These are the words of CFCM team leader, Elevate Mizinga, looking back over the two days spent together with the volunteer team. The first CFCM Team Conference was a major milestone on CFCM’s journey to having a trainer in each of Malawi’s 28 districts.
Until a few years ago, all of Children for Christ Ministry’s work in Malawi rested on the faithful shoulders of Elevate and her coworker, Joseph Jeke. With passion and perseverance, they laid the groundwork for what has now become a vibrant movement. Today, thanks to a bold vision for multiplication, a growing team of 25 trainers and over 40 Bible club leaders is reaching children across the country with the gospel—and transforming communities in the process.
In September, the volunteer trainers came together in Golomoti for the first ever CFCM Team Conference. Throughout the two days much time was devoted to prayer for the work of CFCM in each region. There was training in leadership, evangelism to Muslims, income generating schemes, as well as practical sessions on creating visual aids, Bible storytelling and new Bible club games.
“I liked the team spirit that was displayed amongst the team regardless of position. The leadership training will help me to work hand in hand with my fellow volunteers. The training on how to reach out with the Gospel to Muslims helped me to relate the Quran teaching with the Bible, and now I am very confident to approach my Muslim neighbours.” (Ellness Mphalo, CFCM volunteer trainer from Mzimba)
The highpoint for everyone was the children’s rally on the morning of Day Two. “CFCM’s goal is to reach the children of Malawi with the Gospel, so even though the conference was to unite and build up the team, we could not fail to have an event for local children.” (Joseph Jeke). At 8am the entire team headed to the recreation ground, gathering children as they went. Sports activities were soon underway with each team member organising separate activities.
Later the children sat down under the mango trees for the Bible club. Children were still arriving, and by the end 480 children were present. Even local residents were amazed to see so many children gathered together!
“The children’s rally – for me it was the first time to have lots of children in that way and I was so impressed, seeing what can be achieved which such a group of children – so impressed!” (Owen Mgada, CFCM volunteer trainer on Likoma Island”
Following a great time of singing and learning the memory verse, one of CFCM’s Regional Coordinators, Oden Kaning’a, captivated the children with his telling of the story of Zaccheaus and clear presentation of the Gospel. Then the children divided into small groups according to age and a team member gave them counselling in the way of Salvation.
Besides being a huge opportunity for the Gospel, the team members were learning from each other, gaining practical experience, and being inspired in ways of developing their own children’s work back home. For local Sunday school teachers it was their first experience of a Bible club, and two of the teachers committed to carry on the Bible club work that had been started.
“The conference was a great opportunity to have fellowship with our wonderful team of volunteers, to share with each other and help each other, to pray for each other and understand the challenges each one faces. During the children’s rally we got to know each other’s gifts and learn from one another.” (Elevate Mizinga, Team Leader of CFCM)
“I want to thank Elevate and Joseph for sharing the programme and not doing everything themselves. There was such unity between the leaders and the volunteers.” (Samson Kapangalika, CFCM volunteer trainer at Nkhata Bay)
“Seeing the compassion and commitment demonstrated by volunteer workers, and how passionate they were about children’s ministry – that was wonderful!” (Pastor Robert Gideon, CFCM executive committee)
Robert Gideon is pictured as he led the session on evangelism to Muslims.
Everyone who attended expressed thanks to CFCM’s supporters in the UK who made the conference possible, who covered all their costs including transport, and for gift bags which everyone received.
Let us pray that the CFCM family will continue to grow – closer to each other, closer to the Lord, and wider across the country of Malawi so that many more Sunday school teachers and Bible club leaders will be equipped to bring the Gospel message clearly to children, to the glory of God.
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