Malawi has a rich past. It is not a country of one people but of many and varied peoples who came together to make up the country that we know of today as Malawi. The word Malawi can mean the land of flames. This probably refers to the fact that in the early history of the country Malawi was known for the making and trading of iron goods. Even today you can see the ruins of iron kilns that were used during the Iron Age to fashion spearheads and other iron pieces.

Another part of Malawi’s history is the arrival of Dr. David Livingstone in the mid 1800. He was a Scottish missionary-explorer who explored much of Central Africa. He brought Christianity to Malawi and other surrounding countries.

Before the country was known as Malawi it was called Nyasaland. Nyasa is a word for lake. Most of the country of Malawi borders on Lake Malawi. The lake is one of the most important of Malawi’s natural resources and today is a major source of tourism for the country.

The language most widely spoken in Malawi is Chichewa. It is a Bantu language as is many of the languages spoken in Southern Africa. There are other languages used in Malawi, Chitumbuka and Chiyawo being two major ones. English is spoken in the urban centers, is used in the government, on the radio and in the newspapers.

Malawi is a country that depends primarily on agriculture. Over 80% of the Malawian people live in a rural setting, growing their own food as well as crops for selling. The principle crops in Malawi are corn, peanuts, fruits and vegetables, tobacco, sugar cane, and tea. Malawi exports little of its produce, transportation is a problem, but it does export tobacco and tea. Coffee is also grown in Malawi but not to the extent that tea is grown.

There are several animal game parks in Malawi where one can go to see the wildlife of Africa. The animals most prevalent to Malawi include elephant, zebra, Cape buffalo, monkeys and various kinds of antelope. If you are fortunate you may see a big cat like a lion or leopard. Hippopotamus and crocodiles may be seen in Lake Malawi and the in river system throughout the country,

Malawi is known as the "Warm Heart of Africa". It truly is that. The people are open and receptive to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They are friendly and helpful. When you meet them on the road there is always a ready smile and a helpful hand.

Being one of the poorer countries in Southern Africa, Malawi could always use help in different ways economically. But the greatest need is to plant the Word of God among these people. As western influence is felt in Malawi, so the power of darkness is spreading. The Islamic influence is great in Malawi and it continues to grow. Pray that God would place His hand on the Christians in Malawi that they might have power and push back the spiritual darkness in Malawi today.