If you have ever considered going on a mission trip to Africa, there is a wonderful opportunity available to go to Malawi with a group of Lutherans from Roanoke. Below is a letter from one of the group’s leaders, Judy Brammer.

March 25, 2013

Dear Friends and Family,

I am writing this note to all of you as persons who have shown an interest in Habitat for Humanity or are interested in Mission work in Malawi, Africa (or both!!).

Malawi is one of the poorest countries in Africa.Resources for strengthening programs to provide wells, care for the most vulnerable (especially HIV orphans, and those most susceptible to Malaria), developing agricultural programs, job training for widows, building adequate homes, etc. are very limited.

For the past 9 years I have been involved with our Global Mission team at St. Philip Lutheran Church, Roanoke, VA and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malawi(ELCM) to provide necessary funding and materials for the amazing work of the church.Five years ago on one of our mission trips we started talking about the possibility of tapping the resources of Habitat for Humanity Malawi (HFHM) and Thrivent Builds Worldwide (TBW). Finally, on our trip this past May, we met with HFHM and settled on a plan. We learned that two years ago HFHM decided to address the growing numbers of orphans and vulnerable children by starting an Orphaned and Vulnerable Children (OVC) program.

I participated in leader training for HFH this past February have been approved to lead a trip to Malawi September 13-22, 2013.We will travel to Mulanje, Malawi to support HFHM’s OVC program.We will have the opportunity to participate in a building project to achieve a deeper understanding of the issues that many residents of Malawi Face.

The cost of the trip will be approximately $1500, not counting airfare ($500) is a donation to the project). If you are a Thrivent member the cost to you will be $1000. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is a faith based not for profit financial organization that is member owned.They have worked closely with Habitat for Humanity to build homes both nationally and internationally.If you are a benefit member you may qualify for discounted trip costs.For more information you can contact our local Representative, Max Holland at: 540-966-4325 or by email at: Max.Holland@Thrivent.com.

Malawi is called the warm heart of Africa.The people we grew to know welcomed us with kindness, joy, and their strong faith. The time spent in Malawi will leave you with memories, experiences, and relationships that you will never forget.

Thank you in advance for considering participation in this trip. Please let me know by April 8th if you would like to join us on this life changing trip.

Sincerely,
Judy Brammer
Team Leader GVT14631
1678 Millbridge Road, Salem, VA24153
paul.judy.brammer46@gmail.com