The Millstone Times November 2019

Expires 12/15/19

QUALITY DOESN’T COST … IT PAYS

Villages in Partnership By Pam Teel

Villages in Partnership (VIP) is a nonprofit organization based in Allentown, New Jersey, and carries out its mission in the remote rural villages of Malawi, Africa. VIP develops, with guidance from our in-country staff, as well as the communities served, access to 6 resources: water, food security, preventative and clinical health services, education, economic empowerment and infrastructure, so that people can lift themselves from extreme poverty. VIP is a community of individuals, families, churches, schools, universities, business- es, and other nonprofits who are devoted to coming alongside the poor. This September, four of VIP’s thirteen Malawian staff members came to visit America for the first time to tell the story of their mission to serve the poor. The purpose of their visit was to join VIP's 10th Year Anni- versary Gala, to visit with VIP partners, and to be exposed to new ideas concerning agricultural practices, beekeeping techniques, health care, and more. Together, they visited local schools, churches, beekeeping clubs and farms to raise awareness about their work. At their Gala event, they raised over $400,000 to continue to fund the construction of a new medical clinic and secondary school in Malawi. The Malawian guests spoke on behalf of VIP at the event and continued to do so in the community. The Malawians who came include, Wellings Mwalabu, VIP Project Manager, Frank Mwenjemeka, VIP Food Security Officer, Joseph Majamanda, VIP Construction & Logistics Officer, and Madalisto Chakani, VIP Health & Nutrition Facilitator.

Picture from Gala: (From left to right) Frank Mwenjemeka, Madalisto Chakani, Bob Rhoad (VIP President), Joe Majamanda, Alex Nebbia (DJ)

Within the last three weeks, the Malawian team visited Stone Bridge Middle School in Allentown, NJ, Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart, Trenton Area Soup Kitchen, St Luke's Hospital in Allentown, PA, five different farms, four church partners and New York City. Their visits typically included a pre- sentation of VIP’s work in the villages and also served to expand the Malawians view of American Culture. They also shared with VIP partners how they can make a difference in Malawi. VIP’s focus is on sustainability and teaching villagers how to maintain projects and implement new skill-sets after they are introduced into the community. You can help by donating. By giving to VIP, you will join the fight against extreme poverty in Malawi, answer prayers and save lives. Invite VIP to come speak at your house of worship, school, or group. Consider becoming one of VIP's cherished partners by choosing a monthly, recurring gift. Answer a prayer and give today! Please check out VIP’s website at: https://villagesinpartnership.org | P.O. Box 52 Allentown NJ 08501 | 609- 751- 3020.

82 The Millstone Times

November 2019