Mar 27, 2026 From Soil to Sanctuary

The Seventh-day Adventist message is spreading like wildfire through Malawi. There are so many people embracing the Sabbath that in some villages, places of worship are simply becoming too small. 

In Malawi—and across much of sub-Saharan Africa—land is more than soil and boundaries. In predominant farming communities, land is tied to identity, livelihood, heritage, and family legacy. It is often described as “as invaluable as life itself” by Wolde-Mariam.  

The land feeds families, sustains communities, and anchors generations to their history. 

To give land is not just to give property—it is to give a part of oneself. 

That is what makes Modesta’s story so powerful. 

In the village of Namingazi, her experience with the gospel through the Adventist church left such a powerful impression on her that she felt called to donate a portion of her land for a new church to be built.  

Sadly, Modesta passed away before construction could begin. 

Yet her faith did not die with her. 

Her daughter Sofi and her sister Ida—who are not Seventh-day Adventists—are determined to honor Modesta’s wish and see her land become a place of worship. Their commitment speaks volumes about the impact of one woman’s conviction. 

And the story does not end there. 

The land next to Modesta’s belongs to another Adventist believer. When he learned of the church’s plans, he told leaders that if her plot is not large enough, he too would donate his land for the project. 

This is how the gospel moves forward—not only through preaching, but through sacrifice. Through generosity. Through land given, legacy surrendered, and faith lived out in tangible ways. 

In regions where agriculture remains the primary source of livelihood and land sustains both economic survival and cultural identity, such gifts carry profound weight. Access to land ensures food security, preserves heritage, and maintains social bonds. To dedicate it to God’s work is a declaration that eternal things matter more than temporal security. 

Because of people like Modesta Chikwapolos, many will walk toward the Kingdom of God. 

In community after community, growing congregations are waiting for a place to meet. Your donation today helps construct churches that strengthen believers and welcome new ones. Will you help build where the harvest is ready? 

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