Bishop Gift K. Machinga, who oversees the Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and Botswana Episcopal Area, visited Malawi at the end of last year on a “fact-finding mission” — his first visit to the region since his election as bishop in March 2025.
The Malawi Provisional Conference has been embroiled in yearslong legal challenges over leadership positions that have effectively paralyzed the formal administrative process, making it impossible to hold the necessary proceedings for ordinations.
While the situation was being resolved, episcopal leadership opted to delay any official visits to Malawi to avoid further complicating the court cases. As Bishop Eben K. Nhiwatiwa approached the end of his term, he felt it was more appropriate for matters to be addressed by his successor.
Bishop’s Presence Brings Message of Healing
The atmosphere both in Blantyre and Lilongwe was one of anticipation and relief as Bishop Machinga stepped onto Malawian soil Nov. 19-24. He was joined by his wife, the Rev. Mazvita M. Machinga, a chaplain and psychotherapist. Together, they brought a message of healing to a conference that has felt the sting of neglect.
While misinformation and rumors have actively sought to portray The United Methodist Church as a crumbling institution in Africa, Machinga’s presence in Malawi told a different story: one of resilience, restructuring and renewal, church leaders said.
“The most newsworthy aspect of this visit is its symbolic power,” said the Rev. Daniel Mhone, Malawi Provisional Annual Conference superintendent. “It validates the future of The United Methodist Church in Malawi. The bishop’s inaugural visit definitively signals that the church here is seen and has a shepherd.”
The visit began with a meeting between the bishop, conference leaders, clergy and laity.
“I am the bishop for all countries under my care. After the fact-finding, I will sit down to plan,” he said. “I recognize that in Malawi, there are some hindrances, like the legal issues. But God will always make a way on how best I can ensure progress here in Malawi.”
The regionalization legislation, which was ratified by annual conference voters last year, explicitly allows each regional conference to make its own decisions about whom to marry and whom to ordain in line with local laws and the conference’s understanding of Scripture.
Bishop acknowledges Need for Clear Communication
Machinga acknowledged the need for clear, written communication to protect the local church. He affirmed a request to craft a statement for newspapers, TV and press releases.
Outside of the meeting, the episcopal party traveled to the Mikundi Dairy Farm to witness the conference’s mission. The hosting team showcased the farm’s impressive infrastructure and high-quality livestock production.
Supported by the United Methodist Committee on Relief under the Yambasu Agriculture Initiative, the farm is a beacon of the “income-generating” that Machinga envisions.
Standing among the developing farm locations and the lush fields, the bishop’s face lit up. “What a joy to be here,” he said. “I am learning your work in the ministry despite the challenges of court issues.”
Machinga then dedicated the farm, leading the local church members in a time of prayer. He emphasized that projects like Mikundi are the key to the church’s future.
“We aim to have income-generating projects for sustainability, for pastors’ welfare and for transportation,” he said. “We are looking for more partners to enable these sustainable projects.”
He also extended gratitude to the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries and UMCOR for their unwavering support through the agriculture initiative.
In his concluding remarks, Machinga expressed deep admiration for the Malawian people.
“I am highly impressed with the progress and the growth we are experiencing as the church in the face of challenges. I appreciate the tremendous work that is being done by both the clergy and the laity.”
Your Generosity Helps Bishops Provide Mentorship and Leadership
When you support the Episcopal Fund apportionment you help pay the salaries and expenses for United Methodist Bishops and allows them to travel across their episcopal areas providing mentorship and leadership. Please encourage your leaders and congregations to support the Episcopal Fund apportionment at 100 percent.
excerpt from a story by Francis Nkhoma, communicator in Malawi.
This story shows the impact of the Episcopal Fund—one of seven apportionment funds of The United Methodist Church—to sustain the leadership and oversight of bishops who guide our shared mission. Through this fund, the Church provides fair compensation, support, and accountability for episcopal leadership across the connection. Together, we ensure that every conference has the guidance needed to carry out ministry effectively and faithfully.
When your church supports the Episcopal Fund, you uphold the shared leadership that unites our Church in mission and ministry.
