Bringing Hope Through Food and Faith

Over the last three years, Nazarene churches in Burundi, Malawi, and Zambia have partnered with Nazarene Compassionate Ministries to combat hunger and malnutrition. Through church-led projects, families are now finding new hope after seasons of deep food insecurity.

Fabiola, a single mother, struggled to make ends meet before joining one of these initiatives. “Before, we had no plans and were not saving for the future,” she shared. By joining a farmers' association, she and 19 other women learned sustainable farming, saving for the future, and small-business skills. Now, they can provide for their families and invest in new opportunities.

The projects are designed to help participants progress from farming to small business ownership. Selling crops and livestock allows them to pay school fees, cover expenses, and raise their standard of living.

Brenda, a mother of seven in Zambia, shared how transformational the program has been. “Before, we didn’t know how to do gardens. Now, we grow food, raise money, and can provide for our family,” she said. Brenda sells extra produce at the market and proudly supports her children’s needs. “My dignity is restored,” she added.

Cecilia, another participant, used her farming profits to start a baked goods business near her children’s school. “Before, I didn’t know how to save food or handle finances,” she said. “Now, I can save and provide for my family.”

Local churches hosting these projects are seeing spiritual growth alongside economic renewal. Pastors report new unity and outreach as members apply what they’ve learned to help others. One church in Malawi began supporting needy families together, saying, "As a church, we became very united."

Through practical help and spiritual connection, lives are being changed—and churches are becoming centers of hope for their communities.

Adapted from NCM Magazine.