Hope in Action: Brothers In Arms January–April 2025 Highlights

As we mark the end of the first quarter of 2025, we give thanks to God for the lives touched, the seeds sown, and the new beginnings that have taken root. From the streets of Blantyre to the heart of our center in Lunzu, your partnership has made a visible impact.

But this season has not been without sorrow—we also stood together in grief over the tragic loss of one of our own. His life and legacy remind us why we do what we do: to protect, empower, and speak up for the vulnerable.

Here are some powerful moments and stories from the first quarter of 2025.

Maize Farming Brings Relief and Stability

This year’s maize harvest brought an incredible blessing: enough food to feed the children at our center for nine months.

This means:

• No need to purchase maize for most of the year

• Funds can be redirected to education, health, and discipleship

• We can now supply maize to children on ARVs and malnourished families through our outreach

Children wearing a smile on the harvest - March

Tree Planting at Michiru Forest – A Legacy for Generations

We planted 800 trees in Michiru Forest, teaching our children about stewardship and sustainability. Through this initiative, we’re growing not just trees—but a generation of youth who understand and protect the environment.

Hoops & Dreams: Sports as a Ministry

Our basketball and football teams are doing more than winning games—they're transforming lives:

• Our basketball team beat elite schools like Kalibu Academy and St. Andrews in Blantyre city.

• Our community-based football team brings together boys from our center and nearby areas, building unity and friendships every weekend

• Through every game, we share the Gospel message—sports as a platform for evangelism

Sports has created a platform for us to share the gospel message ~ Asante

Rescue & Reintegration: 15 Children Find a New Beginning

This quarter, we rescued 15 children from the streets. Some are now safely living at our center; others have returned to their communities through our after-school clubs.

Every child receives:

• Holistic care (spiritual, emotional, educational)

• Ongoing psychosocial support

• Regular home visits from our social workers

From Streets to Stardom

One of our rescued boys is now playing for Nyasa Big Bullets Junior Team, a top football club in Malawi. His journey from the streets to the field is a testament to God’s grace—and your support.

Chicken Farming Fuels Progress

Our first harvest of chickens brought more than nutrition—it funded the renovation of our basketball court, and reduced our dependence on outside food sources.

Now, children help care for the animals, learning valuable skills for life beyond the center.

Empowering Alumni for Independence

15 alumni boys are beginning a new chapter—armed with vocational skills and soon-to-receive startup packs like:

• Mechanical toolboxes

• Compressors for welding and panel beating

• Sewing and fabrication machines

This initiative is breaking the cycle of poverty and dependency—turning rescued boys into community leaders.

Kids Ministry Impacting Over 100 Children Weekly

Led by one of our alumni, this ministry teaches kids aged 4–12 about:

• God's love and truth

• Positive life skills

• Hope beyond poverty and addiction

Many of these children come from broken homes. Our weekly gatherings are planting seeds of faith that will grow into transformed futures.

Tragedy in Mbayani Market

We mourn the loss of a young entrepreneur and father who was murdered in Mbayani while working. He leaves behind a wife and 2-month-old child.

We stand in solidarity with his family—providing support, demanding justice, and calling the community to prayer.

Was murdered over $2 loan at the market. R.I.P Bondokisi - January

The Mbayani Club Officially Launches

In March, we launched the Mbayani After-School Club for over 300 children, both boys and girls—many of whom were rescued from the streets.

This club offers:

• A safe, inclusive space

• Evangelism, life skills, and mentorship

• Protection from exploitation, addiction, and dropout

Social workers visit children regularly to support their reintegration and development.

Asante interacting with the youth in Mbayani before club launch.

Economic Hardship & Our Response

With inflation soaring in Malawi (e.g., 50kg maize jumping from MK45,000 to MK100,000), many child care institutions are in crisis.

At Brothers In Arms, we’re:

• Expanding irrigation-based farming

• Reducing external food dependence

• Praying for provision and wise stewardship

From Exploitation to Education

One boy rescued from an exploitative environment in Phalombe, where his mother worked in a bar, is now thriving at the center.He’s back in school, receiving trauma care, and rebuilding hope.

We continue to pursue family reconciliation—but more importantly, we're walking with him into a future full of promise.

Looking Ahead: Winter Cropping Begins

Next quarter, we shift to irrigated winter cropping with beans, soya, and vegetables. This is not just about food—but training the boys in:

• Irrigation farming

• Crop management

• Entrepreneurship

We believe in equipping them to not just survive—but build a better Malawi.

Prayer Requests

• Pray for Grace, the widow of the young man killed in Mbayani, and her child

• Pray for transformation in new recruits

• Pray for our Alumni Starter Pack Program

• Pray for economic stability and provision

• Pray for spiritual revival to continue across our programs

Together, we are rebuilding lives, restoring families, and raising a godly generation. Thank you for being part of this mission.

— Brothers In Arms Team