From the Archives: Pilgrimage to Malawi

From the Archives: Pilgrimage to Malawi 

By Laura Wisdom and Linda Gebhard 

This summer, from July 11 to 25, 2024, several members of St. David’s Episcopal, St. Matthew’s Episcopal, and Trinity Baytown churches traveled to Africa for a uniquely all-women pilgrimage. Pilgrims focused on learning about and seeing firsthand the challenges women face in Southern Malawi.   

“Traveling to Malawi never disappoints, but this trip was truly special. The intentionality of being a women’s pilgrimage was woven through everything we did. We were accompanied by women’s guilds, we focused on projects aimed at lifting up girls and women, and we celebrated the forthcoming ordination of women by witnessing Mother Katie Wright and Rev. Dr. Meredith Crigler be the first women to concelebrate Eucharist in the Southern Diocese of Malawi. Living conditions in Malawi are exceptionally tough right now with multiple years of natural disasters and devaluation of their currency, but we witnessed love and hope for the future. They truly are the Warm Heart of Africa.” 

Linda Gebhard, 2024 Pilgrim 

Girls Education Malawi 

In 2022, the Diocese of Southern Malawi’s partnership program approached Warm Heart International with the idea for the Girls’ Education program. The idea was born from a need to help support girls continuing their education in a dignified, supportive environment. 

The Girls Education Malawi (GEM) Committee of WHI and the Episcopal Diocese of Texas Committee on Global Partnerships in Mission have provided the funds to construct these rooms. These facilities ensure hygiene and dignity for hundreds of girls in the schools. By providing a clean and private space for menstruating girls, these wash and change rooms enable girls to stay in school during their period, addressing a critical barrier to education.  

Previously, these girls would go miles home or stay home during their periods and miss school, causing them to fall behind in their studies. Many girls end up dropping out of school, facing early marriage, pregnancy, prostitution, or other risky means of survival.   

These wash and change rooms are an integral part of GEM’s work to keep girls in school until they graduate from high school.   

Pilgrims visited, and witnessed the construction of, some of the wash and change rooms. Building these wash and change rooms has been a collaborative project between WHI and the Partnership Committee in Malawi.  

“In reflecting back over my trip to Southern Malawi, the words that continue to come to mind are inspiring, resiliency, hospitality, and love. I was inspired by the dedication and resiliency of the people of Malawi. I was overwhelmed by the hospitality and love the Malawian people showed to me and my fellow pilgrimages. I fell in love with the country, the people, and the good work that is being done with support from Warm Heart International. I feel honored and blessed to have been able to witness God’s work firsthand and feel his presence as we walked alongside our friends of Malawi.” 

JC Sanders, 2024 Pilgrim 

Malawi Pilgrimages 

Warm Heart International, through St. David’s and with the support of the Anglican Diocese of Southern Malawi, organizes pilgrimages to Malawi in southern Africa. Pilgrims, through activities, worship, ministry, and outreach, gain an understanding of the religious and cultural history, experience the natural beauty of Malawi, and get to know those that call Malawi their home. Seeing Malawi in person, pilgrims gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by all Malawians.   

“I found the people to be very loving and welcoming. When I meet people face to face, I realize we are all the same in many ways. Our differences disappear.  We are ALL God’s children and God loves us all NO exception. I am grateful I got to live with my host family during the time I was in Malawi. I felt loved and accepted by them.” 

Mary Nell Frucella, 2024 Pilgrim  

2024 Malawi Women's Pilgrimage

Warm Heart International 

Warm Heart International, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization formed through St. David’s and approved by the Diocese of Texas. This decades-old organization focuses on bringing fresh water, orphan care, educational scholarships, micro-loans and more to Malawi. To learn more about WHI and  the challenges facing women in Malawi or to make a donation to support the Girls’ Education program or any of the other programs please visit  Warm Heart International | Educational Programs.