Recently, we (Karl and Debbie Mueller along with a small team) had the opportunity to spend a day in Mgona, Malawi with Home-Based Care volunteers.  Mgona is the  poorest area of the capital city of Lilongwe.  Mgona is home to over 50,000 people – almost half of whom are orphans and vulnerable children.  The HIV infection rate in this community is estimated to be about 35%.  It is here that Home-Based Care volunteers from Somebody Cares work tirelessly to bring hope to the sick, the dying, the elderly and to orphans and vulnerable children.   As we visited homes we encountered those who could truly be counted among the poorest of the poor.

In every home we read the Scriptures with the patients, prayed with them, and the Somebody Cares volunteers made sure they had enough medication and food until they could visit again.  In many ways we felt helpless – but when we saw the hope that these visits bring to the patients, we realized it wasn’t so much about what we can do – it was simply the fact that we were there. Somehow, our visit brought hope.

During the time in Mgona I (Karl) was once again struck by the incredible service that Home Based Care volunteers provide. With little of their own to begin with, these men and women sometimes travel long distances every day to visit those who are house-bound by HIV, AIDS and other diseases.

One of the HBC volunteers we spent the day with was obviously very tired.  She talked to us about her life and then said this – “Whenever I get tired from all the walking, I just remember that Jesus walked everywhere to minister to people.  If Jesus walked – so can I”. The fact that He walked, encourages me to continue to walk and minister to my patients.”

These Home-Based Care volunteers working in Malawi alongside Somebody Cares need your continued commitment and support.  Remember them, and pray for them as they give of their lives in daily service.

As 2011 begins, Somebody Cares and all the HBC volunteers serving in their communities would like to thank you for your prayer and support.  Without you, their work would be even more difficult.

We would like to share with you some pictures that illustrate some of what your support has been able to provide to the HBC ministry over the past year.