A Visit to Malawi

A Visit to Malawi:
Witnessing the Gospel’s Impact Among the Yao

FEBCanada’s Executive Director, Evert Van Steenbergen, recently traveled to Malawi to visit Amos, FEB Malawi’s national director, and witness firsthand the incredible impact of his ministry among the Yao people. Over the years, Amos has tirelessly spread the gospel through radio broadcasts and Listener Groups, bringing hope to thousands despite the challenges of poverty and persecution. This visit was an opportunity to connect with Amos and his team, see the transformative power of faith in action, and strengthen the partnership between FEBCanada and FEB Malawi.

Amos has been proclaiming God’s word to the Yao people for 35 years. The Yao are predominantly Muslim, counting about 4 million people, with the majority in Malawi. A Yao himself who converted to Christianity in his twenties, Amos has been using both traditional and new media to reach his people. He runs two FM stations which reach most of this small country, in particular areas where the Yao live. The radio programs he and his young team produce range from gospel messages to practical programs which focus on daily life, such as raising children, marriage and agriculture.

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Malawi is one of Africa’s poorest countries; many cannot afford to buy a basic radio. With the support of FEB South Africa and donors from Canada and the United States, Amos delivers simple solar-powered radios to Yao communities, which are shared by what we call Listener Groups. These groups vary from 10 to 70 people, and after more than three decades there are now more than 21,000 of these Listener Groups! These groups are often composed of new believers, seekers, and curious Muslims.
Amos spends much of his time visiting these groups, and training local group leaders and pastors. They and the group members also need a great deal of encouragement, as conversion to Christianity often leads to persecution. It is not uncommon for new believers to be beaten up and have their livestock or land confiscated by local imams and their followers. When too dangerous, new believers often move to another community where there is more protection.
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One of the Listener Club leaders is Moses. He changed his name from Musa after he accepted Jesus Christ as his saviour. The local imam ordered several people to beat him up badly; he bled in various places, so severe that his father advised him to leave town as soon as possible. But Moses felt convicted that he should share his newfound faith with his hometown. Despite losing much of his belongings, he persisted and started a Listener Club in an enclosed yard behind his house. The Lord blessed his obedience, and today his group has about 45 people; all have become Christians.
PLEASE PRAY FOR
Amos and his team; that they may continue to produce life-changing programs on FM radio and social media. Recently the ministry has expanded to Yao people in neighbouring Tanzania, Zambia and Mozambique.
Listener Club leaders and members; for protection and courage; for growth in God’s word and maturity in the Spirit.
For resources to maintain the radio stations, buy new radios for Listener Clubs, as well as bibles and other Christian literature, and training resources for leaders.

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MINISTRY IN MALAWI