the Mission in Malawi

In an earlier post, I mentioned Wes Gunn, my step-brother, who is coordinating the group mission trip to Malawi. Wes is the Missions Minister at the Landmark Church of Christ in Montgomery, AL. He coordinates the short and long-term works of this church, including the incredible work being done in Malawi.

I wanted to learn more about how the work there got started, so I asked Wes to respond to a few questions to post here. Thank you, Wes!

Summer: Wes, you are involved in missions around the world. How did you come to be involved in Malawi?

Wes: The Malawi work came about through an article my wife was reading in Christian Woman magazine in 2002. We emailed the author on the off-shoot they may be interested in a short-term team. Our first team went in the summer of 2003 and we’ve continued to be involved heavily ever since.

Summer: What is the core mission of the work being done in Malawi?

Wes: The core of our work in Malawi has centered on Mtendere Children’s Village just outside of Lilongwe. Our mission has been to minister and provide a safe, godly environment to children devastated by the HIV pandemic and the recent famine. We have provided housing, education, food, medical care, and spiritual teaching to more than 130 children. Mtendere opened in February 2005 with 16 kids.

Summer: How would you characterize the people there?

Wes: Malawians have an amazingly gentle and loving spirit. Even in poverty, we are always received as honored guests and showered with love and small gifts of affection. Malawi is one of the only countries in Africa that has no history of war.

Summer: How can people get involved and what kind of impact can they have?

Wes: One of the best ways is to become a sponsor of a child at Mtendere. We usually have a few children who are needing sponsors. You can become a sponsor by visiting http://www.100xmissions.org/.

Wes lives in Montgomery, AL with his wife, Amanda, and their three year old son Taylor, who enjoy traveling with Wes when they can. Wes and Amanda are both alumni of Auburn University (note the color scheme!).