As we focus on Malawi this May, we’re excited to share how God is moving through Equipping Leaders International’s (ELI) ministry in this nation of great spiritual hunger and opportunity. Bentry Mhango, one of our dedicated leaders on the ground, shares a powerful update on what’s happening through the training of church leaders and pastors across the country.
Training Leaders in Strategic Locations
Currently, ELI operates six teaching centers across Malawi, reaching 82 pastors with biblical training and discipleship. Two of these centers are strategically located for cross-cultural ministry. One is in Mangochi, a region dominated by Islam, where the pastors we train are faithfully serving church members surrounded by a majority Muslim population. The other center is located in a refugee camp in the central region of Malawi, which is home to nearly 50,000 refugees fleeing civil war from neighboring East African countries. Here, pastors not only receive training—they return to the refugee community and teach others, multiplying the impact of ELI’s work.
Deepening the Roots of Faith
Many of the pastors being trained have never had access to a Bible school or formal theological education. Their understanding of Scripture has often been shallow, and their practice of Christianity tends to be works-based. Recently, ELI taught a course called Living in Grace, which focuses on how the grace of God shapes every part of our lives—not just the beginning of our Christian walk.
“At the end of the course,” Bentry shared, “almost all the participants testified that they had viewed God’s grace as something only needed at the entry point of faith. Now they understand that grace carries them through every step of their journey.”
A Pastor Transformed in Mangochi
Pastor Innocent Masache, who serves in the Muslim-dominated region of Mangochi, is one of the many leaders transformed by ELI’s training. He has learned to lead Bible studies, teach about prayer, and train his congregation in evangelism—all rooted in sound doctrine and biblical understanding. His influence is growing as he faithfully shares what he has learned with his church and community.
Hope for the Church in Malawi
Bentry is encouraged by the rapid growth of the church in Malawi—not just in numbers, but also in spiritual depth. “This growth needs to be accompanied by biblical knowledge,” he says. “I am grateful to God that He has allowed me to take part in that growth through ELI.”
How You Can Pray
Bentry invites you to pray in the following ways:
- For him personally: Pray for good health and safety as he travels across Malawi to teach and encourage church leaders.
- For the ministry: Pray for the financial and material resources needed to sustain and expand the training efforts.
- For the pastors: Pray for faithfulness in teaching others what they’ve learned, and for provision of basic needs for these leaders and their families.
As you’ve read, God is doing incredible things through the ministry of Equipping Leaders International in Malawi. From training pastors in Muslim-majority regions to discipling leaders in refugee camps, the need is great—and the opportunities are greater.
This May, we are prayerfully raising $15,000 to strengthen and expand this vital ministry. These funds will help us provide biblical training, materials, and support for pastors who are hungry to learn and eager to lead their churches in truth and grace.
Will you join us?
Your gift will directly impact the lives of church leaders, their congregations, and entire communities.
