The Mission to Malawi began in 2003, a seminary internship project designed to educate one congregation in issues of Global poverty. Over the course of two years, the church became passionate about justice issues surrounding our responsibility as Americans to the world around us. The project grew into a full fledge desire to begin a formal relationship with Lutherans of another country. The synodical relationship with Papua New-Guinea was unable to yield a church-to-church relationship so the suggestion was made that St. Paul look elsewhere for partnership. Thus began the relationship with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malawi. Today the Mission has broadened to individuals and churches throughout the southeast United States; all focused on one goal - the mutual sharing of our talents and resources, furthering our relationship in Christ. There is a great disparity between the monetary wealth of our country and the vast poverty of Malawi. Likewise there is a life of spiritual growth and renewal present in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malawi (ELCM) while the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is in constant decline. Our involvement in Malawi brings health care to the sick, food to the hungry, and education to gifted individuals that would not otherwise have the opportunity to exercise such a gift.

Their involvement in the ELCA is bringing a  Spiritual fervor that is sparking a renewal of our faith. They are teaching us how to live out our baptismal covenant for the sake of the world rather than self.  Their ambassadors to our youth bring faith formation and compassion which are shaping the minds of our children. Every year, mission trips are lead to Malawi. Those who embark upon these trips return forever changed; filled with a desire to help our brothers and sisters and formed by a desire to change their lives to reflect the better understanding of stewardship that they have gained. We are blessed to travel with medical donations from King Pharmaceuticals.  Every traveler forgoes the use of one suitcase in order to take a fifty-pound package of medical supplies.  Those supplies  will be used to care for the poorest of the poor. While there, travelers participate in worship services, learn how the Lutheran World Federation programs are combating hunger, work along side members of the ELCM in various building projects, and develop relationships that last a life time.

The Malawi Mission has broadened so that now it has become an ecumenical movement focused on providing aid our brothers and sisters in Malawi. Those involved include Baptists, Brethrens, Lutherans, Presbyterians, Moravians, and Methodists. A board has been formed that reflects this diversity and the mission is moving towards receiving its 501(c)3 status. Numerous colleges are partnering with the mission, providing opportunities for professors and students to make a difference in Malawi. Multiple trips are being planned every year as this mission continues to expand. A ten year plan for providing infrastructure has been established which focuses specifically on the following areas: building churches, schools and dormitories, providing hunger relief, health care, educational scholarships, and clean water. God continues to bless this partnership for the sake of the Gospel. We have set our eyes upon several developments for the future; medical missions, establishing a Habitat for Humanity affiliate within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malawi, and have begun discussions on the provision of a bio-fuel plant.In the United States, those who have traveled visit churches in Virginia in order to share the story of the ELCM.  Funds that are raised through their presentations are in turn given to the Church to fill a needs list that has been provided by their National Bishop, Joseph P. Bvumbwe.

Initially, the Malawi Mission obtained a grant through the Virginia Synod Youth-to-Youth program for $25,000. Through this grant, the ELCM began building a Youth Vocational Training Center in Madisi. The mission has continued to develop this project, building a school block, girl’s dormitory, as well as a kitchen/cafeteria to serve the campus. Desks were provided for the school block and beds for the dorm. Students at the center are learning trades that will provide an income for themselves. The center is now doubling as a training center for lay evangelists.Eventually, it will become the site of the first Lutheran Seminary in Malawi.

Currently there are classes in Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Brick Masonry, Carpentry, Knitting, and Secretarial Skills. Proceeds from the sell of these products go back into the administration of the training center making it self sustained.

Stella’s Dream:
No Malawi children will be hungry
by the Rev. Amy Oehlschlaeger

A heart for the Lord and a heart for the Lord's people from the warm heart of Africa, Malawi: that is Stella! Stella is the coordinator of the Diakonia of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Malawi (ELCM). She was a teacher for 16 years; then the Holy Spirit called her to this service ministry of the church.

The Diakonia touches a lot of lives through its programs, including feeding centers, mobile health clinics, school fees for orphans, emergency hunger relief assistance and care for the aged. Stella shared her dream with me, "of a day when all the children of the ELCM will have enough food to eat and will have the chance to go to school." As she pointed to her eyes, Stella said, "I weep, I weep when I see the children hungry." Then Stella said, "The Lord is good. The Lord will provide. He has already provided you. We could not do it (this ministry) without you." Stella smiled. Her face was full of her faith in the Lord.

Pastor Oehlshaeger, who traveled with The Mission to Malawi in 2004, became an advocacy outreach associate in the public policy office of Lutheran World Relief in Washington. She is now serving a call in the Virginia Synod.

Missionary zeal does not grow out of intellectual beliefs, nor out of theological arguments, but out of love.  If I do not love a person I am not moved to help him by proofs that he is in need; if I do love him, I wait for no proof of a special need to urge me to help him. Knowledge of Christ is so rich a treasure that the spirit of love must necessarily desire to impart it.  The mere assurance that others have it not is sufficient proof of their need.  This spirit of love throws aside intellectual arguments that they can do very well without it.  But if this spirit is not present, a man is easily persuaded that to impart a knowledge of Christianity (for it is noteworthy that such men always speak of Christianity rather than of Christ) is not necessary -- nay, is superfluous expense of energy which might be better used in other ways.