Mtengo
Definition in Chichewa: Worth, price or tree  

People under the age of 18 make up 51% of the Malawian population1. The youth of Malawi are growing up in a difficult economic climate and a culture that is saturated with high maternal deaths, domestic violence and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Mtengo Youth Vocational Discipleship is a nine-month program for unemployed youth that encompasses discipleship, vocational training and stewardship. The members of the group are taught papermaking, lip balm making, how to make products out of repurposed plastics and glass, and how to roast coffee. The current cohort is being equipped in preparation for them to train a new group of unemployed youth from another Africa Evangelical Church. Besides the skills component of the program, the focus is to show the members how they can be disciples of Jesus even as unemployed youth.

Pete shared, “Mtengo means ‘tree’ or ‘worth’ in Chichewa. Playing on the meanings of this word, our vision is to see youth come to know their worth and identity in Christ, through what He has done for them in dying for them on the ‘tree’.”

Below you can read of one girl who has grown in her faith since joining Mtengo.
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1 United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Malawi, 2018
 

Lana’s Story

Lana*, 22, is one of the young unemployed people who attend the Mtengo Youth Vocational Discipleship group every Wednesday morning. She has been attending this group for over a year-and-a-half and is helping with the new group of youth who recently joined Mtengo. Lana says that being part of the group has helped her to grow tremendously in her spiritual life. She didn’t read her Bible very much, but she now has a consistent time with God in His Word.

Lana also testifies that she has grown in her confidence to help others to know God’s Word better through being equipped to prepare and lead a Bible study in a small group. She is now able to lead family devotions with her mum and siblings at home.

Through being part of this discipleship group, she has been more intentional with praying for her family and even world missions. Lana especially prays for the missionary family that her church denomination has sent out.

From the skills development side of the Mtengo Youth Vocational Discipleship program, Lana has benefited from learning how to bake cakes and make products like ladies’ handbags out of crocheted plastics. She has been learning how to be a good steward of all that God has given her – her time, resources, relationships and also the environment in which she lives. Keep praying for Lana, that God will continue to grow her and use her to help other youth to know Him better!

*Names changed to protect identities

PRAY:
Praise God for the development of the Mtengo Youth Discipleship Ministry, pray for the ongoing development of the vocational training aspect of the ministry.

The description of the project is based on normal activities without social distancing and lockdown measures implemented in the context of the coronavirus pandemic.