Fishers Trainers and Senders Ministries
E3 partners with Fishers, Trainers and Senders Ministries (FTSM) in Mtambwa, an isolated rural community where families live in extreme poverty in Malawi.
The community is around 20km from the nearest market so there are limited opportunities to earn a living from making and selling. It is also hard to grow crops to eat without special fertiliser. FTSM has started with adult Bible study groups and children’s clubs to share the word of God and encourage group members to share their faith. In 2025, E3 funding enabled an agricultural project to start to improve livelihoods and combat hunger.
E3’s partnership helps fund:
Training for church leaders, adult Bible study group leaders and children’s club leaders.
Four Bible study groups for adults, with 57 members (September 2023).
Fourteen after-school Bible clubs for orphaned and vulnerable school children, reaching over 1,200 children. They play games and leaders share God’s word with them. The clubs provide a safe place to spend time, have fun and receive nurture and support.
Training and empowering group members to start vegetable gardens to combat hunger and generate an income.
Grant from E3: £10,000
Stonard Banda is the project leader.
Nedson’s story: let’s not neglect the children
Nedson is 20 years old. He joined a church in 2020 and felt that the church was putting too much emphasis on the adults and neglecting the children in their teaching of the gospel. He started a children’s club in his area, but he did not have any teaching resources and did not know about children’s ministry. In March 2023, he was invited to children’s ministry training funded by E3.
“I knew the training was a great opportunity and would change my life forever. It boosted my teaching skills so I could make the lessons enjoyable and impactful. Soon after the training, the number of children in my group increased from 12 members to 42 members! I don’t yet have a Bible of my own, but I borrow the pastor’s Bible when I’m preparing for the club.”
Sarah (pictured on the left holding her baby sister) is age 12.
“My Bible club teacher, Memory, has made the Bible come to life through the interesting lessons she prepares. Memory has a great sense of humour and talks about topics that children like me appreciate and need to hear. She models how to follow Jesus by providing me with a practical, flesh-and-blood picture of what a person sold-out to Christ looks like.”
When Enelesi learned about the Bible study group in her village, she decided to join. Through group discussions and diverse perspectives, Enelesi has enhanced her understanding of Scripture and deepened her relationship with God.
“I've learned to apply biblical principles that are vital to my life, resulting in positive changes in my character and behavior. Through the weekly meetings, I have found inner peace about my children, knowing that God is in control. The group has encouraged me to pray more regularly and fervently. We pray for each other's needs and for the needs of the world, strengthening our reliance on God. We share our struggles and pray for each other, reminding each other of God's faithfulness and promises. This has helped us to grow in our faith, moving beyond basic knowledge to a deeper understanding and a more mature relationship with God.”
“I have 5 children. I was fortunate to be invited to the Women Empowerment Project. After being registered we received training on the modern ways of farming. Then we received farm inputs and seeds so we could start doing what we learned.
“Before being part of this project, I was struggling so much to afford secondary school fees and upkeep for my two children. But now I’m selling tomatoes, so I have money to support my children. I believe farming will help reduce poverty levels and create sustainable incomes.
“I thank God that I can now contribute something to my family. Thank you. We will never be the same and I plan to plant more in the future”. Nerisa, Mnere Bible Study Group
How you can help
Pray…
Praying for E3 partners on a regular basis brings you closer to the life-transforming work that is happening on the ground and is fundamental to our mission, helping us seek God’s wisdom and be effective in our partnerships and work.
Donate…
Your donation will go to where it is needed most or to a specific appeal like Back to School. We work hard to minimise the running costs of the charity so more of your donation goes to the work.
