The faith of a child demonstrates simple belief and trust in the Father. God calls us to affirm and develop this faith through solid discipleship of people when they are young. Eighty percent of Christians come to faith in those young years. It is a crucial time to engage both children and those that are mentoring them.

A new vision is birthed

Back in 2004, Jim Young, a SIM NZ member living in Malawi saw a need to resource the Sunday Schools of local churches and so began some training of the teachers and supplying of materials.

Later, Jim met John Msowoya who also had a vision to set up a team to support Sunday School teachers. From this, STUM was born. John then became the director of STUM in 2013.

The ministry very soon began to grow and developed teams for over half of Malawi. It represents many different denominations. There are now over 21,000 volunteers. It has lifted the self-esteem of children’s workers who now have a sense of calling being fulfilled. It is encouraging the churches and supporters to keep praying for all those involved with STUM. It is helping church leadership to see the importance of ministering to children. Teaching is relevant for the teachers and children and their local communities. Training of trainers has also been established and is growing.

The future of STUM 

However, there is still much to do. More churches are asking for help and further training is needed. Funds are required to maintain two people in full-time positions and one part-time.  There is a vision to reach out to other denominations and further mentor churches to realise the importance of children’s ministry.

Since Jim and Diane returned to New Zealand, some of our individual supporter and churches still support the work of STUM. This money is used for printing lesson books. Four prints are done each year – one thousand each time. There are four books – two Old Testament and two New Testament, all printed in the local language. Then there are also other running costs such as wages and training.

Jim says, “It has been difficult raising money in Malawi for the work. While the ministry depends on financial help from NZ, I also work closely with John in the planning and direction of the work. We trust God to continue to lead and guide the project.”

STUM needs your help! This key ministry needs people like you to sustain discipleship of the younger generation. If you are able to give, please get in touch with the SIM NZ office here and quote the project number MW96556.