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Malawi Reformation Network

Ministry Updates Richard Jones: Why Malawi?

Richard Jones: Why Malawi?

by

Richard Jones, MRN Board Member

When I was first contacted about the work beginning in the African country of Malawi, I had never heard of the country and had no idea where it was located geographically.  But, I did know one thing…. Pastor Jason Helopoulos was involved, and if he was excited about a ministry beginning in Malawi, then I needed to know more.

So, I “Googled” Malawi and learned some basic facts about the country, like that Malawi is among the world’s least-developed countries with an economy that is heavily based in agriculture, that the British colonized what was then known as Nyasaland in the 1890s, and in 1964, the year I was born, Nyasaland became an independent country under Queen Elizabeth II’s leadership and became Malawi.

in 1964, the year I was born, Nyasaland became an independent country under Queen Elizabeth II’s leadership and became Malawi.Tweet it

Then, after a phone conversation with MRN’s Chair of the Board, Evan Vanderwey, I learned more about Malawi and Confex Makhalira in particular. I was excited to hear that Confex is a Malawian who came to the US for seminary with great plans to return to Malawi and start a Reformed Presbyterian church in Blantyre. And I learned about the church in Malawi, how David Livingstone, a missionary and explorer first visited the area in the mid-1800s, how the Presbyterian Church had a great influence in the country, and how Malawi came to be considered as a Christian Country. But, sadly, how the influence of the false Prosperity Gospel has led the people astray and how the church no longer has the same prominence in the life of its people.

So, why Malawi? Because the Malawian people need Jesus and the Truth of His gospel. The Good News of Jesus Christ will change hearts and minds for eternity!

the Malawian people need Jesus and the Truth of His gospel.Tweet it

So, count me in!  I don’t know how God will use me in this ministry, but I feel His call to move forward. Teach me Lord, how to pray for the Malawian people. Use me Lord, in the work of MRN. Help me Lord to get others excited about your work in Malawi.  It is Your work! Use me Lord to help Confex however you see fit.  Praise the Lord!