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Ministry2023 Annual ReportSTAND AS ONE
Looking backon 2023Dan and Irene SchatAs we look back at 2023, we are filled withgratitude for many things. First, we arethankful for the wisdom and discernmentGod has given us. We believe that thisproject is not ours, but His, and we aresimply following His lead in creatingcommunity environments of care. We thank you all for your prayers, words ofencouragement, and financial support -none of this would be possible withoutyour generosity. Our Board of Directorsdeserves special mention for theirdedication, time spent in meetings, trips toMalawi, and valuable feedback. This reportprovides a summary of 2023, and we arealways amazed at how quickly the yearpasses and the significant events thatunfold. We invite you to explore thehighlights and see the impact of yourdonations.
Malawi, AfricaMalawi is one of the poorestcountries in the world. Overhalf of the population livesin poverty, and one-fifth inextreme poverty.Malawi is a small country located in southeasternAfrica, known for its lush green landscape andwonderful people. Malawi has a population ofaround 18 million people, and the majority of thepopulation belongs to the Bantu ethnic group. Theofficial language spoken in Malawi is English, withChichewa and other Bantu languages being widelyspoken as well. Malawi is one of the poorestcountries in the world, with a GDP per capita ofonly $450 USD. Despite this, Malawi is known asthe “Warm Heart of Africa” due to its friendly andwelcoming people. Where we work
Our Vision & MissionVisionMissionOur vision is to create community-basedenvironments of care and opportunity toachieve lives free from poverty.Our mission is to provide Shelter, Training,Agriculture, Nutrition, and Development.We empower people living in poverty totransform their lives, their children'sfutures and their communities. ValueOur values and goals as afaith-based ministry, are towork with the world's mostvulnerable population livingin poverty.
Little Ones Learn, Play and Eat Happily!Our preschool program is expanding with three top-notch teachers trained to prepare children for elementaryschool and future leadership. With about sixty little ones in tow, they teach the ABCs, 123's and all the colours ofthe rainbow. In 2023, we introduced "field trips" where the children explored the farm under the guidance of ourlivestock and agriculture specialist. Recently, they trotted over to the barn to give the sheep some love and learnabout their fluffy lives!Parents get to join in on the fun too, rolling up their sleeves to join the weekly classroom action. Not only do theyhelp, but they also learn how to interact with their children. Every day, the kids gobble up farm-fresh goodies and ahearty bowl of porridge. We're thrilled to be able to serve this tasty and healthy feast to the young children in theprogram and impact their stunted growth and development with food grown on the Mitongwe farm.
We closely monitor the children to see the positive effects of the fruit and porridge we provide. Statistics showthat 37% of children under the age of 5 in Malawi are chronically malnourished. Our goal is to combat this problemwithin our community and ensure that these children have the best opportunities possible.
The youth are all about connection!Our youth crew is a busy hub of activity ledby four energetic individuals. This season wewelcomed Kingsley, a newcomer full of freshideas and enthusiasm. Every Saturday andSunday morning, a group of children arrive,some walking, others enjoying a ride on ourtractor and trailer. Our sessions usually haveabout 120 children, with occasional peaks ofover 150. Our leaders organize a variety ofengaging activities such as games, songs, andstorytelling intertwined with biblical stories.They have also begun teaching the childrengardening lessons similar to those taught atthe Mitongwe Training Center, believing thiswill positively impact the future generation offarmers. Each session ends with the childrenreceiving a piece of fruit from the farm and abowl of soup. Parents in the communitygreatly appreciate the weekend activitiesprovided for their children. They are eager fortheir children to gain knowledge and bementored by our leaders. We know that theseweekends have a significant impact on eachchild.
GODDesigned me.Created me.Blesses me.Heals me.Defends me.Forgives me.Loves me.
Our property is home to a government school with approximately 1000 students andonly 10 teachers. Recognizing the educational challenges these children face, wedeveloped a solution. We enlisted Titani, a young adult with plans to attend universityand looking for a way to earn more money, to lead the initiative. After school, thechildren gather at the community center to improve their English skills, focusing onboth reading and comprehension. Due to the high level of interest, we have had tolimit the size of the groups and rotate them daily. In addition, we have incorporatedfield trips to help the children explore and learn more about their environment. Thechildren are enthusiastic about learning, even after a full day at school.Enthusiastic Learners
The literacy group discussed seedbed preparation andengaged in a hands-on activity creating seedbeds.Students were assigned to create their own seedbeds orvegetable gardens at home to reinforce learning.
