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Author: WOW Staff

Prayers Needed for Our Malawi Partners in the Midst of Crisis

Written by WOW Staff on . Posted in Blog.

Our partners at Somebody Cares Ministries in Malawi are facing unprecedented challenges. We ask for your prayers for the following critical needs:

National Fuel Crisis

Malawi has been experiencing a severe fuel shortage, which has only worsened as the New Year begins. Many Malawians are spending up to two days waiting in their vehicles for fuel deliveries. This shortage has led to a drastic increase in public transportation fares, with minibus and motorbike taxi services tripling their rates. Please pray for a swift resolution to this fuel crisis, as it continues to disrupt daily life and livelihoods.

Economic Challenges

The devaluation of the Malawian currency against the U.S. dollar in late 2023 has caused severe financial strain for many people. While the official exchange rate has stabilized at 1,750 MK to 1 USD, the street rate has surged to an alarming 3,500 MK to 1 USD, doubling the official rate. The cost of goods and transportation has risen accordingly, yet wages remain calculated based on the lower bank rate, making it incredibly difficult for many to afford even basic necessities. We ask that you pray for the people of Malawi, that they may find relief from these economic hardships.

Farming and Weather Impacts

The 2024 growing season has brought significant challenges for farmers in Malawi. A combination of dry spells, floods, and a fall armyworm infestation has resulted in a 16% decline in agricultural production. Tragically, nearly half of the country’s maize crop, a vital food staple, has been affected. This decline in maize production, compounded by other weather-related challenges, has further threatened food security for countless families. Please join us in praying for those who rely on agriculture for their livelihood and for a swift recovery from these devastating weather impacts.

Hunger Crisis

The ongoing crisis is also leading to a severe hunger crisis. From October 2024 to March 2025, it is projected that 5.7 million people—28% of Malawi’s population—will face acute food insecurity. Many will experience crisis-level hunger in both rural and urban areas, exacerbated by the reduced maize harvest. With their farms unable to meet their needs, many will be forced to rely on costly market purchases to feed their families. We ask for your prayers for those who are suffering from hunger and for provision in this time of dire need.

Faith and Hope Amid Challenges

As Malawians face these overwhelming challenges, we pray for strength and resilience. Our partners at Somebody Cares Ministries are committed to helping those in need, and we know that faith and hope are the foundation for overcoming such trials. Please pray that hope will arise in the hearts of those suffering and that their faith will remain firm through these trying times.

We thank you for your ongoing support and prayers for the people of Malawi. Your prayers make a difference, and together, we can stand with our partners during this difficult season.

Blessings and gratitude,

The Working for Orphans & Widows Team

Let Love be the Steeple of our Hearts

Written by WOW Staff on . Posted in Blog.

Christmas for millions around the globe is the highlight of the year. “Peace on earth, goodwill to men” springs from the intuitive knowledge of God that we all possess. There is an upward call in our souls. This may be the impetus throughout the ages to build churches with a steeple causing us to look above and reach for the heavens.

Speaking of steeples, the sight of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, rising like a phoenix from the ashes after a 5 year restoration, its beauty, sanctity, and steeple rebuilt, amazed us all.

In so many ways it symbolizes hope. Our war weary world needs to know that new life can rise from total destruction. The shattered homes, villages, and cities that have dominated our screens for the past three years, whether Ukraine, Gaza, Lebanon, Sudan, or most recently Syria, will not dominate forever. Surely God hears as our wrecked world says enough is enough—help us O God. Lord have mercy.

The sages of Israel in centuries of biblical interpretation tell us that the greatest power in the world is “the power of return”- that is, the transformative impact of repentance, turning away from sin and turning one’s heart back to God. When a nation sets its face toward Heaven it thinks and acts peacefully. Indeed it makes peace. And as Jesus said, ”Blessed are the peacemakers…”.

