Our Life-Changing Mission Trip to Malawi: Seeing Jesus in a New Way

Hey Friends!

We just got back from two incredible weeks in Malawi, and I can’t wait to share this experience with you. It was a trip full of unexpected moments, deep conversations, and lessons I’ll carry with me forever.

School Feeding Program

Whether you supported us through prayer, donations, or encouragement—thank you. Your love made this journey possible, and we felt it every step of the way.

Where is Malawi, and Why Did We Go?

Building Bonds

Malawi is a small, landlocked country in southeastern Africa, known for its breathtaking scenery and some of the kindest, most joyful people you’ll ever meet. 

Despite the deep poverty and challenges, the spirit of the communities is filled with resilience and hope.

Director of Shine Malawi- Honest, Caring, and a Hard Worker

We traveled with Giving Basics, a nonprofit that provides essential living basics. In Malawi, they partner with Shine Malawi, a Christ-centered organization working to break cycles of poverty through community-driven solutions. 

Mamma's cooking the porridge for the school kids, the program is both successful and sustainable.

The focus is on education, nutrition, discipleship, and sustainable development to empower children and families.

We loved getting to know these ladies who work so hard!

The mission of Giving Basics and Shine Malawi is more than just providing aid—it’s about building lasting relationships and connecting America with Malawi.

Scott with some of the headmen

By walking alongside local leaders, we’re helping bring lasting hope through resources, support, and the love of Jesus. And that’s exactly what we came to be a part of.

Getting There: Bumps, Breakdowns, and Big Faith

Summer got the window seat and captured this awesome shot.

The travel was wild...

Our flight got delayed from Nairobi to Lilongwe- we all slept!

Long flights, layovers, delays, even a car that broke down...

The first of our many many breakdowns

...and another that hit a dog on the way to Mzimba!

SO MANY wild dogs roaming around...everywhere

It took over six hours of driving on dusty, bumpy roads to reach our destination. We left Indiana on Saturday and arrived in Mzimba early Monday morning. I was exhausted, jet-lagged, and sore, but I couldn’t stop smiling. We had made it. God got us there.

The packed cars, bumpy roads, and hours on the road seemed to be one of the biggest challenges for our team. 

And I kept thinking: Jesus made His way to the hard places too.

Jesus and the Dusty Roads

Mamma Amy and Agogo praising Jesus

As Easter approaches, I’ve been thinking about how Jesus entered our world. Amy, my friend and the director of Giving Basics, said something that stuck with me during a moment we all felt overwhelmed by the need around us. 

She reminded us that Jesus didn’t come with wealth and power to fix everything, but chose to join us in our struggles.

A meal the village prepared for us as a thank you for the well and gifts, it was humbling. 

He was born in poverty, walked dusty roads, and shared meals with the outcast and overlooked. He could have improved living conditions with a word—but instead, He chose to join us in our suffering. 

That’s the kind of Savior we follow.

Philippians 2:5-8 

"You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross."

One of my favorite pictures, this was before we shared the Jesus Film. 

And that’s the heart behind this mission trip. We didn’t go to solve everything. We went to be present—to listen, love, and share life, just like Jesus did.

What I Expected… and What Actually Happened

I expected culture shock. I expected hard moments. But I didn’t expect to be welcomed like family.

Mammas invited us into their homes and let us hold their babies with no hesitation.

The people we met were full of joy, hospitality, and resilience. They invited us into their homes, their schools, and their stories. And in those moments—holding their babies, laughing over a shared meal, or praying hand in hand—

I saw God more clearly than I have in a long time.

How Jesus’ Life, Death, and Resurrection Changed the Way I Saw This Trip

Our kids loved to stop and give children along the road sweeties

Jesus lived among us to show us what love looks like in action. He died on the cross to take on the weight of our sin and suffering. And He rose again to give us hope that even in the hardest places, death doesn’t get the final word.

That truth carried me through moments when I felt overwhelmed. 

I remembered that the same Jesus who conquered the grave is still working today—in small villages, through local leaders, and in the lives of children who are now being fed and educated because people like you decided to care.

You Were Part of This

If you donated, prayed, or even shared one of our posts, you were part of this mission. 

Your generosity didn’t just meet physical needs—it shared the story of a God who sees, loves, and stays.

What’s Next?

Our teens passed out bracelets with verses on them to all the kids- they loved them! 

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing powerful stories from our trip—stories about the incredible kids we met, the challenges we faced, and the unexpected ways God worked in and through us. 

I hope these posts inspire you and give you a glimpse of the tangible impact your support has had.

Whether you’re planning your own mission trip, donating, or simply loving those around you, your generosity is already making a difference. 

I hope these stories continue to encourage you and remind you that you’re part of something bigger. 

Keep shining your light, both near and far—your faithfulness is truly making a lasting impact.

Closing Thought for Easter

As Easter approaches, I hope we all remember this: Jesus didn’t stay far away. He came close. He entered our world, carried our pain, and rose again so that we could live with hope. 

That’s the heart of the Gospel—and that’s what we got to share, and experience, in Malawi.

Thanks for reading, and thanks for walking this journey with us.

 Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We thank You for the incredible opportunity to serve alongside our brothers and sisters in Malawi. Thank You for showing us Your love through the joyful, resilient people we met. We praise You for Your goodness and for the way You continue to work in and through each one of us.

We ask that You continue to guide Giving Basics and Shine Malawi as they work to bring hope and transformation to these communities. May their efforts be multiplied and may the seeds of love and faith continue to grow.

Thank You for allowing us to be part of this beautiful mission, please bless those who have blessed us with generosity and support.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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