Inside Mesa

Tuesday, I had the privilege of hearing Chief Theresa Malila of Malawi, Africa, here in Mesa.She was the guest speaker for the Women’s Ministry at Word of Grace and will be speaking at services next weekend, May 5/6PM & May 6/9AM & 11AM. What a story, what a reality, what a time to help millions living in devastating conditions. Chief Malila shared, that of the 12 million in Malawi, 2 million are orphans, 85% live in abject poverty at $1 a day - with a greater portion of the population under the age of 15, 33% of the children are malnourished, 8 million women and children are in prison: living in injustice, ignorance, abuse, rape, violence. Women walk 25k to a hospital to give birth - if not on the way, 12 year old children care for other children because their parent(s) must work. They walk 10-20K to get water from a river - where animals drink, where they bathe. Agriculture is 80% of their produce, 70% are women that do the farming. HIV/AIDS takes many lives, but Malaria is the biggest killer - not AIDS.Chief Malila, comes from a professional life, a life she left 5-6 years ago; now Malawi’s advocate. She tells us that although 80% are illiterate but the African people are not bitter - they have hope. Often we’re not aware of the many in so much need - until we hear the reports of those that have witnessed the unthinkable. Karl Mueller, Associate Minister, Outreach - sends teams throughout the year to locations around the globe, including Africa - and introduces global ministry speakers to the community at Word of Grace, Mesa. Chief Malila will leave you with something to think about - if you take the opportunity to come and hear her.