Now is the time for all men and women of faith to turn away from our sins of selfishness and entitlement and renew our covenant to love the Lord and neighbour with “all our heart, soul, mind, and strength”. Love still heals whether it be for one or a multitude. Let love be the steeple of our souls.

Wrap Up A Bicycle for Christmas!

Written by WOW Staff on . Posted in Blog.

A small, shy woman stood in the shadow of a humble mud brick home in central Malawi. Her voice was soft and her face angelic. My wife Kathy and I were deeply moved as she described her ministry in Home Based Care (HBC) with our champion partner, Somebody Cares Malawi (SCM). She worked as a volunteer, caring for dying widows and vulnerable orphans. That work involved two visits a week to her stricken patients, bathing, anointing bed sores, administering medications, taking vital signs measurements, supplying humble food stuffs and arranging transport to small country clinics for emergency care as needed. That transport was usually performed by placing the patient on the back of her bicycle and peddling or pushing several kilometres to a clinic. If the patient was too ill to remain upright, she would strap them to her own waist and then ride two up over the rough trails. This exhausting work often took most of a day.

She gently thanked us for the bicycle WOW had provided. “It has shortened my travel here and back to my home by three hours,” she said. “This then gives me time to care for my church.”

What?!!

She was a pastor.

This diminutive, slender woman was both a volunteer caregiver to the dying and a widow herself. To think she also pastored a flock of needy people was truly breathtaking. As a pastor, I was fully aware of the drain that ministry brings. Add to that twice weekly bike rides into far-flung rural villages to care for “the least of these”, as Jesus put it, and you have a perfect storm of stress. But her face showed no sign of fatigue. Her eyes were clear and her spirit at peace.

I turned to Kathy and whispered, “She’s a saint”, and meant it.

Her name is “Precious” and precious she is. As are the hundreds of our volunteers in Malawi, Zambia, South Africa, India, and Ukraine. They are “salt and light” in the darkest of places. They confront famine, disease, drought, and even war (Ukraine) with the indwelling Spirit of God empowering them. It’s humbling to think we can play a small part in their service.

Donate Today!

You see the pictures we’ve included in this letter. They were taken recently when we were privileged to present new heavy-duty bicycles to volunteers in Malawi. The joy was total. Singing, dancing, praising God, these grateful volunteers created a dust cloud as the drums beat and their voices filled the air. A new bicycle meant new ministry horizons could be pursued. What’s more, the bike meant their selfless efforts were appreciated and rewarded.

There was similar joy and gratitude as we presented bicycles to many of our volunteers in Zambia, but with a twist. Our Impact Community Outreach (ICO) leader, pastor Eric Mwambelo, humbly asked if a few of the bikes could go to some of the pioneer pastors who were planting churches in the region. Well that was a no-brainer! “Of course!” I said. After all, WOW’s ministry is predicated on local church engagement and leadership. More churches more better. What’s more, those three new churches are already seeing two hundred plus in attendance. Many of the new believers have come to Christ through ICO’s HBC ministry.

By God’s grace, WOW is a fruitful field.

The more we plant, the more we reap. And “we” includes you!

This is the third Christmas where we are wrapping up bicycles for our godly volunteers. They are key to our growth. And your support is key to our effectiveness on the field.

One heavy duty bicycle costs $300 and a repair kit $20.

Why not make “Wrap Up A Bicycle” part of your gift-giving this Christmas?

The joy on the receiving end is priceless!

Pray for Chreso: A Vital Partner in Zambia’s Mission

Written by WOW Staff on . Posted in Blog.

At WOW Mission, we deeply value our partnership with Chreso Ministries, a dedicated organization working tirelessly across Zambia in Lusaka, Siavonga, Livingstone, and Ndola. Their commitment to serving others is truly inspiring, and they continue to extend God’s love and care to some of the most vulnerable communities in the country. Today, we ask you to join us in prayer for Chreso, their staff, and the people they serve.

