Commissioned Pastor Karen Byrne will return on February 25 to give an update on the Malawi Prison Mission that our church has recently supported. During her last update, we learned of the devastation of farmland due to cyclone Freddy and impending famine. With your help, seeds, fertilizer and other assistance was provided to create prison farms. Rev. Chimesya wrote in gratitude, “You have done great things for my life and the prison ministry.” By June, Zomba Central Prison was able to cultivate a maize and vegetable garden. One of the officers told him that apart from feeding the inmates with delicious vegetables like tomatoes and onions, they had extended this blessing to the mental hospital and central hospital kitchens.
Rev. Chimesya also addressed the ninth international Citizens United for Rehabilitation of Errants (CURE) conference held in Nairobi. Ninety-five delegates from 28 countries and 12 African nations came together to further their agenda of human rights and prison reform efforts in the United States and the African continent as well as other countries throughout the world.
By December, Malawi’s local currency had been devalued by 44% and prices for basic needs rose above 50%. Karen Byrne will give an update on the current conditions and needs. She is also preparing for Rev. Chimesya to visit Ohio this August. Please join us on February 25 at 11:20 a.m. in the chapel as we continue to support this important ministry and hear of the great work that God continues to do in our world.