We Cherish our SeniorsWe have a deep appreciation for the elderly members of ourcommunity. Several years ago, when we realized that theyfaced hardship in the months leading up to their nextharvest, we took action and started a feeding program. Fastforward to 2023, and we're celebrating five years of helpingthese golden seniors. Starting in December, we identifythose most in need and compile a list. Every two weeks, theseniors visit the farm to pick up the food we provide. Duringtheir visits, we hold a worship service to thank God for thefood. This meeting is filled with lively singing, prayer andsharing. The seniors leave with their bi-weekly supplies,smiling with gratitude as they return home. Sadly, many ofthese seniors might not have survived without ourintervention.
The impact of the Sports Ministry on the community is visible and truly inspiring. By providing a youth league thatincludes both boys and girls, the ministry advances athletic skills and character development. The trainingprovided to coaches equips them to not only teach sports skills but also to impart valuable life lessons and shareBible stories. This holistic approach ensures that the children in the program receive a well-rounded educationthat extends beyond the field.We have expanded the soccer program to include outreach sessions in the surrounding communities,demonstrating our commitment to reach and engage a wider audience. Bringing leaders to interact with children intheir neighbourhoods creates a sense of community involvement and participation. This initiative not only exposesmore children to the benefits of the sports program but also provides an avenue for them to learn more aboutimportant values and beliefs, such as the teachings of the Gospel. The sports ministry's impact is inspirational, as itpromotes physical activity, and nurtures the hearts and minds of the youth it serves.The Impact of Sports
In 2023, an exciting development was made to enhance the sports program. A previously neglected area of ourproperty has been transformed into a beautiful soccer field. The children will now be able to play on grass for thefirst time!This project took several months of dedicated work, employing members of the local community who greatlyappreciated the opportunity to earn an income. The field will serve as a beacon of hope for the community,bringing people together and providing lasting opportunities for their children for years to come.
Sports that are more than sportsIn 2023, we were delighted to welcome Team UP to Mitongwe. Graham Roxburgh, the founder of Team Up, and hisCanadian team travelled to Malawi for an amazing week. Their generous gifts of jerseys, shorts, and cleats, had ourcoaches looking very professional! Throughout the week, Team Up conducted a Coaches Clinic for our 24 coachesand 24 assistants, providing valuable drills, workshops, and on-field coaching. Team Up ensured everyone had agreat time, and our coaches left with enhanced knowledge and skills to benefit their teams.
We are thrilled to introduceCharles, who brings a wealth ofexperience to our team. He willtake charge of our sportsprogram.(Below on the left)
No More Period PovertyIn rural Malawi, a lack of resources and knowledge about women's health has been a challenge. Fortunately, Daysfor Girls has joined forces with us to bring about a positive change by educating young women on self-care andwellness. We acquire stylish, locally made reusable pads to distribute to these girls. Witnessing their faces light upwith joy as they experience a newfound sense of freedom, knowing they can now attend school during theirperiods, is truly heartwarming. Since 2019, we have supplied pad kits to over 400 girls, and our aim is to continuethis impactful work into 2024 and beyond.
We are thrilled to see our Health and Wellness Center taking shape. Theconstruction is progressing, and in the coming months, the building will be fullyready. Dan and our Mitongwe team have been providing wound care in our libraryand searching for suitable outdoor locations to deliver healthcare services. Daneven delivered a baby next to our soccer field in the bush. These experienceshighlight the crucial need for a healthcare facility. Additionally, we have beencultivating medicinal plants to promote good health and look forward to offeringthese services from the new center. The year 2024 will be an exciting one with thegrand opening of the Health and Wellness Center.Unlock Better Health
Sharpening Team SkillsWe aim to support and enhance our leaders' development to help them reach their full potential. One avenue weare focusing on is their spiritual growth. By collaborating with Discipleship International, we are facilitating theEquip to Serve Course. This program fosters Christ-centered connections, guides individuals to deeper spiritualgrowth, and equips them to mentor others similarly. Participants are enthusiastic and dedicated to the coursewhich emphasizes daily devotions and memorization of scriptures. Currently, our team is delving into Book 2 out ofthe 6 Book series.
