Abundance in Malawi: Faith, Resilience, and Sisterhood-By Jordan Henderson
Join Jordan Henderson as she reflects on her journey to Malawi. Follow along as she shares powerful stories of sisterhood, faith in action, and the tangible community transformation made possible through VIP’s long-term partnership.
Welcomed by Faith and Love
Leading up to my trip, I really didn’t know what to expect. However, God encouraged me to stay open-minded, faithful, and attentive to everything He was sending me there to receive. True abundance in Malawi became clear the moment we arrived. Local community members greeted us with appreciation and love. It was the biblical type of love that feels like home. Though we had just met, we felt an instant connection. What a blessing to meet people of such faith and resilience!
God’s presence radiated through each Malawian woman we met. They spoke with strength, acted with humility, and walked with grace and gratitude. An undeniable faith rests upon this country, revealing true abundance in Malawi. It does not depend on past circumstances, current possessions, or future longings. This faith was anchored in their love for God.
Prayer led every gathering to provide the space for the Holy Spirit to move. Their hearts brimmed with hope amidst trials. They prayerfully took every need to God, confident that the Lord would provide.
I admired the intentional choosing of hope and faith to face the challenges as well as their genuine desire to help others in their community. No one was working solely to help themselves. They showed generosity especially when they didn’t have any extra to give. Peace and kindness was extended during circumstances that would tempt anxiety and anger to arise. The constant praising and dancing created a contagiously joyful environment that you couldn’t help but join.
Finding True Abundance in Malawi
Coming from a country so consumed by consumption yet still searching for something truly fulfilling. The coexistence of extreme poverty and profound peace deeply struck me. “It brought to life the truth spoken in James 2:5 : the poor are truly rich—rich in faith.” Through the generosity of VIP and their donors, I was able to witness how these inconceivably strong, intelligent, and influential women are to utilize every tool and opportunity provided to create a life of sustainability for themselves.
Their diligent pursuit of their dreams moved me. Through it all, they never lost sight of God or gratitude for those who helped them. Words cannot fully describe this experience. However, my heart will never forget the connections I made during this life-changing trip.
Lissy’s Story: Faith, Diligence, and Hope
I was paired with the absolute inspiration of a woman, Lissy Kachoka. When I met her, there was something so comforting and familiar about her presence-a true reflection of the warmth and sisterhood found among Malawian women. Her smile warmed my heart. As I got to know her over the week, I realized that she reminded me of someone in the Bible, the woman in Proverbs 31. I could feel her strong spirit and faith through her warm embrace.
While visiting her home, I learned how much hard work goes into basic necessities like food and water. The majority of the workload fell on her, but she did not turn from it. She worked hard and diligently, she made use of everything and got up early to prepare her household. Lissy carried herself with an energetic endurance and strength. Although food is not always guaranteed, she served me plentifully.
A particular verse painted a beautiful picture of her character, “she is clothed with dignity and strength, and she laughs without fear of the future, when she speaks her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness, she watches everything carefully in her household and suffers nothing of laziness,” Proverbs 31:25-27. As verse 29 says, “there are many capable and virtuous women,” but Lissy truly surpasses them all. In our deep conversations, Lissy shared past afflictions and heartbreaks. I struggled to grasp how someone with such joy could endure such unthinkable situations.
Tools That Transform Lives
What I admire about Lissy is she doesn’t let tribulation or people’s opinions of her hold her back from pursuing the life that she desires for herself and her family. I was deeply impressed by how effectively she utilized the tools VIP provided. Lissy learned to grow food sustainably and send her children to school. She also joined the Khanda Care Group, a savings and investment loan group focused on long-term family needs and child health. She has a nurturing heart that cares deeply about her family and community. I’d describe her as a Godly influence, highly respected and loved. Her character showed me true abundance in Malawi and left a lasting impression on my 19-year-old self. It will continue to guide me as I grow into womanhood.
Keeping God at the Center
I thought I was going to Malawi to help and connect with these women, but I was the one in need of help. I left learning so much more than I could’ve ever imagined. Life is much simpler there, yet so rich and full. One thing specifically that I will treasure was how God is the center of everything; our strength, our provider, our shepherd, our complete source and supply for everything. A truth that I have begun to implement in my own family is that we don’t need all the fluff our world is trying to distract us with–the certain job, the status, or the materialistic objects that we keep chasing to be complete, we just need God.
Discovering abundance in Malawi reminded me that God is bigger than our circumstances. We are called to celebrate every blessing, lean into community, and live anchored in faith. With God all things are possible. I will forever cherish every laugh, embrace, joyful celebration, conversation, interaction, tender moment, and prayer I shared with Lissy and all the other incredible people I met. Lissy reshaped my perspective, values and character in ways she could never imagine. I am so grateful that God gave me the opportunity to see his light shine in the beautiful hearts of Malawi.
Tangible Impact
We were blessed with the opportunity to visit a level 1 (household in extreme poverty) and level 2 (household after VIP intervention) home to see the tangible impact of VIP. The level 1 family was resilient. They were determined to make the best of their circumstances. They slept on concrete floors with no pillows and a thin blanket. Additionally, their clothes were strung on a line above where they slept. The home had a roof with holes, no insulation, electricity, windows, or doors. The small home included minimal farm land and no livestock. It was a long walk to water. The only food in the home was a small bucket containing a little maize flour.
In contrast, the woman who owned the level 2 home had a larger house complete with doors, windows, metal roofing, furniture, and a bed with pillows and blankets on a frame. She owned many chickens, goats, and pigeons, along with plenty of land to farm. For instance, last season, she harvested multiple bags of maize and rice. She sold part of the yield and stored 18 bags for the hungry season.
She achieved this through VIP’s “Pass On” program. After receiving a goat from VIP, she bred it and passed offspring to another family in need. By breeding and selling goats, she generated income to rent additional farmland. She also joined loan groups and began saving to build a rental property. She was a chief leader who worked diligently to move herself out of extreme poverty. It was inspiring and gave me such hope for her village’s future being under such a powerful and hardworking woman.
Get Involved and Show Support
This trip challenged us to step away from comfort and gain fresh perspective. It offered a chance to serve humbly and witness a community centered on God. VIP equips communities with tools rather than temporary fixes. They empower families to build long-term security together. VIP’s reliance on God and focus on lasting relationships ensures long-term success for every village. I deeply desire for more people to get involved in supporting VIP so they can continue to help villages move from scarcity to sustainability.
Whether you desire to go to Malawi yourself or you’re interested in supporting someone from your homes, there are so many ways you can get involved. You can participate in a “Water Walk”, fund university tuition, buy a family a goat, or sponsor a trip attendee. There are so many ways to love and serve people I encourage you to follow Holy Spirit guidance and obey what God is leading you to do. I thank VIP for this amazing opportunity that has changed my perspective on life forever.
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