Songs of Joy In The Rural Village of MTEPA , Malawi

Last week we talked about our sponsorship program, and this week I want to share one of the most personal and powerful parts of our time in Malawi—visiting the villages where our sponsored students live.

One such village is MTEPA, home of a boy named Rombani. Years ago, the Sigler family began sponsoring Rombani, and it was the desperate need for clean water in his village that launched Giving Basics. We had the privilege of visiting MTEPA this trip—and what an unforgettable day it was.

From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with joyful singing and dancing. I miss that kind of welcome—no one sings and dances to greet me in America! 

They ushered us into Agogo Hara's home. 

 

We had brought gifts for the family and the village. One of the most powerful moments was when we gave Agogo Hara a Bible in Tumbuka, their local language, and a children’s Bible in English. 

Her entire face lit up, and she broke out in song. She sat at Amy’s feet—not to elevate Amy, but to honor Jesus. It was a humbling moment.

 

Then a young girl bravely came forward and read from Genesis in English. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room.

In return, the village presented us with freshly roasted ears of corn. Their corn has a grainier texture than American corn—more filling, more earthy. Scott grabbed the biggest piece!

Later, we handed out sweeties (candies) to the children who had gathered around us, drawn by the laughter and excitement.

We walked a short distance to the well— the one that launched Giving Basics. Again, we were met with singing and dancing as a celebration of God’s goodness and provision. 

When we returned, the village prepared a full lunch for us—chicken, rice, nsima, and squash. It was a sacrificial gift, and they even rounded up as many spoons as they could find—some that looked like treasures from an antique store.

After lunch, I noticed the children eating what was left on our plates. It broke my heart. They were so hungry, yet so generous.

Malawian culture traditionally separates men and women—especially when it comes to chores. Men don’t typically do dishes or fetch water. But our men and teen boys helped wash dishes that day. 

Agogo Hara said she had never in her life seen a man wash a dish. 

In the afternoon the boys and Jo played football (soccer). The younger girls were fascinated with our hair! 

They braided (the other) Brooke’s hair...

Mamma Jen’s hair...

and my hair.

 

Presca, who manages the mill, has a beautiful voice and led the children in worship. 

Later, we piled into vehicles—children packed in the back...

and in the bed of the truck...and drove a few minutes to Maumba School to show the Jesus Film.

Before the film started, the kids played duck-duck-goose and more football. 

Brittney had them in stitches with her “Big Fat Hen” rhyme.

When the sun set, we gathered inside for formal introductions with the village chief and elders. Then Chisomo, Presca, and some of the local men and women led worship. 

Their harmonies were so rich and full—it was one of my favorite parts of the entire trip.

There was one hiccup… the men who went to get fuel for the generator brought back cooking oil instead of gas. In Tumbuka, the word is the same for both

! 

Thankfully, we were able to drain it and refill the tank with real fuel. The generator worked, and hundreds of people watched the Jesus Film in their own language. 

Many raised their hands to accept Christ that night.

It was a full, beautiful, humbling day. We went to bed happily exhausted.

Psalm 126: 5

“Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.”

Prayer

Lord, 

You see every tear, every sacrifice, every seed planted in faith. Thank You for turning sorrow into singing and hunger into hope. Let the joy we witnessed in MTEPA rise like a song that never fades. Take what  we have and do what only You can—bring life, bring light, bring lasting change. 

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Want to help?

Putting on a Jesus Film showing costs about $150, which covers the generator rental and fuel. 

If you want to make it extra special by serving food it costs $300.

We still need help funding:

• A future Resource Center (two of our teen girls hope to help run it after high school!)

• Kitchens for food preparation

• Fertilizer, seed, and irrigation for sustainable agriculture

• The “boring but essential” stuff: vehicle maintenance, fuel, electricity, and staff salaries for our Malawi team

We’re usually about $1,000 short each month—but somehow, God always provides.

If you’d like to donate, visit GivingBasics.org. You can specify where your gift goes. If you give to the Resource Center, our American team will personally match donations up to $25,000—doubling your impact!

And you can give with confidence: 100% of your donation goes directly to Africa. Our American team works for free, because we know we’ve already been richly blessed.

Thank you for rolling with faith alongside us.

• I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences, feel free to leave a comment below. 

• Enjoyed this post? Subscribe now for more insightful content.