Six days a week, hundreds of children pour into a large fellowship hall in the remote village of Thanganyika in southern Malawi. This hall is so much more than merely a building. It represents hope. It’s a place of refuge, a sacred space. The joyous sound of kids singing and laughing often echoes through the room. Children are taught the Word of God here, and for many, this is where they receive their only substantial meal of the day.
Nine-year-old Tamala and her siblings used to venture to neighbors’ houses in a desperate attempt to obtain food. Despite working hard, Tamala’s single mother struggled immensely to provide. The family also lacked access to clean water, leading to constant sickness from consuming contaminated water. Tamala was heartbroken when she had to be pulled from school because fees were too expensive. She ultimately missed over a year in the classroom. But God had a different plan for her future.
Because of her difficult situation, Tamala was welcomed into the after-school program that’s run in the fellowship hall by Cross International ministry partner Ambuya Development Center. She’s given a nutritious, daily meal and clean water to drink, and her health has vastly improved. As part of the program, Tamala’s educational expenses are paid for, allowing her to resume school! While schoolwork is sometimes challenging because of the lost classroom time, Tamala is steadily progressing and receives extra help with her studies from the center’s staff. She loves to learn and dreams of becoming a teacher when she grows up.
Tamala used to wonder whether God really cared about her, but her faith has grown as she’s experienced tangible expressions of His love through the program in the fellowship hall. She enjoys the regular Bible lessons and fun activities and has made many new friends. Tamala’s favorite Bible story is the account of Esther. She admires Esther’s courage and the way the young queen trusted in God, praying and fasting on behalf of her people.
When ten-year-old Pemphero walked into the fellowship hall for the first time, his attention was immediately drawn to the chairs. They’re not fancy chairs, but Pemphero was not used to having a chair to sit in. He and his siblings live with their single mother in a flimsy, temporary shelter. The fragile structure is all his mother can afford. Like Tamala, Pemphero’s family has very little food and no access to clean water, and he was also out of school before being accepted into the after-school program and having his academic fees covered.
Pemphero was thrilled to return to the classroom! He likes a variety of academic subjects, and though he’s young, he already understands that education is key to eventually being able to start a career through which he can support his family.
Learning scripture has left an impression on Pemphero, who now sees God as his provider. He’s grateful for all of the blessings he’s received. “I did not know that I could be in school…that I would be getting free, good food six days a week…to be using a hall like this one and chairs we do not have at home. All this is a miracle to me. May God be praised.”
The opportunity to go to school and the daily after-school gatherings in the fellowship hall are a lifeline for kids like Tamala and Pemphero. From healthy meals to academic support to Bible lessons and interactions with caring staff members, what’s happening in this space is truly special. When you partner with Cross International, you provide critically needed physical and spiritual nourishment to kids in rural Malawi and beyond in the name of Jesus.
