🙌 WELCOME
Thank you for joining us on a mission trip to Malawi with Hope for the Future!
This guide is here to help you finalize preparations and know what to expect as we serve together in Malawi.
🌱 ABOUT HOPE FOR THE FUTURE
Hope for the Future is a Christ-centered ministry reaching the people of Malawi through evangelism, discipleship, education, and humanitarian aid. We aim to bring the Gospel to villages and demonstrate God’s love in practical ways.
• Founded: Romania (1993), Malawi (1999) by missionary Tom Gentry.
• The missionary family answered God’s calling to move to Malawi in 2008.
👥 LEADERSHIP
• Ovi Cornea – Missionary and President of Hope for the Future (Malawi & Romania).
• Stanley Thawe – initially hired as a translator, now Local Director, Administrator and Primary School Principal.
• Samuel Mandala – initially hired as a driver for our teams, now Bible School Coordinator.
We are a team of 47 staff members, including translators, teachers, guards, cooks, and groundskeepers – plus a number of faithful volunteers. The ministry is large, and I look forward to sharing more with you in person.
We’re guided by a Board of Trustees, whose wisdom and accountability we value deeply.
🌍 ABOUT MALAWI
• Former name: Nyasaland.
• Size/population: Comparable to Pennsylvania.
• Global poverty ranking: 4th poorest.
• Gained independence: 1964 (from Britain); multi-party democracy since the 1990s.
Regions
• North: Mzuzu
• Central: Lilongwe (capital)
• South: Blantyre (commercial center), Zomba (our base, former colonial capital)
🤝 MALAWIAN CULTURE
We never compromise biblical truth, but we also don’t trample the culture.
Cultural Tips
• Greet people warmly and individually when possible.
• Always ask permission before taking photos.
• Avoid public affection between couples.
• Dress modestly (especially in villages).
• Be patient and flexible – time is viewed differently here.
• Avoid comparing Malawi to your home country – it can be hurtful and hinder ministry.
“They are not us, and we are not them – but Christ died for all of us.”
🌾 REALITY ON THE GROUND
• 72% of people live below the poverty line.*
• Most are subsistence farmers, vulnerable to drought and floods.
• Homes typically lack electricity, plumbing, or basic sanitation.
• Many will never: ride in a car, eat ice cream, read a book, use a computer, watch TV or travel.
Children in Malawi often face significant challenges:
• They lack toys, real soccer balls, or birthday celebrations.
• Many do not know their exact age.
• They are often expected to work rather than attend school.
• Fathers typically receive priority when it comes to family resources.
• Acts of kindness and gifts are rare—and profoundly impactful when given.
📖 OUR MINISTRY
• Bible Clubs weekly around Zomba.
• Evangelistic Camps in unreached areas throughout the year.
• Care for 164 orphans (since 2012).
• Free Christian education at our school (opened in 2016).
• Church planting & partnerships (65 churches to date).
• Bible School in Zomba to train pastors and leaders (since 2018).
🕌 RELIGION IN MALAWI
• 77% Christian (Catholic, Presbyterian, Anglican).
• 14% Muslim (increasing). Two districts in Malawi have Muslim majorities: Mangochi (72.6%) and Machinga (67%).
• 9% Other (Animist, Hindu, Buddhist, or non-religious).
Christianity in Malawi is experiencing a slow but steady decline. In 2008, Christians made up 82.7% of the population; by 2018, that number had dropped to 77.3%.
In contrast, Islam is gradually growing. Muslims comprised 13.0% of the population in 2008 and increased slightly to 13.8% by 2018.
Religious practice is often mixed with superstition and ancestral beliefs.
Biblical doctrine is limited, and evangelistic efforts are rare in many churches.
🗣 LANGUAGE
• English (used in government, signs, and business).
• Chichewa (spoken by most people). want to learn some simple phrases in Chichewa?
City dwellers and shopkeepers usually speak some English.
A warm smile, friendly tone, and respectful demeanor go a long way, no matter the language.
💵 CURRENCY
• Malawian Kwacha (MWK), currently trading at around 1,730 for $1.
• To quickly estimate the U.S. dollar equivalent: divide kwacha amount by 2,000, then add 10%.
• Prices are inflated for foreigners, and bargaining is accepted and expected.
🛡 HEALTH & SAFETY
Malawi is known as “The Warm Heart of Africa“, but wise precautions help ensure a safe and healthy trip.
• Take your malaria medicine and use bug spray.
• Wash hands often; carry hand sanitizer.
• Drink only bottled or sealed water.
• Stay with the group – don’t wander alone.
• Assume people view you as wealthy.
• Only eat fruits/veggies from trusted sources.
• At restaurants, ask to open bottles in your presence.
• Avoid ice unless you know it’s made with filtered water.
🏡 ACCOMODATION
You will be staying on our secure mission compound:
• 24/7 security on 3 acres of peaceful land.
• Three dogs: Cynthia, Sasha (German Shepherd pups), and Zack.
Mission House Layout:
The missionary family live upstairs.
You’ll stay downstairs:
• 4 bedrooms.
• 2 bathrooms with showers.
• Kitchen, large living room, pavilion/dining area.
• Washing machine and dryer.
🕘 DAILY SCHEDULE
08:00 AM Devotion & daily briefing.
09:00 AM Ministry activities.
12:30–1:00 PM Lunch.
02:00 PM Afternoon ministry.
06:00 PM Dinner & debrief.
• Breakfast: Self-serve at the Mission House
• Lunch & Dinner: Provided in the field, at home, or restaurants
• Meals: Primarily Western-style with optional local dishes
📲 OTHER NOTES
• Download the Tiyimbe app (iOS and Android).
• Ensure you drink plenty of water.
• Take a picture of your visa stamp and have it on you always.
• Don’t leave valuables in plain sight.
We are honored to welcome you and trust the Lord for a meaningful, fruitful time of ministry and fellowship!
Thank you for joining God’s work in Malawi!