History
Life is very hard in most sub-Saharan countries, especially in Malawi. In this one small country, two-thirds the size of Arkansas, there are now over a million orphans. Most are fending for themselves without food, shelter, or hope that anyone even cares. With the average life expectancy of 37, most children don't get the opportunity to know their parents , learn from them or even have what we would consider a normal childhood.
The statistics are harsh and are a part of why our teams started traveling to this country. What began with short term teams on mission to share the good news of Jesus Christ, and meet some immediate physical needs turned into an orphanage facility which is a hub for ministry throughout the area.
As teams were faithful to go Christ began to open the eyes of these short term missionaries and gave them a heart to help the people of this impoverished nation. Together Americans and Malawians united as the Body of Christ showing His love and making this life a little easier for many of His children.
The vision for Esther's House was truly God sized.
It is the only facility of it's kind in the central region of Malawi. Our work there isn't just executing an American vision in a foreign land, its been developed in collaboration with local input, volunteer efforts and oversight. God is clearly at work having granted tremendous relationships over the past few years with government officials and tribal authorities, many of which have come to accept Christ. When the time came to construct Esther's House the village stepped up, baking brick, carrying water and volunteering time to the construction. Their American brothers and sisters stepped up both financially and by making the two day journey to work alongside local laborers.
The result isn't just an orphanage, but so much more than that. Esther's House is a platform for ministry and sustainable development in the country of Malawi that expands far beyond the scope of caring for kids within its walls.
Current ministry includes full time care of orphans who call Esther's House "home," a non-residential program which offers assistance with food, clothing, education, and discipleship. Also, a ministry to local widows who have taken on the responsibility of caring for orphans, and a feeding program providing hope to over 1,000 impoverished children daily.
"Special projects" have been selected which will benefit the community as a whole and will in turn allow Malawian natives to provide a better quality of life for their children. American team members travel on both short term and not so short term trips making the implementation of these projects possible.
We are not called just to preach the good news, we are commanded to go and be the good news. The Bible tells us that if we claim to live in him we are to walk as He did. (1 John 2:6) That's exactly what Esther's House is about, walking as He did. It's not about building buildings or about elevating our work in this impoverished country. It's not about fixing people or their culture. It's about pouring ourselves into selfless acts of love and compassion as He did. It is about meeting physical and spiritual needs as He did and sharing the hope and good news that we all have to look forward to.
Vision
When asked if you can actually make a difference, the answer is unequivocally yes! Just ask any of the team members that have traveled to Malawi over the past eight years. Thousands have come to know Christ, many new churches have been planted, local leaders have been trained and encouraged, medical needs have been met and people have been given hope. Hundreds of kids now have a meal to eat every day, the foundation for a scalable model is being implemented, Christian leaders are being developed, widows are being cared for, a reality tv show has been produced and our great God is being glorified! I know this past paragraph is a run on but I think that's exactly what God is doing with the efforts there, his blessings keep running on, the impact on lives here and there continues to grow, and His favor is ever increasing.
This effort is not a single or even a once a year commitment, it's a year-round ongoing ministry of the Body of Christ that relies on our continued prayer and support.
Future plans call for a medical training center, expanded feeding programs, a school and a guesthouse for teams to stay, all of which need leadership and funding. Our first full time American staff member will arrive in Malawi June 2010 and will assist in daily operations as well as launching new programs and overseeing special projects. Our prayer is that the Lord will continue to impress on the hearts of our His people the desire to personally get involved with the missions of His church.
