In December, our NEW ZION family witnessed something extraordinary — what happens when obedience, generosity, and unity meet the call of God. From 20–27 December 2025, a team of 13 missionaries from New Zion churches travelled to Malawi to give their Christmas away and partner with local believers in advancing the Gospel.
Muli bwanji? Ndili bwino, kaya inu?
These Chichewa words — “Hello, I am well, how are you?” — became a gateway into hearts, homes, and holy moments we will never forget.
Why Malawi?
Earlier this year, God stirred a personal call to missions in my heart while reading The Challenge of Missions, a book recommended by Apostle Russell. It challenged me to begin “sending my money ahead” — sowing into places I felt called to go. That obedience led to supporting missionaries in Japan and Malawi, weekly prayer, and eventually, an open door to physically go.
What followed could only be orchestrated by God: a surprise invitation during Proclaim Week to explore a Malawi mission trip, partnership with Geshem Church, and an opportunity to live out a long-held dream — giving Christmas away.
Evangelism, Unity, and Local Partnership
Our outreach model was intentionally built around unity and sustainability.
Each evangelism team included:
- A South African missionary
- A Chichewa-Englis interpreter
- A local church member
Together, we shared the gospel door-to-door, prayed in homes, and invited people into ongoing discipleship through the local church. One powerful testimony was Victoria — a young mother who gave her life to Jesus during outreach and attended the Christmas service the very next day, calling one of our team members “my friend.” Four new believers from outreach took up church membership that week. Truly, heaven rejoices over every soul.
Ministering to the Kondanani Children
At Kondanani Children’s Village, our team ran Metro Kids teachings centred on three themes:
- God is always with you
- God works through problems
- Encouraging yourself in the Lord
Though prepared for children, most participants were teenagers and young adults. Despite warnings that many were hardened due to short-term missions, the Holy Spirit moved powerfully. Through worship, teaching, prayer, and small groups, hearts softened. Lives were transformed.
On Christmas Day, a revival service led to salvation, recommitment, deliverance, and Spirit baptism. And on Boxing Day, despite torrential rain from a tropical cyclone, 13 children were baptised, along with five team members — a sacred moment of new beginnings.
A Baptism for All of Us
This trip marked many “firsts”: first-time missionaries, first baptisms, first door-to-door evangelism for Geshem Church, and the first NEW ZION Malawi mission trip of the 2020s. Through laying down comfort and “Christmas as usual,” God resurrected hope, purpose, and calling — not only in those we served, but in us.
Some feedback from the missions team:
“Missions isn’t a moment — it’s a lifestyle of consistency and sacrifice.” — Michellay Rosenberg
“God doesn’t just see, but He opens our eyes to see what He sees.” — Gugulethu Nkosi
“While on mission to Malawi, I saw the way that the Word became alive – “and the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” — Tamzine Jaftha
“I’ve learnt that God doesn’t need perfect people, He needs willing vessels. He can use you to minister even through your healing, even in your brokenness – He can still use you.” — Kiara Gregory
“We are the ultimate mission field!” — Bethany Toohey
The greatest gift this Christmas wasn’t what we brought. It was Him.
Thank you, NEW ZION family, for your prayers, love, and financial support. This impact was made because of you.