In the heart of the town square sits a cozy church, bustling with a small but mightycongregation. They gather weekly for scripture sharing and a lively worship service,complete with the beat of African drums that gets everyone on their feet! Whatsets them apart is their impactful outreach efforts. Monthly, they extend kindnessto the local community. For instance, upon learning about a young mother in need,they provided food, baby clothes, and emotional support through prayers andsongs. Additionally, they repaired the roof of an elderly widow, delivered food, andshared scripture and music in her village. The widow expressed immense gratitude,repeatedly thanking the group. Small in number, but oh-so-grand in heart!Mitongwe Church: Where Faith Meets Action!
Turning the Village into a Learning Hub
Our partner, Tree of Life, has secured a grant with Micah Global from the Netherlands, enabling us to train trainers.Kingsley has been hired to equip the trainers, starting with Duncan and Bonongwe, who reside in local villages.Kingsley is developing their land into an agroforestry system and establishing seedbanks for farmers. The ultimategoal is to enhance the resilience of village communities and their natural environment to climate change whilepromoting economic self-sufficiency. Another aspect involves collaboration with SCOPE, an organization inMalawi, to assist communities in identifying challenges and devising solutions.The project is progressing smoothly, with Kingsley sharing the gospel with the trainers during training sessions,creating a mutually beneficial scenario.
Treasures from across the WorldNot one, but three shipping containers arrived at Mitongwe – one from Canada and two from The Netherlands.These containers were packed with building materials to kickstart the construction of a volunteer apartment,storage building, and the Health Center. Packed alongside chairs and garden tools were treasures from the VictoriaResource Center in Canada - medical supplies, school goodies, toys, and trendy threads. With an overflowing stashof medical supplies, we shared the love by donating a truckload to the CURE Hospital in Blantyre and spreadingsome cheer at the local clinic.
In 2023, our team boasts over 100 fabulous members with low turnover! Irene chatted with the crew and wasoverwhelmed by their gratitude for the stability of their jobs and opportunities to learn new skills. They couldn'tstop raving about our beautiful gardens and the transformation happening right before their eyes! Each day beginsat 6:30 a.m. sharp with a meeting, a review of daily tasks, and a time of devotion and prayer. With over 100households benefiting from this steady work, we're touching the lives of at least 1000 souls - talk about a rippleeffect!The Ripple Effect
After a generous donation of fabulous clothes from the container, we decided to bring some joy to our team.Imagine an entire afternoon dedicated to a fashion fiesta! We transformed our community building into a stylishrunway, with tables piled high with treasures - from chic women's wear to dapper men's gear, cute kids' outfits,trendy purses and chic shoes. At the end of the workday, we divided the team into groups and let the fashion huntbegin - each group scoring five fabulous pieces. This process was repeated several times. The music was lively, thevibes were high, and our employees were having a blast! In the days that followed, it was heartwarming to seeeveryone proudly wearing their new outfits.
having fun.Introducing Carol, our new Dehydration Plant Supervisor, who joins us fromLilongwe. Carol has impressed us with her exceptional management skills duringthe plant's testing phase. Not only is she proficient in plant management, butshe also excels in team leadership. Carol treats her team with fairness andalways prioritizes their well-being. Carol took decisive action when one of herteam members fainted due to a lack of food. She organized her team tocontribute a small amount each week to purchase food, which they preparedtogether every morning to ensure everyone had a meal to start their day.Furthermore, Carol went the extra mile by planting a vegetable garden so theycould bring fresh produce home.Meet the New Supervisor
Together Everyone Achieves MoreLast year, we encountered a young man named Rashid. Unfortunately,Rashid had a seriously infected wound on his leg that was not healing,leading to deep despair and thoughts of ending his life. Dan, who wasat Mitongwe, learned about Rashid's situation and persuaded him toseek natural treatments at Mitongwe. After receiving treatment,Rashid's healing journey began, and now, several months later, he hasjoined our team, filled with new hope and joy. The transformation inthis once despondent young man is truly remarkable.
