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At Willow, our Compassion & Justice Ministry team is dedicated to showcasing the incredible work of our global partners. Through our annual Celebration of Hope, we’ve had the privilege of sharing the transformative stories of organizations making a lasting impact worldwide. In this blog, we connect with some of these partners to hear how their ministries are changing lives and communities. From reaching the unreached in South Asia to empowering leaders in El Salvador and Malawi, these partners are doing remarkable work, and we’re honored to support them. Discover how God is moving through their efforts and how, together, we can continue making a difference globally!

Our global partner in northern Malawi, Tubepoka Development Initiative (TDI), is a vibrant Christian non-governmental organization that unites 419 churches in the Chitipa region to create a lasting impact. They’re equipping pastors with the skills to drive community change, focusing on areas like agriculture, clean water, and sanitation. In 2024, they trained 1,004 leaders who are already making a difference. They’ve also provided clean water to over 45,000 people by building and repairing deep water wells. Through a partnership with Hope International, more than 16,000 people are saving for their future, with an average savings of $30—helping lift families living on less than $0.27 a day. It’s incredible to see how they’re transforming lives and building stronger, thriving communities!

What has the partnership with Willow Creek meant to you?

Partnership with Willow is helping the church in Chitipa, Malawi and beyond to rediscover its mission and mandate. There has been great exchange of knowledge, experiences, and practices between Willow Creek and churches in the TDI network that has helped to foster mutual understanding on how the church of Christ can globally and locally work together to make the world better. TDI as an institution has become a model of how local churches with diverse doctrines can come together and work as a single unit in promoting God’s Kingdom and responding to community needs. My personal testimony is that my leadership capacity has improved beyond my and anyone else’s expectations due to my engagement with Willow Creek.

During Celebration of Hope, we highlight the stories and ministries of global partners to encourage our congregation to serve and give generously. How has Celebration of Hope made an impact on your ministry?

What has come out of Celebration of Hope has always served as a tangible expression of the greatest commandment (Mathew 22: 37 -40). Apart from being an expression of gratitude to God for His blessings, fostering deeper connection with the faith community, and demonstration of good stewardship of resources, COH has been the backbone in the provision of financial support to TDI through which vital church and community programs implemented by the local church networks have been achieved. Through COH funding, TDI has provided clean and safe water to over 100,000 people in rural areas in Chitipa, supported programs in food security, child education, health, leadership development, youth empowerment, and acquisition of organization assets.

You’ve been receiving teams from Willow Creek for a while. What does God do through those serving teams?

Serving teams have always played a key role in building bridges for ministry by expanding our reach, addressing a wider range of needs, and impacting more people. They have strengthened the community by serving alongside locals, fostering connections, belonging, and building relationships within the TDI church networks. Additionally, serving teams promote spiritual growth through active service, encouraging personal development and a deeper understanding of faith. They also support leadership development by providing opportunities for individuals to practice leadership skills and take on greater responsibilities. Ultimately, serving teams are a powerful demonstration of the unity of the Church, reflecting the biblical principle of working together toward a common goal within the church ecosystem.

What do you hope will come from our churches continuing to partner together?

This ongoing partnership will enable believers with diverse resources and opportunities to work side by side for the sake of the Gospel, leveraging their unique gifts and strengths to make a greater impact in their communities. It reflects the Biblical principles of unity and cooperation, while fostering mutual support and accountability along a shared journey. Ultimately, we are focused on increasing effectiveness, spiritual growth, mutual accountability, community building, and shared burdens, all grounded in a Biblical foundation.

As we celebrate the powerful work God is doing through our global partners, we invite you to be a part of this amazing journey! Your financial generosity is more than just a number—it’s a powerful act of kindness that creates real change. Every contribution helps local organizations on the ground make a meaningful impact in communities that need it most. From providing clean water to supporting life-changing education programs, your support empowers these organizations to carry out their essential work. No matter the size of your gift, you’re playing a vital role in transforming lives and building a brighter, better future for all!

Ways to give: 

• Online – Click here  and select “Celebration of Hope” in the dropdown menu.
• In Person – Drop a check with “Celebration of Hope” in the memo line at any Willow location offering box.
• By Mail – Mail a check with “Celebration of Hope” in the memo line to 67 Algonquin Rd, South Barrington, IL.