Chreso’s Growing Reach

Chreso cares for between 10,000 to 20,000 people across Zambia. They have expanded their medical services, now treating not only HIV but also non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and mental health conditions. Praise God for this expansion, and for the opportunity to reach more people with life-saving care!

Challenges in Healthcare and Nutrition

The cost of providing nutritious food has skyrocketed, nearly doubling in recent months. Chreso’s biggest need is nutrition. The Heps porridge, which has been a crucial part of Chreso’s nutrition programs, is increasing in price.

Drought and Power Shortages

Zambia is currently experiencing severe drought and ongoing load shedding, which means many areas only have power for 2 to 3 hours a day. While Chreso has invested in solar panels and generators, the energy shortages remain a major obstacle, especially during critical times like the October/November exam period. This affects both the students and the most vulnerable people, who are already struggling.

A Growing Outreach for the Gospel

Chreso’s outreach efforts in Livingstone and Siavonga have been met with an amazing response. They are also sharing God’s word through their TV station, which reaches people all over the world. Helmut, the founder of Chreso, sees this as the fulfillment of a prophetic vision, and we are excited to see how God continues to use this ministry for His glory.

Specific Prayer Requests:

  1. Pray for continued provision for medical care.
  2. Pray for Zambia’s food supply, especially for the Heps porridge, which is so vital for the children and for donations and support to sustain this vital part of Chreso’s care.
  3. Pray for a solution to the ongoing energy crisis in Zambia and for the lights to stay on when needed most.
  4. Pray that Chreso is able to maintain their operations in the face of soaring costs.
    We believe in the power of prayer and that God will continue to provide for Chreso as they serve faithfully in His name. Thank you for standing with us, and with them, in prayer during this season.

Together, we can be a part of the amazing work God is doing in Zambia through Chreso. Let’s continue to trust in His provision and pray fervently for those on the frontlines of this ministry.

Pray for CCCO

Written by WOW Staff on . Posted in Blog.

WOW – is a partner with Cross Connect Community Outreach led by Kyle Tolman. They serve some of the most vulnerable in South Africa. They have an effective, comprehensive ministry for which we thank the Lord.

House Nehemiah: A Home for Children in Need

House Nehemiah is a safe haven for children between the ages of 3 and 13, providing them with love, stability, and a sense of belonging. These children come from challenging backgrounds, often with no family support. A big question that has been looming for Cross Connect is, What happens when these children turn 14 and leave House Nehemiah?

A Miraculous Property Opportunity

The team began searching for properties that could be developed into a new home for children 14 years and older. They explored a few options, but each needed extensive renovations. Then, an unexpected door: a neighbor approached Kyle and asked if they would consider buying his property. The house is ideal, with plenty of space and room to expand. After sharing this opportunity with a few people connected to the ministry, the response was overwhelming.

The very next week, Kyle received a call: “We want to purchase the entire property … We believe in your work.” What a beautiful testimony of God’s provision! He made a way where there seemed to be no way. Please join us in prayer for a smooth transition and the funding needed for renovations.

New Farming Project for Women

Another exciting initiative is the rollout of a new farming project that will train local women in basic agricultural skills. This program not only provides a means of income but also restores dignity and purpose, equipping women to contribute to their families and communities. Pray for wisdom and resources as this project develops.

Combating Gender-Based Violence (GBV)

The GBV programs continue to grow, reaching more women and children affected by abuse. We ask for your prayers for those involved, both participants and facilitators, that God’s healing and peace will flow mightily in these sessions. Pray also for protection over the staff and volunteers as they engage in this sensitive work, often in difficult circumstances.

Project Esther

The Esther Program is a home-based care program that aims to assist single-headed households with food, basic needs and everything their children may need to succeed.
Health Challenges for Kyle Tolman

Lastly, pray for Kyle, who is facing health challenges. His journey is ongoing. Pray for daily grace, healing, and the strength to continue leading this amazing ministry.