Agroforestry offersa way to achievefood security,improve nutrition,and reduce poverty,while alsoprotecting theenvironment andmitigating cvlimatechange.In 2023, we hosted two week-long training sessions for our agroforestry program, with participants joining fromvarious parts of the world. One session took place in the spring, and the other in November. The feedback wereceived from the attendees highlighted their appreciation for the in-class training, but most importantly, theyenjoyed the hands-on experience of planting and pruning. This interactive approach enhanced their learning asthey actively participated. Participants left feeling enthusiastic about developing and training others in their ownagroforestry systems.Interactive Approach to Learning
2023 construction began on a storage building for farm-grown produce and dehydrated products, as shown in theleft photo. On the right, you can see the initial stages of an apartment building intended for long-term volunteers.The apartment will feature an outdoor kitchen and bathrooms, all powered by solar energy like the rest of ourproperty. Both constructions are expected to be finished by Fall 2024.Construction Projects in 2023
Ryan Gray, a dedicated Abbotsford Police Officer and fatherof four, along with his wife have been Stand as Onesupporters from the beginning. Read his reflections from hisrecent trip to Mitongwe. Your Mitongwe is an amazing place and I could tell a lot oflove and prayer has gone into it. It was nice to see the peoplethere thriving and the impact on the surrounding villages isclear. It is easy for me, and likely others, to get caught up inthe excitement of it all and want to strive for bigger andbetter things when a simpler approach is probably moresustainable and successful. Before going I could just imaginethe potential of the place in such ways as exporting products,changing farming practices of the surrounding areas etc. Butonce there the reality of the situation in Malawi becameevident and the people there, as long as the government andschools refuse to change, will have a hard time doinganything than what they are already doing.And that is what makes Mitongwe so special in my opinion. The biggest influence I see there, other than the grace of Godbringing Stand as One into their lives, is the ability to employpeople and have them work for their wages. I knowchallenges come along with that, but as a whole, I see thisbenefiting so many. Secondly, the farming practices andexample plots which grow food for the children andemployees are fantastic. Although many may not stopgrowing their maize, seeing the benefits will slowly start tochange their perspectives and open their eyes, and theirchildren's eyes to new possibilities. Although the benefitsmay not be seen in our lifetimes, I know it's something thatwill take hold in the future. Third, although I did not see this,the vision of the Health Center will make Mitongwe evenmore of a hub for surrounding villages. Using a mix ofmodern practices and equipment, with holistic plant-basedremedies grown on the farm is going to help so many. I'm glad there are people like you working so hard to help thepeople there and I can see God using you to reach so manywith his words. What Others are Saying
T H A N K SOur big-hearted supporters like you are the real MVPs behind our Malawi projects! Your donations keep the workalive and allow us to make a huge impact on poverty. This year, our Move4Malawi fundraiser was a wild ride, with 75enthusiastic souls biking, walking, hiking and running their way to a whopping $67,735! Cheers to your dedication!
In late summer, we not only covered many miles during our "Move"but also hosted single-day events in three different locations:Smithers, Victoria, and the lower mainland. Each event included abike ride, a walk, a delightful lunch, prizes, and a brief presentationfor all participants. The events boasted excellent turnout,wonderful weather, valuable insights, and plenty of enjoyment. Weare excited to recreate this fantastic experience in 2024.
We have joined forces with thesegreat organizations to make a realdifference!Tree of Life, The NetherlandsTeam Up, CanadaLBS Foundation, SwitzerlandMicah Foundation, The NetherlandsDiscipleship International, CanadaRonald Blonk, Let’s Go ProgramDays for Girls, MalawiMove2Help, Mellenger Interactive
2023Stand as One Ministry is a federally registered charity inCanada that issues Canadian tax receipts.This past year, dedicated supporters like you continuedthe fight against poverty. Thanks to your efforts, 2023has brought hope to many vulnerable families. Yourgenerosity has kept all of our programs runningsmoothly. We are committed to managing our expensescarefully, relying on our human resources to sustain ourmission while focusing on cost-effectiveness. Ourinitiatives rely on donations, and we're grateful foreveryone's help in maintaining our current projects andexpanding our impact.