
    We are thankful to the Malawi Project for directing this marvelous tool our way.

Mark Thiesen
Director
Naminkango Maternity Hospital and Mission
Thondwe, Malawi

]]>Few Jobs, High Mortality, and Low Literacy Rates       In these economically troubling times in the western nations it seems no job is certain.  As we watch the unemployment rate sneak up to 5%, 6%, and higher and we rightfully fret over our friends and family whose jobs may be threatened.   Imagine 80% Unemployment     Imagine a country [...]http://www.malawiproject.org/2009/05/24/v-tractor-offers-hope-for-progress-out-of-poverty/feed/http://www.malawiproject.org/2009/05/24/v-tractor-offers-hope-for-progress-out-of-poverty/Feeding A Book Starved Libraryhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MalawiProject/~3/NYK_hXfJFps/People of MalawiBe The ChangeRichard StephensSat, 16 May 2009 22:25:04 PDThttp://www.malawiproject.org/2009/05/17/feeding-a-book-starved-library/View of Mwinje hills
    It was a 68-minute drive down a pothole filled road on a very hot, rainy, Thursday afternoon. The trip carried us west from the Namikango Mission, in southern Malawi, down into the Maera Valley between the Mabula chain of hills. The Mwinje hills were off to the west. From the top of one of the hills we could see the school building that houses the students nestled in the valley.

    As we approached our nostrils were warmly welcomed by the smoky smell of roasted green maize near the school building. It was the lunch hour. It is one of the biggest challenges facing the government as it tries to enroll all children in a program of formal education by the year 2015. The problem is being able to feed them.

A Book Starved Library
    But there is another challenge and this is why we have come. It is the challenge that comes with the shortage of schoolbooks and supplies. It is easy to see. In just a few minutes one can add up the entire total of all of the books on the two-shelf library. Our mission today is to deliver the supplies sent in the recent shipments from America to this book hungry library.

  Namikango Mission Library  During the ceremony that followed these supplies were distributed and Basani Mphongola, from the Namikango Mission, addressed the students. "Where there is a will, there is a way," he stated. "Challenges are good, they make you stronger."

    He is in the wrong profession, I thought to myself. He should be a minister. But as though he had read my thoughts Bisani continued.

Every Person Can Serve God
    "It does not require you to be a minister or pastor to serve God," he said. In my mind I concluded the thought, "Every person can serve God, no matter what profession or business he is involved in."

    When all was said and done the other side of evangelism was accomplished that Thursday afternoon in that distant valley, in giving writing and educational material such as math books, Christian literature, writing pens and even first aid kits.

- Wilson Isaac Tembo

 books are delivered 1Books are delivered 2

]]>    It was a 68-minute drive down a pothole filled road on a very hot, rainy, Thursday afternoon. The trip carried us west from the Namikango Mission, in southern Malawi, down into the Maera Valley between the Mabula chain of hills. The Mwinje hills were off to the west. From the top of one of [...]http://www.malawiproject.org/2009/05/17/feeding-a-book-starved-library/feed/http://www.malawiproject.org/2009/05/17/feeding-a-book-starved-library/High Class Mother’s Dayhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MalawiProject/~3/bLFDsnh3Yys/Malawi HealthcareMedicalAbout MalawiRichard StephensSat, 09 May 2009 19:27:03 PDThttp://www.malawiproject.org/2009/05/09/high-class-mothers-day/

    It’s appropriate that we honor mothers this Sunday - let’s take them out and make it a high class affair.  "High  Class" - that’s exactly how one Malawi government inspector described the new equipment at the Namikango Maternity Clinic recently arrived.  "High Class" - clean new blankets - an incubator - latex gloves - birthing tables - life saving equipment.

  Bisani Mphongolo of the Mission staff describes the scene when a Malawian Government official inspected medical equipment delivered recently, "Thanks to the shipments we received from loving brethren in the USA, the inspector indicated she had not seen such high class equipment and linen in a rural maternity clinic in Malawi. I could not resist sharing this news and the pictures.  What a happy mother in a nice warm blanket!"

    Bisani continued, "This is wonderful! Excellent linen for the clinic…thanks to the shipments received! The inspectors from Nurses and Midwives council admire the beautiful high class delivery couches!"

