“It’s not us, but it’s God Himself who has done it to us.” — Pastor James
Note: names have been changed for security purposes.
Seven years ago, Pastor James received a specific calling to minister to an unreached people group in Malawi. At the time, the work was small, centered around a single church in Malawi with only a few members. James stood alone as the only pastor serving that community.
Today, that landscape has been completely transformed. Through the grace of God and a strategic partnership with Church Missions Network (CMN), what began as a solitary effort has blossomed into a thriving network of 53 churches.
The Power of Multiplication: Training Local Leaders
The explosive growth from one church to fifty-three wasn’t just a matter of luck; it was a matter of leadership. Pastor James highlights a critical turning point in his ministry: the transition from being a solo pastor to a leader of leaders.
“Back then, I was the only pastor in the community. But because of what CMN has been doing, we have trained more pastors that are working with me.”
By focusing on Pastor Training Schools, CMN empowers local leaders like James to multiply their impact. Instead of one person trying to reach thousands, there is now a dedicated team of trained pastors embedded within the unreached community, sharing the Gospel and shepherding new believers.
Building for the Future
This growth brings new, exciting challenges. As more churches are planted, the need for stable infrastructure grows. Currently, Pastor James and his team are praying for the resources to put permanent roofs on several of these new church buildings.
Having a “good roof” is a vital step in establishing ministry, providing a consistent place for the community to gather, rain or shine.
A Testimony of Partnership
Pastor James’s story is a beautiful picture of the “hand of God” at work through human partnership. It is a reminder that when we invest in training local leaders, the harvest is exponential.
“We thank God because of this, and we thank you because of also helping us in prayers,” says James. “These are great things that have happened to us.”
