Celia Friesen

From June 29 – August 7, Celia will be in Malawi, Africa planting trees and visiting orphans of AIDS.

Sub-Saharan Africa is more heavily affected by AIDS than any other region of the world. There are an estimated 14 million AIDS orphans and that number is expected to grow to 20 million by 2010. The vision and goal is to provide for children whose parents have died of the HIV/AIDS virus, and children or widows who do not have a sustaining family.
View Larger Map

Teen Missions in Malawi BIBLE, MISSIONARY & WORK Training Center, located outside Chipoka and on the shores of Lake Malawi.

Malawi is a small land-locked country in southern Africa sharing borders with Zambia, Tanzania and Mozambique. It is known as the “warm heart of Africa” as the people are very open and friendly, clearly living up to the motto.

The landscape of Malawi is mountainous in parts and the beautiful Lake Malawi stretches along almost the entire length of the country. Of the 13 million citizens, 900,000 are living with HIV/AIDS and the life expectancy is only 43 years. Around 80% of the population survives on less than $1 a day. The major source of income for Malawi is agriculture, especially tobacco. Although almost 80% of the population claim to be Christian, there are many who practice witchcraft or other tribal beliefs. Muslims make up 13% of the population.

Teen Missions in Malawi is located on 160 acres along the beautiful shores of Lake Malawi. Monkeys are a common sight and hippos are sometimes visible on the lake. The first Boot Camp was run in Malawi in 1988. The base, which was purchased in 1995, is home to two annual Boot Camps and a BIBLE, MISSIONARY & WORK Training Center (which was founded in 1998). The base also hosts retreats to bring in extra income for its ministries.

See photos from last year’s Malawi Preteen mission. | Slideshow

One of the most important ministries in Malawi is the ministry to the AIDS orphans. There are seven AIDS Orphans Rescue Units in Malawi and two Matrons Units that provide a safe place for young girls who are attending school to stay. The TMI staff also run a Motorcycle Sunday School Mission Circuit, teaching Sunday schools at several Rescue Units and villages in the Dedza Region of the country. Mathew and Heni Wylie are the coordinators for Malawi. At this time, there are 26 national staff and interns who help run the BMW, AIDS Orphans Rescue Units and other ministries.

Project

More than half the population in Malawi is 16 years old or younger. Many thousands of them are orphans who need to hear about Jesus. Coloring books are a great way to share Bible stories. You tell them the story and they color the pictures! The kids will be eager to teach you words in Chichewa as you spend your time playing games and sharing the Gospel through songs, puppets and balloons. The orphans will remember you as the trees you will have planted grow and give them fruit to eat long after you leave.

Read more about the project at AIDSorphans.org

Housing:

Housing while in Malawi will be in dorms and showers are available; laundry will be done using a bucket.

Travel:

After Commissioning, you head to the Orlando International Airport for a flight to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia via Washington D.C. and Rome, Italy. You continue on to Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi. From the airport you travel by truck to the Teen Missions in Malawi BIBLE, MISSIONARY & WORK Training Center, located outside Chipoka, on the shores of Lake Malawi. (Note: Florida Debrief)

Cost:

Contributions Equal To: $3790 U.S. plus Registration Fee | Support Celia

Reprinted without permission from http://www.teenmissions.org/2009/11/26/malawipt/