Visitors From Malawi

It started out as one visit and turned into re-occurring trips to help people. And along the way friends were made in Malawi.
Now it's Immanuel's turn to host their friends.

We do it all the time, chat on the Internet, over the phone, send letters in the mail, but we don't always think about seeing the person on the other side.

Mable is visiting from Zamba, Malawi and says there's nothing like seeing someone face to face.

"People used to wonder is it really necessary to have people go all the way to Malawi or come. Don't you think coming from a place without a lot of needs. We only need to send the money. But i think it's more rewarding when you come to know each other."

Members of Immanuel Lutheran Church do all they can to see their sister parish in Zomba, Malawi.

"It's the personal relationship in knowing those people and they knowing us."

Rev. Harold Oelschlager say it's one thing to help others far away but it's so much more to do it in person.

"It has changed my life, our life. My wife and i have never been the same since we were in Malawi, and that's repeated over and over again in other people from here."

The visits aren't going to stop any time soon. Companion Synod coordinator, Dian Kaufman says they've started a program to help people in Malawi who can't find eye care.

"We have an Optometrist in Chippewa Falls who belongs to Central Lutheran Church, who volunteered to lead an eye mission to Malawi. And the church there has welcomed that idea."

The group is collecting eye-glasses to bring over for those who can't afford them. Some glasses will go back next week with the Malawi visitors. The others will head out with over 16 volunteers in April.

Immanuel Lutheran takes every opportunity to share their stories, faith, and lives with their friends in Africa.

But they aren't the only church with a special connection to Malawi
There are 44 parishes in the ELCA Synod each have a sister church in Malawi and the friendships keep growing.

If you're interested in donating eye glasses, contact Central Church in Chippewa Falls or Call Dian Kaufman at 715-723-2262.