How You Can Pray:

  1. Provision for House Nehemiah and the new property
  2. Wisdom in addressing the needs of older children
  3. Success for the new farming project
  4. Protection and breakthrough in the GBV programs
  5. Project Esther
  6. Strength and health for Kyle Tolman

Thank you for standing with WOW Mission in prayer! Your intercession and support are vital as we seek to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those who need Him most.

Shine Your Light

Written by WOW Staff on . Posted in Blog.

In the greatest sermon ever preached, Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
 
WOW takes this as a mandate. That’s why we, together with you, are shining a light in some of the darkest places on earth. WOW is a team effort, both overseas and here in North America. We “work together for good” and for God. And we thank you!
 
Here’s an overview for your encouragement. I hope it will inspire you.
 
Jim

Chief and Pastor Theresa Malila is founder and leader of Somebody Cares Malawi (SCM), a ministry to dying orphans and widows. Founded over twenty years ago after Theresa’s response to a challenge I gave at a church in Lilongwe, SCM has become one of the most highly respected NGOs in the nation. Its comprehensive ministry is massive. Their programs include the community support of 1500 orphaned children, the weekly feeding of 3500 elderly widows, the rescue of scores of girls who have survived gender-based violence, the training of 1700 youth in community care, and 16 evangelism outreaches in the past six months seeing 1000 decisions for Christ. WOW is humbled and privileged to help fund this mighty ministry. 

Pastor Eric Mwambelo founded and leads Impact Community Outreach (ICO) in central Zambia, Kabwe. This vital ministry has been focused on afflicted orphans and widows for over two decades. The challenges are huge, especially over the past few years as a perfect storm of adversity – Covid 19, Cholera, and Drought – has ravaged the already suffering HIV & AIDS victims. An outstanding agricultural project called “Rob’s Farm”, purchased and developed with funds from WOW, is successfully growing food for desperate patients. The farm also serves as a center for the training of future pastors and care workers. Once again, the “salt and light” impact in Jesus’ name is huge. Hundreds of “the least of these” have found hope and healing in the midst of the storm. 

Pastors Helmut and Esther Reutter are the founders and directors of CHRESO in Lusaka, a nationally recognized leader in the care of orphans and widows afflicted by HIV & AIDS. With WOW’s help, CHRESO provides clinical health care to thousands of people in both urban and rural areas. WOW’s focus is in the supply of pharmaceuticals for these afflicted souls. In the rural mobile clinics alone, we fund ministry to 5000 patients every month. This is faithfully done as the compassionate “hands and feet” of Jesus, bringing hope to the hopeless. 

Pastor Kyle Tolman founded and leads CrossConnect (CC), a ministry to orphaned and/or abandoned children in South Africa’s West Rand, northwest of Johannesburg. CC’s reach is to over 3000 impoverished homes in that area. From House Nehemiah, their “home of mercy” purchased and funded by WOW, they deliver comprehensive and compassionate care to desperately needy children. Social services and police are in weekly contact asking for CC’s help. They are truly “salt and light” in South Africa and WOW is privileged to be a key partner as they reach out in Jesus’ name. 

It’s been three years since Russia invaded Ukraine. The suffering has been brutal. In the midst of this crisis several Ukrainian churches have banded together to provide food and shelter for homeless and hungry people and they have appealed to WOW’s partner ministry, “Loads of Love”, headed by pastor Ed Dickson, for help. In the past few months, we’ve funded the feeding of over 7000 women and children. During that time, we’re told that 2800 of these wonderful people have decided to follow Jesus. Salt and light in action!

A major focus is destitute women and their fatherless children. We provide a meal a day to scores of them living in the scorching heat on the streets of the sweltering slums. Computer classes and training in tailoring are a welcome opportunity. A creative income generation project saw the purchase of “food trucks”- rickshaws outfitted with a bbq and basic foodstuffs – enabling women to cook food for street people and make a few rupees to provide for their children. Some of those children have blood cancers and/or HIV and tuberculosis. Medical support was needed and with your help it was provided. Each and every one of these precious souls is aware that the love of Christ has come to them via faithful volunteers from a Christian church. The dark night of their stressful lives gives way to the light of God’s love. 

