Decent

Decent is the oldest of 11 children. He knows what it is like to walk for miles to school. He knows the feeling of having no food in the house to eat. He spent many childhood nights huddled up in a potato sack with younger siblings who often peed at night. He knows the struggle of poverty.

He became a student of God’s word and entered the world of Youth With A Mission. He married Nadja, from Switzerland, one of the most wealthy countries in the world. After spending several years in Switzerland, when he returned to Malawi, he didn’t build a fancy house, but he asked his community what they needed, and they said a clinic. Together they built a clinic, then a school and a soccer field. Extending Hope was formed, which inspires, accompanies and empowers people to live a life full of hope through education, healthcare, youth & sport and agriculture.

He is currently living in Switzerland getting his masters in International Relations and Diplomacy and frequently visits Malawi to build relationships for his campaign to become Member of Parliament. The hope is to be able to join the government so that he can make systematic changes for his community and ensure that they get the designated resources that haven’t been reaching them. In January 2025 his family will return to Malawi.

Kossi has the opportunity to come alongside Decent and serve him through using our car which is awesome at getting to difficult locations, and also doubles as a stage, as you can see in the photos below. The two often spend long hours in the car together, and Decent frequently praises Kossi for how grateful he is that he doesn’t have to focus on the road, dashing around goats, children and the endless potholes. The two have created a brotherhood bond.

During his campaign, Decent has spent a lot of time building relationships with other political leaders and leaders of the communities surrounding his village. For several years Extending Hope has hosted annual soccer tournaments. These are a time to share the gospel, create a fun environment for the youth and for the winning team to make some money. Recently he has been able to use these events as a way to encourage communities to vote not according to handouts, but by policies. Many politicians will wait until the end of a campaign season to then hand out t-shirts, fabrics or maize. When you are hungry, you will remember the candidate who gave you food, but that food will only last a few weeks, while policy changes will hopefully last a lifetime.

This past weekend, Kossi accompanied Decent to Agabu (where we are building our house) to attend the Decent’s sister’s chinkhoswe. A chinkhoswe is a tradition in some tribes from Malawi to celebrate an engagement by giving money to the newly engaged couple. Typically people will gather as much change as possible so they can deal out lots of bills.

We have enjoyed this year with getting to spend more time with Decent. Please be praying with us as he continues his campaign, and that he would be elected, so that we can see change in our communities.