Updated JULY 1, 2026

August 2026 Prayer Requests:

“Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to for my path.”– Psalm 119:105

Thank you Lord . . .

• We praise God for the wonderful leadership of Benjamin Khoswe, who has faithfully served as Executive Director, and Mary Phiri, who has served as Community Development Director, guiding SAFE with wisdom and dedication. Both reached the age of mandatory retirement in Malawi, and we thank God for their 20 years of service to Jesus Christ and Sub-Saharan Africa Family Enrichment.

• We are thanking God for Mr. Aaron Gondwe, formerly SAFE’s Education, Evangelism & Discipleship Manager, who has been appointed SAFE’s new Executive Director. His appointment reflects the Board’s confidence in his leadership capacity, organizational knowledge, and ability to advance SAFE’s strategic priorities.

• For a fruitful Term 3 for all the 2,806 children who were registered across SAFE-supported preschools comprising 1,434 girls and 1,372 boys, and those children who successfully completed their preschool education and are now preparing to transition to Primary School on September 14.

• For the successful renovation of the preschools in the northern region. Mughogho, Thowolo 1, and Thowolo have all been renovated; the Thowolo kitchen (which collapsed during the rainy season) has been completed and is now in use; and construction of the Lisungu latrines is progressing well with the community members mobilizing sand.

• For the gogos who continue to meet in their respective communities to encourage one another, sharing the Word of God, sharing experiences and challenges as they care for orphans and other vulnerable children. Thank you for the part they play in contributing maize to the preschools for the children’s porridge.

• For SAFE’s Preschool BUILD curriculum (Building Understanding in Literacy Development) being included as part of Malawi’s National Early Childhood Development Syllabus, helping more children acquire foundational skills before transitioning to primary school.

• For the 34 students from after-school Bible Mailbox Clubs who had the rare opportunity to attend this year's Scripture Union Camp, thanks to scholarships provided by SAFE donors.

• For the outdoor crusade organized by Kachindamoto Tithandizane CBO Evangelism team, which brought together all Bible study groups in worship, preaching, and the showing of the Jesus Film. We thank God for the trained leaders who are faithfully applying biblical principles of stewardship (2 Timothy 2:2) and nurturing new disciples. The following day, the Kachindamoto Evangelism Team conducted door-to-door ministry, reaching 76 people, of whom 53 received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

• For the positive impact of the Why Wait program during the just-ended academic year, which continues to shape lives and inspire growth. Schools like Mgodi Primary School, which consistently delivered the program, maintained exceptionally low dropout levels with only 1 learner per year.

• For the Bible teaching and tutoring sessions for kids at SAFE Haven -- including STEPS, English, Mathematics, Chichewa, and others that are helping these youth be more successful in school and grow in their walk with Jesus. Thankful for the STEPS Graduation Ceremony on July 18, celebrating students who successfully completed this important English program.

• For the successful Malawi School Certificate of Education exams taken by students at the end of their final year of secondary education. We give thanks for the children in Why Wait? Mailbox activities and SAFE Haven who completed their exams -- for their hard work and for the teachers and mentors who faithfully supported them. Bless their future, guide their paths, and use their faith and education to bring hope and transformation to their communities.

• For all the prayer partners and supporters of the SAFE ministry. This work is possible because God is using you for His purpose, and we are deeply grateful.

Pray for . . .

• Pray for Aaron Gondwe as he begins his new leadership role as Executive Director of our SAFE staff.

• Pray for Ben Khoswe as he enters retirement this month and for Mary Phiri who will follow in September. Ask for God to grant them strength, wisdom, peace, and joy in this new season of life.

• Pray for the upcoming Why Wait? teachers’ training in mid-August. May God prepare the hearts of the teachers in Zomba and Lake Chilwa schools who need training and grant the facilitators wisdom and clarity.

• Pray for God’s protection over all the children and preschool caregivers in our communities as they begin their Term 3 school break. May He keep them safe and grant them rest.

• Pray for the gogos as they prepare for this year’s Mbeya fertilizer production. May God graciously provide all the materials needed. May He grant them unity of purpose, renewed strength, and wisdom. We ask that this initiative not only sustains their families but also strengthens the wider community, bringing hope, nourishment, and testimony of God’s faithful provision.

• Pray for the Thowolo Evangelism team in the north as they prepare to visit Chintheche Rural Hospital to encourage and pray with the sick. We ask the Lord to strengthen them and to provide all the resources needed for this ministry.

• Pray that the Evangelism and Discipleship team in Kachindamoto be filled and empowered by the Holy Spirit to proclaim God’s love and truth with clarity and boldness. Guide them, Lord, in making new disciples and in equipping others to carry forward the ministry with wisdom, grace, and unwavering faith.

• Pray for the family of Gogo Luka of Makungula village, who went to be with the Lord on July 16. She was deeply loved and one of SAFE’s first Gogo Grandmother members. Continue to pray for Gogo Catherine Tanthwe, who is ill and also one of the pioneering gogos.

• Pray that every activity (educational, sports, art, life-skills, and spiritual development programs) conducted at SAFE Haven will have a lasting positive impact on the children.

• Continue to pray for the Muslim children who attend the Bible Mailbox Clubs and watch the Jesus films. Ask God to touch their hearts and draw them to salvation.

• Continue praying for the inmates who lead prayers in the prison cells. Ask God to give them wisdom and fill them with His Spirit, so that they may lead according to His will.

• Pray that the inmates pardoned by the President of Malawi on Independence Day, July 6, will have a new opportunity for freedom and restoration. Pray that God will provide them with meaningful livelihood opportunities, so they do not return to prison.

Pray for the SAFE staff and their families in Malawi . . .

Praying for the health and safety of our SAFE staff and volunteers who faithfully teach, love, and serve the young and old in Jesus’ name in the villages, schools, prisons, and at SAFE Haven.

• Aaron Gondwe, Executive Director

• Mary Phiri, Community Development Director (until September)

• Precious Ntibula, Monitoring & Evaluation Manager

• Catherine Cheonga, Why Wait? National Coordinator

• Atukuzwe Nghlovu, Why Wait? Officer

• Lameck Kananji, Evangelism & Discipleship Officer

• Brenda Lisimba, Community Development Officer (Southern Village Communities)

• Michael Mvundula Khumalo, Community Development Officer (Kachindamoto)

• Timaleni Biswick, Finance and Administration Manager (acting)

• Sydney Kapindu, Driver/ Mechanic Logistics Officer

• Gloria Gama, Community Development Officer (Northern Village Communities)

• Camilla Simango, SAFE Haven Officer

The strength of prayer lies not in the one who prays, but in the One who listens!

zikomo!