Yes, Jim, I want to Shine My Light!

Prayer for Impact Community Outreach

Written by WOW Staff on . Posted in Blog.

Partner Spotlight: Impact Community Outreach (ICO) – A Call to Prayer

Wow Mission partners with organizations that are committed to making a lasting impact in the lives of those they serve. One such partner, Impact Community Outreach (ICO), continues to carry out their vital work in challenging circumstances, and they have shared specific prayer requests with us. We invite you to join us in lifting them up in prayer, trusting that God hears and answers according to His perfect will.

Pray for Spiritual Awakening

ICO’s volunteers are on the frontlines, ministering to orphans, widows, patients, and primary caregivers. Many of those they serve are in desperate need of hope and healing. Please pray that God would open the spiritual eyes of these individuals to see the light of the Gospel. Pray that hearts would be softened, and that many would come to know the love of God through the dedicated service of ICO’s team.

Pray for Provision Amidst Drought

Zambia is currently facing a severe drought, leading to a scarcity of food. This situation has made life even more challenging for the vulnerable populations that ICO serves. We ask you to pray for God’s supernatural provision during this difficult time. May He provide food and resources to sustain the orphans, widows, and families who are struggling.

Pray for Rob’s Farm Irrigation Project

Rob’s farm plays a crucial role in ICO’s mission, providing food and resources to those in need. However, to maximize its potential, an irrigation system is urgently needed. Please pray that God would provide the necessary funds to set up this irrigation system, allowing the farm to thrive even in times of drought. This project is not just about growing crops; it’s about growing hope and sustainability for the community.

Pray for the Launch of a Bible School

ICO has a vision to start a Bible School at Rob’s farm, with the goal of equipping and empowering believers to spread the Gospel in their communities. This ambitious project is slated to begin before January 2025, but it requires significant resources to get off the ground. Pray that God would provide all the necessary resources, including teachers, materials, and funding, to make this vision a reality.

Standing Together in Faith

At Wow Mission, we believe in the power of prayer and the importance of standing together as a community. We are grateful for the work that ICO is doing and for the opportunity to support them. As we bring these requests before God, let us do so with hearts full of expectation, knowing that He is able to do immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine.

Thank you for your continued support and prayers for Wow Mission’s many partners. Together, we can make a difference, bringing the hope and love of God to those who need it most.

Prayer Requests from Somebody Cares

Written by WOW Staff on . Posted in Blog.

As we pray for our ministry partner, Somebody Cares Ministries in Malawi, we have the opportunity to bring the pressing needs of their community before the throne of grace. In the midst of great challenges and uncertainties, their trust and hope are in the One who hears and holds the power to bring about change.

Pray for God’s Intervention

Jehovah Jireh is our provider. The Malawi fields have not yielded as expected, and the cost of staple maize has quadrupled, placing a heavy burden on families. We are asking God to intervene and ease the strain on those facing a tough year ahead.

Pray Justice Prevails

Pray for the widows who have been victims of land grabs by greedy relatives. May God’s righteous judgment bring restitution and protection to those who have been wronged, securing their rightful inheritance and peace of mind.

Pray for Continued Passion

As SCM volunteers continue to serve the people in their community, let’s pray for their continued passion for God and love for Him and others among the team and volunteers. May their hearts be steadfast in devotion, their actions fueled by love, and their service a reflection of Christ’s selfless love.

Pray for a Spiritual Harvest and God’s Will

Along with providing physical care for the vulnerable, Somebody Cares Ministries desires to see more and more people come to know Christ and experience the transformative power of His grace. May the Holy Spirit move mightily in their midst, drawing hearts closer to God and igniting a revival that spreads far and wide.

Also pray the church in Malawi returns to God and rediscovers a true focus on the people of God. Pray for a revival of spiritual fervor, a renewed commitment to biblical truth, and a unity that advances God’s kingdom.

