The recent decision by the White House to shut down USAID is having a chilling effect on WOW’s African ministry partners. For 25 years WOW has been on the forefront mobilizing local African churches in the care of orphans and widows victimized by HIV and AIDS. This has seen us engaged not only with this fatal disease but also with the opportunistic infections and poverty related afflictions that accompany the pandemic. And pandemic it is, even though HIV and AIDS has been on the back burner of global awareness since anti-retroviral medication (ARVs) arrived on the scene about 20 years ago.
These lifesaving meds have muted the reality that hundreds of thousands of Africans still live with HIV. Now, however, with former president Bush’s amazing intervention called PEPFAR (Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) no longer paying for ARVs (due to USAID withdrawal) the myriad of Africans living with HIV have been medically orphaned and face the grim reality of living with a 100% fatal disease. For us at WOW this means our Home Based Care ministry (HBC) to thousands has been dealt a major blow.
We’re back to ministering exclusively to the dying. This, of course, is what we did in the early days of WOW, so our on the ground ministry partners in Zambia, South Africa, Malawi, and India are not being caught flatfooted. But they are chagrined.
The key in every circumstance is faithfulness. We have been for 25 years, and will be for the indefinite future, totally committed to ministering to whom Jesus called “the least of these”. Our local church based volunteers will continue to provide HBC in Jesus’ name and WOW will continue to raise awareness and funding for the massive challenge ahead.
WOW – Working for Orphans & Widows, brings an update from our partner, Kyle Tolman of Cross Connect Community Outreach in South Africa.
First big news – Cross Connect is submitting the registration for our new Children’s House to the government. This is a huge step forward, and it’s a process that takes about three months. We’re praying for smooth registration approval.
Cross Connect is pleased to announce that Nicole Tolman is joining the CCCO team. She will be taking up the development role with a view to renewed growth and expansion. They have asked us to pray for God’s blessing on them and their family and a fresh, expanded vision as they step into this new future together.
And of course, we need to keep the children of Cross Connect in our prayers. Many are facing deep emotional struggles—some carrying burdens far too heavy for their young hearts. But we know that Jesus is their hope and healing.
So let’s keep being the hands and feet of Jesus together! Thank you for your prayers and support.
Most of us may not want to admit it but we like being in control. Overlooking the constant impact of that which we can’t control (like our autonomic nervous system, our internal organ function, our general genetic makeup, etc, etc) we flatter ourselves with our self discipline, fitness and diet values, money management, social interactions, and on and on. We think we’re in control but, of course, we’re not.
The book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible reminds us that pretty much every circumstance in our lives is “seasonal”:
“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance. A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away. A time to search and a time to quit searching. A time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak. A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace.” (Eccl.3:1-8).
Much can be seen in these words but one key truth is that we don’t control the seasonal dynamics of life but we “participate” in the broader scheme of things. Ultimately we’re under the control of the heavenly order, where our Father “works everything for our good”. We are not called to control but to trust his loving and sovereign care. Indeed a most excellent slogan for our lives is,” In God We Trust”.
Rob’s Farm is operated by WOW’s (Working for Orphans & Widows) Zambian partner, ICO (Impact Community Outreach). The past year was one of immense challenges for Rob’s Farm, yet ICO is filled with gratitude for God’s faithfulness. Join us as we pray for Rob’s Farm, thanking God for his provision and trusting Him for 2025.
Despite unfavorable weather and operational struggles, in 2024, Rob’s Farm continued to grow. A new generator added capacity, significantly improving efficiency, productivity and long-term sustainability.
We’re grateful for your prayer support. Thank you and May God bless you!
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.
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.
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.
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?
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:
Pray for continued provision for medical care.
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.
Pray for a solution to the ongoing energy crisis in Zambia and for the lights to stay on when needed most.
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.
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:
Provision for House Nehemiah and the new property
Wisdom in addressing the needs of older children
Success for the new farming project
Protection and breakthrough in the GBV programs
Project Esther
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.
“What Lights Your Fire? Discerning Divine Direction in a Complex World.”
Listen to Jim Cantelon as he shares his journey of faith and calling on Evangelical 360°, episode 22:
