Mission Moment:
Dreaming of Peace. For Amina, Saber and their five children, poverty had become an all too sudden reality. When bombs fell on their town of Suran in Syria, their peaceful life shattered—their home collapsed and basic necessities like water, food and electricity became scarce. Displaced within their own country, broken by over eight years of conflict, Amina and Saber were losing hope. But for the past several months, the family has been receiving monthly food and hygiene baskets through a Presbyterian World Service & Development-supported project with Canadian Foodgrains Bank partners. Over meals of beans and rice, Amina and Saber can find a moment of comfort as they dream of peace and security for their beloved country.

Mission Moment:
Envisioning malaria-free communities. In Thimalala village in Malawi, Jimmy Gondwe was not sleeping well. He was concerned about the mosquitoes inside his home, fearing they carried the deadly malaria virus. While malaria rates have gone down in Malawi, it remains a significant health challenge, especially among pregnant women and children. Malaria-carrying mosquitoes mostly bite at night, with more than 80 per cent of transmission occurring indoors. To help ensure more households stay healthy and malaria- free, a Presbyterian World Service & Development project is helping to safely treat homes with insecticide. Jimmy reports that since the project, he feels safer inside his home—a now mosquito- free environment. “I am grateful for the support.” Said Jimmy.

Mission Moment:
An opportunity for joyful giving. The Stewards by Design conference wraps up today after three days of intensive keynote presentations and workshops. The conference focused on connecting stewardship to the mission and ministry of the church and growing generous givers. Led by enthusiastic keynote speaker Dr. Kennon Callahan, participants learned how to nurture faithful giving and abundant living; expand and strengthen their mission and ministry; make generous giving an ongoing, joyful experience; and develop a concrete plan suited for their unique situation. A part participant shared, “The sessions were a true blessing for us all. We learned much and now we have much to teach.”

Mission Moment:
Rebuilding businesses and dreams. In Malawi, Lucia and her husband care for their six orphaned grandchildren. It’s a lot of work to meet the needs of a large family, but Lucia was earning a good income running a grocery store—a dream she’s always had. When her husband fell ill, Lucia used all her earnings to pay hospital bills and could no longer afford her grandchildren’s school fees. When her husband was discharged, Lucia had no money left to rebuild the business she loved. An answer to her prayers, Lucia received a loan to get her store running again through a Presbyterian World Service & Development-supported self-help group. “I was worried about how I would pay school fees and provide for my grandchildren’s basic needs,” Lucia said. “Self-help groups have really helped”.