Lastly, as Malawi prepares for upcoming elections, submit petitions for God’s guidance and sovereign will to prevail. As campaigns begin, may righteousness and integrity mark the proceedings, and may the outcome be according to God’s divine purpose.

As we unite in prayer, trust in the promise that God hears and answers our prayers.

Yours in Christ,

Somebody Cares Ministries and Wow Mission

Working Together for 14 Times the Impact

Written by WOW Staff on . Posted in Blog.

“Tomorrow you are going to Chibolya. The driver will pick you up at 9:30.” 

Kathy and I had just flown to Lusaka, Zambia to spend a few days with WOW’s ministry champion CHRESO, our partner for 25 years.

Chibolya… “Where’s that?” we asked.

“It’s in the centre of Lusaka,” they said. “It’s the most dangerous place in the city, maybe in all of Zambia. Most Lusakans avoid it. And they would probably warn you to stay away because you’ll be seen as rich foreigners.”

“But you work there,” Kathy responded.

“We do, by God’s grace. He protects us from the drug dealers, hostile gangs, and disease. It may be one of the most violent, virulent slums in Africa but we felt we needed to have a presence there. A light in the darkness! (We’ve not taken you in the past because of the danger. But we think you need to see where WOW’s meds are being prescribed and delivered.)”

As we drove into Chibolya the next morning, the street was so narrow our vehicle’s side mirrors were almost scraping the market stalls on either side. And it was our first experience driving on a street “paved” with compressed layers of garbage, the acrid smell adding another dimension to the atmosphere.

Apart from mainly curious but occasionally hostile looks from the teeming crowds making way for our truck, and shouts of “mzungu!” (“white person”) from the children, we made it to the clinic without incident. It was hidden behind a cement security wall and a heavy steel gate. It looked like a prison compound.

The clinic was a simple structure of bare cement blocks and a low, flat roof, unglazed windows with rusted burglar bars. It housed two-and-a-half dimly lit rooms. The reception desk, a small pharmacist’s table, and a few chairs were the only furniture in the main room, and an examining table behind a curtain was in the back room. The registrar, the pharmacist, a nurse practitioner, a medical officer, and five angelic volunteers comprised the staff. There were about ten patients crowded inside.

The registrar worked with pen and paper, the pharmacist with a few boxes of medications (supplied by WOW), and the nurse practitioner and medical officer examined and prescribed treatment with minimal equipment but great expertise and a loving touch. The volunteers (I do mean “angels”) brought in the critically ill patients from the streets. They knew there was risk each time they left the clinic to find the sick and the dying.  

As we took it all in Kathy and I felt we were on holy ground. 

To this point our exposure to CHRESO’s medical ministry had been limited to visiting their mobile medical clinics in the remote rural areas of southern Zambia where WOW’s pharmaceutical supplies were/are being administered to 5000 patients per month. But now we were seeing the urban side of our ministry and the overall impact was/is humbling and inspiring.

There’s no doubt the Lord has led us to “the least of these”.

As you know, once a year WOW challenges you with the opportunity to fund life-giving medications for our champion partners in Africa. We’re able to do so in partnership with Health Partners International Canada (HPIC), a marvellous Christian ministry who source their pharmaceuticals from the major pharma companies. And it’s all done with matching dollars.

This year we’re so grateful to the Lord that we can offer a 14:1 match!

One dollar from you becomes 14 dollars of medications for humble, godly ministry to the poorest of the poor. The impact is incalculable.

We, of course, do not take you for granted. We know your gifts are prompted by the Holy Spirit and are bathed in compassion. We truly are “labourers together”.

So we thank you for your heart and commitment to extending the hands of Jesus to these needy ones. They are his children.

In conclusion, I’m reminded of the scripture that declares, “He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will repay him for what he has done” (Proverbs 19:17).

May the Lord bless you for your compassion and kindness.

Jim.