Make a Difference in Malawi
“Encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
In March 2023, Tropical Cyclone Freddy dropped six months’ worth of rain in just six days on Malawi, Africa. The resulting floods and mudslides killed 1,200 people and displaced over 659,000—devastating the homes, farms and livelihoods of countless families already facing extreme poverty.
Out of this tragedy arose Chifundo Angels of Mercy. We set forth on a mission to spread Christ’s love by not only providing for the people of Malawi’s basic needs, but also building a brighter future through education, outreach and other forms of critically-needed support. With God’s love—and your generosity—we can make a difference in Malawi.
About Chifundo Angels of Mercy
Chifundo Angels of Mercy is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2023 to serve and support individuals and families throughout Malawi, Africa, while spreading the love of Jesus Christ. Chifundo is a Chewa name meaning “mercy” or “compassion.” It is the middle name of founders Chikondi and Darice Matekesa’s son, Carter Chifundo.
Chikondi Matekesa was born in Malawi, living there until he was 19. After marrying his wife, Darice, the couple gave birth to Carter. The Matekesa family began their mission work in Malawi in 2023 after witnessing the devastation caused by Tropical Cyclone Freddy. They soon discovered that Malawi needed more than just rebuilding: From extreme poverty to a lack of educational opportunities, families faced systemic issues that could only be addressed through outreach—and God’s love and mercy.
Starting in impoverished rural communities, Chifundo Angels of Mercy began our mission, first distributing critical food, clothing and supplies, then offering other aid like tuition support and school supplies to impoverished families. Today—with your kindness—Chifundo Angels of Mercy looks to build on its mission of spreading Christ’s love to the people of Malawi. Please consider visiting our donation page to help us impact lives. Your gift is a blessing.
Highlights from Our Journey
In 2024, Chifundo Angels of Mercy served over 5,000 meals to impoverished individuals and families in Malawi.
- During Christmas of 2022 (before we achieved official nonprofit status), we supplied food, clothing and utensils to families in a remote village in the Zomba District. We discovered some of the deep-rooted issues the people of this tiny farming village were facing, including hunger and a lack of opportunities for education.
- In March 2023, Tropical Typhoon Freddy hit. It was a very trying time for Malawi. With the support of donors, we were able to distribute items like blankets, mattresses, packets of sugar, soap and sanitary products to nearly 600 people who were sheltering at a school in Blantyre District. We were also able to provide rent for a number of displaced families.
- In October 2023 we surprised 10 families in Malawi’s remote Chiradzulu District with money to help cover their basic needs. We learned that in this village most households were being cared for by elderly widows, living with their grandchildren who were unable to attend school due to poverty.
- During the 2023 Christmas season, we visited the impoverished Phalombe District, partnering with Little Rock Church to distribute items like eggs, fruit juice and soya.
- Also in December 2023, we were able to donate 1.2 million Kwacha—the equivalent of $1,000 U.S. dollars—to Mana Orphanage in the capital city of Lilongwe, which housed over 800 children.
- In 2024, we served over 5,000 meals.
- Also in 2024, we achieved approval as a registered 501(c)(3)
- Over Easter 2024, we provided 10 families in the Nsanje District with a gift voucher worth $100 for an Easter meal and groceries. In the same district, we distributed 50 Easter baskets at a local kindergarten class and provided lunch at a local high school.
- In summer 2024, we visited the Zomba Districts to provide 300 meals at a local orphanage.
- During Christmas 2024, we provided gift vouchers equivalent to $100 and $20 to 13 impoverished families in the Zomba District. The average cost of living in this area is around $2 per day. On Christmas Eve, we arranged Christmas dinner for children at Chinamwali AIDS Orphanage.
- Also in 2024, we were able to contribute funding to other charitable organizations, including San Antonio Food Bank, World Vision International, Noah’s Farm, Pangani Foundation and Manna House of Malawi.
What’s Ahead in 2025
“Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’” (Matthew 19:14)
Your kindness, generosity and support are needed to help Chifundo Angels of Mercy keep spreading God’s love in 2025. Here are some of the efforts we hope to accomplish throughout the year. Remember, even these modest goals cannot be achieved without God’s blessing and the generous support of our donors. Please consider visiting our donation page and making a gift of kindness.
Easter:
- Distribute 50 Easter baskets to kindergartners
- Fund 100 Easter meals at an orphanage in Zomba District
- Provide 15 vouchers for family Easter meals
Summer:
- Provide back-to-school supplies, including gently used clothes, shoes, pencils, pens and school bags
- Supply 100 meals for children at an orphanage
- Supply 100 meals for the homeless
Christmas Season:
- Distribute grocery vouchers to 15 impoverished families
- Supply 300 meals for children living in orphanages
- Provide 25 meals for the homeless