Progress on the Sunuzi Health Centre!
Greetings!
We all have needs that surround us, and are pulled in multiple directions for time and giving. It is within this framework that Future Vision Ministries acknowledges that your attention to the ministries of FVM and sacrificial giving is highly valued.
There are times when the needs that surround me become too big. A certain amount of human strength carries me to a point, and then I realize I am in trouble! Have you felt that, too? It pushes us to a place of dependence, of acknowledging I don’t have all the answers—a place of needing to come together with others, and of humbling myself..
The Health Facility is one of those experiences. As the many people involved meet online each week, it has stretched us all in new ways. There are tremendous positives and a continuing excitement as the buildings take shape. There are also cultural misunderstandings, communication challenges, wildly fluctuating prices always in an upward direction, and a constant need for patience, listening and respectful negotiations. I share this to give a well-rounded picture of the behind-the-scenes work. How God is building a health facility, and how God is building us in the process. I return almost daily to a small phrase in Hebrews 3:4, “God is the builder of everything.” It is a reminder that the first step is acknowledging we are a team member, not the Master Builder. Thank you for your prayers for all the team members, and for the final finished product.
If there is an area you would like to support purchases for, perhaps within a personal and specific area of interest – whether the Maternity wing, or the various clinics (Outpatient Clinic, HIV Clinic, Eye & Ear Clinic, Under 5 Clinic), we would love to hear from you. Memorial donations are a meaningful way to incorporate a loved one’s memory in a life-giving project, and we are glad to acknowledge those donations in a way that honours each life.
Nandolo Land Purchase
Through the generosity of an FVM donor, we were able to purchase approximately one acre of land right beside the Chifundo Nursery School in Nandolo. Land is very scarce, and this is a blessing for future development. The children have a long way to travel for primary school, and the leaders see the little ones regress significantly when they graduate from preschool. Their hope is for a primary school to be built on the additional acre. Right now, the land is planted in tea, and the community will continue to harvest and care for the land.
Introduction
I have heard the names of friends in Malawi mentioned often. What a gift it was to meet them in person in February! For others who may not have travelled to Malawi yet, I’d like to give you a “snapshot” of the ones who serve faithfully on behalf of FVM.
Rabson
Rabson has been serving with FVM since 2012. He covers the night shift for Mulunguzi House. It always brings joy to enter and exit Mulunguzi House and see Rabson’s gentlemanly bow and smile. He can seem fairly serious in demeanour, until he runs from a distance to open the gate, OR starts dancing! We are so thankful for Rabson and his faithful work for FVM.
Community Ministry
Amidst the busyness of construction and decisions with the Health Facility, the regular programs continue to operate. Newton Sindo, Country Manager, gave us this update for our April Board meeting.
Early Childhood Development (ECD) – 493 children (ages 3-6 years) receive preschool education and nutritious food five days a week.
Teaching volunteers and caregivers have remained committed to teaching and preparing food for the children.
Spiritual Care – 26 Community-based weekly Bible studies have been conducted. An average of 82 people have been attending. 26 Radio Broadcasts on Trans World Radio have taken place, reaching about 4 million listeners. 1,600 college and secondary school students have been reached with the Good News through the Student Christian Organization of Malawi (SCOM). Over 4,000 Christian calendars in English and Yao language were distributed.
We close with continued gratefulness for the team of people who make this all possible. First of all, thanks be to God for his provision and care and guidance in the way forward. We thank the team in Malawi who work faithfully to ensure the many details come together to allow programs to run in a way that blesses the communities we serve. And we thank you, the host of supporters, who give of your time, interest and funds to practically show Jesus’ love.
Zikomo kwambiri from the bottom of our hearts.