    These results came from recent shipments of supplies to the facility by Project C.U.R.E headquartered in Centennial, Colorado, the Eastside Church of Christ in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and the Malawi Project in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Government inspectors tour the facility to review the new equipment. Mother and baby warm under a new blanket. Beds with new blankets for the new mothers.
Government inspectors review the new improvements. Mother and baby  warm under a new blanket. The new mother’s ward decked out with the new blankets.
]]>    It’s appropriate that we honor mothers this Sunday - let’s take them out and make it a high class affair.  "High  Class" - that’s exactly how one Malawi government inspector described the new equipment at the Namikango Maternity Clinic recently arrived.  "High Class" - clean new blankets - an incubator - latex gloves - [...]http://www.malawiproject.org/2009/05/09/high-class-mothers-day/feed/http://www.malawiproject.org/2009/05/09/high-class-mothers-day/Bibles the Length of the Sphinxhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MalawiProject/~3/npwZfQSg3KA/About the Malawi ProjectRichard StephensSat, 02 May 2009 11:48:57 PDThttp://www.malawiproject.org/2009/05/02/bibles-the-length-of-the-sphinx/The Height of a 14-Story Building

    The Great Sphinx of Egypt, one of the wonders of ancient Egyptian architecture, adjoins the pyramids of Giza and has a length of 240 ft. Built in the fourth dynasty; it is approximately 4,500 years old.   

    The Malawi Project recently made available, with the assistance of a number of other Christians and churches, 1,482 Bibles written in the Tumbuka language, the language of the Tumbuka Tribe in northern Malawi. The preachers and teachers in the area in and around Mzuzu as well as in more remote areas of the north are currently distributing these Bibles. If these Bibles, which are approximately 2" thick, were stacked on edge and side by side they would reach a total of 247 feet. That is equal to the height of a 14-story building or the length of the Sphinx.

 

]]>The Height of a 14-Story Building     The Great Sphinx of Egypt, one of the wonders of ancient Egyptian architecture, adjoins the pyramids of Giza and has a length of 240 ft. Built in the fourth dynasty; it is approximately 4,500 years old.        The Malawi Project recently made available, with the assistance of a number [...]http://www.malawiproject.org/2009/05/02/bibles-the-length-of-the-sphinx/feed/http://www.malawiproject.org/2009/05/02/bibles-the-length-of-the-sphinx/A Dark Night Emergency-part 2http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MalawiProject/~3/qgvob69iqjE/About the Malawi ProjectRichard StephensFri, 24 Apr 2009 19:07:28 PDThttp://www.malawiproject.org/2009/04/24/a-dark-night-emergency-part-2/By Samatha Ludick
Clinic at the Gate

Part 1


Villagers Gather Sticks for Splints
    We quickly greet those on shore and Magic explains that we don’t have much time. Putting on gloves I examine the driver of the motorbike. He does not appear in such dire straits. I inspect a cut on his head and a fat lip, and clean away the blood. Then I stitch up the wound, give him some painkillers, and get him ready to go in the boat. Then while trying to get him comfortable I learn his neck is very sore, he has blood from his nose and a huge contusion on his stomach. For a moment I consider that I may be in over my head. I try to keep it all together while explaining our next move. The villagers gather some long sticks, some ridiculously large, but we form the plan and make a neck brace. Cuts have been cleaned and we have put two stitches in to close the cuts in his head. Blood pressure is a little high but there is not much that can be done about that here on a dark beach at night.

 Patient getting ready for trip across Lake Malawi   We carefully carry him to the boat, lay him gently on the floor, and place life jackets around his head and neck in order to keep him as still as possible. It will not be easy with the weather growing worse by the minute. The waves seem to grow larger with each new swell. Moving carefully into the wind I add another prayer for safety.

The Battle Against the Waves
    Now it is a battle against the waves. The moon however is brighter than before and by the time we are halfway across the open water the waves have grown much smaller in height. From there we continue to the western shore without incident. The ambulance is waiting and we get him inside for the quick trip to Salima District Hospital.

    Thanks so much to the Malawi Project for supplying the medical supplies we needed, and thanks to Magic for getting us there and back safely. Thanks to the ambulance staff for waiting, and thanks to the Lord for giving us a safe trip.

    As the sun rises the next morning I phone the hospital to find out about the patient. All is well, that was nothing broken, and the patient is going to recover.

]]>By Samatha Ludick Clinic at the Gate Part 1 Villagers Gather Sticks for Splints     We quickly greet those on shore and Magic explains that we don’t have much time. Putting on gloves I examine the driver of the motorbike. He does not appear in such dire straits. I inspect a cut on his head and a fat lip, [...]http://www.malawiproject.org/2009/04/24/a-dark-night-emergency-part-2/feed/http://www.malawiproject.org/2009/04/24/a-dark-night-emergency-part-2/