Malawi

Geoffrey & Barbara Matoga, Malawi

Geoffrey Matoga leads Faith of God church in Blantyre, Malawi. He also oversees a network of churches across Malawi and into Mozambique. 

We have been in relationship with for many years with Geoffrey and his wife Barbara. We have sent out teams over the years to help them both practically with building work (the church building and orphanage) and to make stronger friendships with our friends in the church there.

Mel Price

Went on a mission trip in Malawi with Elim international working with disabled children and using her occupational therapy skills.

The following is from her newsletter she sent back in September 2008

CULTURE……

The more time I spend in the continent of Africa, the more I’m amazed and challenged. The centre of
Blantyre is constantly full of tourists, non- government organisations and ex- patriots. The turnover of
visitors is high. I think some local Malawian people may feel overwhelmed by this and sometimes
despondent in different areas of their economy, health care system and social support. I met a man in
one of the local fruit and vegetable markets and he asked me ‘so…what will you do for me?’ I was taken
aback at first but gave his question much thought.
Historically Malawi has been one of the top poorest countries in the world. It has received a large amount
of aid and outside support. The longer I work in the hospital environment and spend time in villages, the
more I realise the need for the training and equipping of local people in terms of skills, education and the
word of God. I spent one weekend climbing Mulanji mountain (famous for tea plantations and cedar wood!).
A group of us hired a local guide, an orphan, eldest in his family supporting 5 other siblings, common in
this culture. He said to me ‘Don’t give me a fish to eat, but a hook to catch it with.’ These words rang in
my ears, giving me insight into the long term and forward thinking approach that is needed here.

CURE HOSPITAL…

Many of you may have seen a Robert Winston BBC programme about treating children with ‘Club feet’.
CURE is heavily involved with the club foot programme in Malawi. If this deformity of the feet is
neglected, the individual will not be able to walk in adult life. The ‘Ponseti’ technique can be used when a
child is very young, manipulating the feet and using plaster of paris to re-correct the foot position. This
takes up to 5 weeks and can change the child’s future. CURE’s mission statement is to establish and
operate a high quality teaching hospital in Malawi for the medical and spiritual healing of disabled
children and their families. It is a blessing to be a part of a hospital where we are able to make a
difference practically and spiritually to children.
A large number of children at cure hospital need surgery for previous burns that have contracted around
joints. These are released in surgery and the children will need to wear a splint to stop the contracture
from re-occurring. I have been making and training others to make these splints on the ward and also in
theatre. Fred and Ros Page (Elim Treorchy, Wales) will be visiting for 10 days to run a splinting course in
October. Fred is also an Occupational Therapist and specialises in splinting. They also have a puppet
ministry so will be involved in ministering and training youth in the Ndirande Elim headquaters church,
here in Blantyre.

CHURCH LIFE…

I’m currently attending an international English speaking church within Blantyre. The father of one of our
church elders, Stephen Zulu, lives in a village named Sorgin, in the very south of Malawi. This is an
extremely hot and dry place, often reaching 50 C in the summer months. He began caring for orphans in
his own home some years ago. His home became full, so then he asked his mother to extend his work. Her
home also became full so he approached a village chief with his increasing problem! A large piece of land
was donated free of charge and Stephen began a children’s home. It now cares for over 100 orphans. The
home has a number income generated projects including growing maize, vegetables, teaching practical
skills such as knitting and carpentry to older children, and equipping them with Christian teachings.
I went to visit over a weekend with a team from church. I was able to carry out teaching for carers and
local pre- school teachers in areas of play, child development, health, and safety in the home. We also had
great times of dancing and singing, joyfully worshiping God and praying for each other. Stephen thanked
the team by giving us a freshly slaughtered goat, complete with head and eyes!