He lives with his two children and niece. No school is in the area, so Joseph sent his children to a boarding school many kilometers away. Joseph and many other parents in the area had to spend a considerable amount of money for transportation. Many more kids do not go to school at all because they do not have the funds to travel, therefore were not receiving an education.
When Joseph considered this situation, God planted in him the dream of building a secondary school (high school) in his own community. It took a lot of planning and talking with the local chiefs. In faith, Joseph place a sign at the entrance of the school property in June saying that school would open in September of 2015.
Building a school takes a lot of money. An organization was helping Joseph with funding, but then it fell through. Apparently the organization only funded government schools, not private schools. There were only three weeks left until September and the school property was empty. The only option left was to ask the bank for a loan. The bank denied the request. Joseph did not know what to do except to pray. He believed that God gave him this vision, but did not know how it was going to come about.
Two weeks before school was to start, Joseph received a call. The bank granted his loan! Although the buildings did not have roofs for the first day of school, there was a schoolhouse!
Only three students came in the first week. Then one of the kids ran away because it was so small. Eventually more and more students came, and the student who ran away came back. Now there are 42 students! Next year Maya Secondary School will include forms 1-4, which is 9th-12th grade.
Joseph has a vision to see this school grow. He earnestly desires to see the kids in his community educated so that they can have “success through Christ,” as the memo states. Malawi is an extremely poor country, undeveloped, lacking in jobs, and suffering desperately. Through an education founded on scripture, Joseph believes that the next generation can bring about change in Malawi. I have to agree.
I had the opportunity to visit Maya Secondary School on two different occasions. It was such a joy to chat with the students, encourage them to keep studying even when it is tough, and most of all keep seeking God, because He is worthy and will provide. Although I’m not a teacher, the teachers convinced me to teach a quick anatomy lesson. It was great honor to be in a room full of young men and women who are eager to learn and ask questions about the heart!
On my next visit, the kids stayed after school so that they we could play volleyball and net ball, and then teach me some dances. These students are energetic, competitive, and a ton of fun. We had a blast!
I share this story for three reasons:
1) To encourage you to notice gaps in the way you do life and then ask God to show you how to bridge those gaps. Joseph’s faith and boldness have challenged me greatly. I pray that his story will to the same for you.
2) If you have any books, sports equipment, or school supplies, Maya Secondary School could use them! Joseph is starting a library. It’s a very nice room, but is currently empty. If you are finished with any type of book, send them to Malawi. ☺ (Contact Joseph Wowa: josephwowa@gmail.com)
3) Will you join me in praying for Maya Secondary School? I’m praying that God would inspire the students to study diligently, provide financially for their school fees, and raise up these young men and women to shape the culture of Malawi. I’m praying that God would grow the school, guide the teachers, and provide funds for the school to expand. I’m praying that Joseph would have great wisdom as he leads this project and that he would be encouraged to press on even when it is tough. Thanks for your prayers!
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