Ministry in Malawi – Background

Children’s Relief International (CRI) serves the deeply impoverished village of Nsanganiza in the mountains south of Blantyre—one of the poorest regions in the world. In partnership with Redson and Maryam Makwinja, CRI’s work is comprehensive and gospel-centered, addressing both immediate needs and long-term transformation.

Since 2021, CRI has built more than 100 sturdy Green Door Homes—permanent brick houses with metal roofs—for widows, orphans, and the elderly who once lived in crumbling mud-brick huts. The Nsanganiza Care Center serves over 100 children daily with food and early education. FootHills Sports & Discipleship mentors youth through academics, athletics, and Bible study. CRI also coordinates six annual food distributions, constructs wells to expand access to clean water (with a goal of 100+ wells across the 73-village region), and partners with local churches to plant new congregations. Every initiative shares the light of Christ in Word and deed—bringing hope, dignity, and lasting transformation.

In 2025, CRI began partnering with Beauty from Ashes, a faith-based NGO in Malawi, to expand Word and Deed ministries to more communities in need.

Role Summary

This missionary role with Children’s Relief International is a unique and rewarding opportunity to strengthen and develop multiple transformational ministries among some of the world’s most vulnerable communities in rural Malawi.

Missionaries in this role will collaborate with CRI leaders, local Malawian partners, church partners, and community members to advance gospel-centered efforts in:

• Safe housing for the vulnerable (Green Door Homes)

• Holistic community development (food, water, livelihoods, and health)

• Educational and discipleship outreach (Care Center preschool, youth, and spiritual programs)

• Church Planting and Disciple-Making

The focus is not on isolated programs but on empowering, supporting, and growing the impact of diverse existing initiatives—making a long-term difference through wise support, partnership, and Christ-centered relationships.

Ministry Outcomes & Alignment (CRI’s C.A.R.E. Framework)

This missionary role directly advances CRI’s four organizational outcomes:

Care – Provide tangible expressions of Christ’s love by strengthening programs that meet physical and spiritual needs through holistic ministry, including Green Door Homes, clean water, education, widow care, microfinance, nutrition, discipleship, and church planting.

Awaken – Share stories, updates, and testimonies that awaken faith in Jesus Christ and encourage generosity and prayer among CRI supporters and churches.

Raise – Mentor and disciple local believers and leaders, equipping them for ministry in Word and deed—both in the Western Church and within Malawi.

Enable – Build systems and train leaders to ensure long-term ministry sustainability, while enabling missionary service through short-term teams, internships, and missionary placements.

Opportunities to Contribute and Grow Ministry Impact

Strengthen Local Leadership & Program Quality

• Mentor and encourage local staff and volunteers.

• Build systems for excellence, sustainability, and accountability.

• Share professional skills in project management, education, construction, and community engagement.

Develop and Expand Ministry Programs

• Help refine vision, strategy, and measurement for ongoing and emerging ministries.

• Support the launch and growth of new initiatives as God leads—always grounded in community needs and local wisdom.

Build Relationships & Collaborative Partnerships

• Serve as a vital link between CRI’s U.S. Home Office and Malawian partners.

• Foster unity and cooperation among churches, community groups, and NGOs.

• Work closely with the Field Director – Africa and the Partnership Coordinator for Malawi to ensure alignment in ministry priorities, communication, and reporting.

Empower Gospel-Centered Development

• Integrate discipleship and biblical teaching into practical ministry.

• Model holistic Christian witness—serving both physical and spiritual needs.

• Participate in CRI’s Ascend Prayer rhythm, leading prayer and reflection among local partners and team members.

Enhance Cross-Cultural Learning and Personal Growth

• Learn Chichewa and immerse yourself in Malawian culture.

• Strengthen your own faith, calling, and spiritual maturity through collaborative, on-the-ground ministry and regular participation in CRI’s community of prayer.
  

Spiritual Life & Formation

• Engage regularly in CRI’s Ascend Prayer rhythm and practice.

• Complete CRI’s Hero’s Handbook readings and formation exercises as part of ongoing development in humility, gratitude, and faithfulness.

• Participate in the CRI community through prayer updates, retreats, Study Halls, and collaborative devotionals with staff and partners.

• Agree with CRI’s Statement of Faith.

Qualifications & Characteristics

• Spiritual maturity and vibrant faith in Christ; agreement with CRI’s Statement of Faith.

• Bachelor’s degree required; additional Bible/theological training strongly preferred.

• Demonstrated professional experience in relevant fields (education, community development, construction, or ministry).

• Experience leading or strengthening teams, ideally in cross-cultural or international settings.

• Prior overseas or missions experience preferred.

• Eagerness to learn, adapt, and invest in local relationships and language.

• Strong mentorship, organizational, and communication skills.

• Commitment to humility, adaptability, perseverance, and servant leadership.

• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively.
  

Training & Onboarding Pathway

• Complete CRI’s Big 8 Missionary Preparation Program (convictions, mission, strategies, goals, journey, endorsement, asking, explaining).

• Attend Support Raising Boot Camp and CRI On-Ramp Training.

• Receive pre-field orientation and cross-cultural training.

• Engage in language learning (Chichewa) with CRI support.

• Receive ongoing coaching, accountability, and spiritual care through CRI leadership.

• Annual home assignment for rest, reporting, and church engagement.

Reporting, Accountability, & Success Indicators

Reports to: CRI President
Collaborates with: Partnership Coordinator for Malawi and CRI Word & Deed Department

Indicators of Success:

• Strengthened leadership capacity among local partners.

• Growth in discipleship and church health.

• Measurable progress in sustainability and program impact (housing, education, nutrition, etc.).

• Consistent, timely communication with CRI staff and donors.

• Demonstrated integration of prayer and Word–deed ministry.

Ministry Environment & Support

• Work closely with local Malawian partners, church leaders, volunteers, and CRI’s Home Office team.

• Flexibility to innovate based on emerging needs and God-given opportunities.

• Raise your own support (salary and ministry funds) through church, family, and donor partnerships—training and coaching provided by CRI.

Our Mission:
Children’s Relief International’s mission is to share the light of Christ among the poor of our time in Word and deed.

Our Vision:
To strengthen, develop, and expand gospel-driven ministries among Malawi’s most vulnerable—offering both compassion and the transforming hope of Christ.