Saying THANKS to you
We couldn’t do it without you.
2023 has truly been an extraordinary year of sharing God's love through Stand as One Ministry and we cannot express our gratitude enough for God's faithfulness and your unwavering support and commitment both financially and in prayer. Your generous gifts have allowed us to make an indelible impact on lives affected by poverty.
It seems fitting to look back to celebrate the achievements and impacts that have excited us and our communities this year.
We start with our youngest group, the Preschool Program, where we still have 60 children enrolled this fall after 30 moved on to Primary School. Our dedicated teachers feed their minds with Bible stories, songs, fun and games, and their bodies with daily porridge, fruit and new clothes when needed, all thanks to you.
it is so important to have supplies that donations have allowed, as emergencies often come our way. Our team assisted a young pregnant mother in distress, ensuring a healthy baby and transport to the hospital, an ideal ending.
Young Warriors is where about 100 youth are challenged as they gather every Saturday and Sunday. We have 4 dynamic leaders guiding them through new gardening skills, games, Bible lessons, and sports. They enjoy bean soup and fruit each day, and definitely enjoy the friendships and activities.
Our Literacy and Reading Club offers daily after-school English lessons to children in this age group. With the help of our dedicated teacher, Titani, students receive patient guidance and support to improve their English skills. This program is just one of the ways we are working to combat poverty.
Our surrounding communities have embraced several of our programs for their youth. We held compost lessons for over 500 children, important techniques for all.
Our soccer league has 24 teams of 15 for both boys and girls, which means 360 kids get to learn, play, compete and enjoy all things soccer and learn life skills. Our coaches meet weekly to update their methods and the importance of mentoring and leadership. The coaches also provide village outreach programs that reach hundreds of children each week.
Donations ensure this continues and flourishes.
Our involvement with Adults includes those receiving vocational training, as we teach mechanics, construction, gardening, hospitality, security, our dehydration system, livestock, agroforestry, plant/seed diversity, resulting in their employment at Mitongwe Farm. This spreads to impact their families and relatives back in their village with added income and job possibilities, a huge benefit that is felt deeply.
Seniors in rural Malawi have unique struggles. We have routinely offered a feeding program for the 4 months when food is scarce before the next harvest. Seniors in the surrounding community come to the Mitongwe Farm every 2 weeks to receive maize, impacting them and the young family members so many of them are responsible for.
This is a lifesaving relief we are so thankful to provide.
As you can see, throughout the year, we demonstrated God's love in a variety of ways through these many initiatives that made a positive difference for so many, from providing food, clothing and education to those in need, to offering vocational training programs that empower individuals to secure a better future for themselves and their families. The ripple effect of your contributions was felt far and wide, fostering a sense of hope and renewal in communities once plagued by despair.
Your prayers, encouragement and generous donations have been a blessing to us and our work. We are amazed at the wonderful things God has done this past year and are confident that He has great plans for Stand as One in 2024. We appreciate your partnership and look forward to continuing our journey together!
Dan & Irene Schat
