Knowing Jesus Christ and Making Him Known

Malawi Mission Trip

"Beautiful Malawi"

In June 2008, Reverend Barb Schacht and Holly Kennell traveled to Malawi to spend time at the hospital in Embangweni, where our mission partner, Dr. Martha Sommers, works.  Since we were aware that just about everything is needed in Malawi, we took along 4 trunks containing medical, school, office and agricultural supplies.

"Embangweni Mission Hospital Grounds"

Pastor Barb preached each Sunday, prayed with patients and their families, and made many friends in the community.  Holly volunteered at the hospital’s Nutritional Rehabilitation Unit (NRU), where they treat malnourished children.  As part of their program, the NRU teaches life skills like nutrition, sewing and gardening.

"Holly, Barb & New Friends"

We were amazed at how hard Dr, Sommers works.  As one medical student said, “she’s everywhere.”  She is the only fully qualified doctor for the 130-bed hospital that serves an area of over 100,000 people!  Although chronically under-staffed and under-supplied, hospital employees are masters at making do.  They knit together an outstanding program from little donations that come from a wide variety of sources.  The blankets on some beds are stitched together baby blankets crocheted by ladies in the US, the scale for weighing babies was provided by UNICEF, the corn/soy bean meal given to some of the patient’s guardians was donated by the people of Iceland, and the ward maids uniforms were tailored from bed sheets.

"Supplies for the Hospital"

We also had a chance to visit several schools.  Classrooms are very over-crowded and lack basic equipment and student supplies.  The school teachers and administrators were very grateful for the supplies that we brought.

"Dividing Up School Supplies"

Our overall impression of Malawi was that it is a beautiful country, filled with warm, friendly people.  Despite the nation’s poverty, the people seem happy, optimistic that better days are coming, and grateful to God for what they have.  The trip gave us wonderful memories and a great appreciation for how very blessed we are.

"Distributing Veggie Seed"

"Taking Blood Pressure"

"Students Haul Bricks"