The Chisomo Trust (Malawi) was started in the early 1990's and became registered in the UK in 2004. It operates to support the work of two church groups - the New Life Churches and the Rock Springs Baptist churches.

The Chisomo Trust is privileged to operate in partnership with these groups through national and ex-patriate mission workers including Martin and Marian Williams, Reinod & Gladys Kantwanje and Godfrey & Jane Kamwendo (see 'People' section). Chisomo is a Malawian word meaning 'grace' and as we look to the future we rely upon the amazing grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ.


The New Life Churches were founded as a group in 1994 and have steadily grown in number since. They now have about 40 branches throughout southern Malawi and are well served by the leadership of Pastor Reinod Kantwanje as well as a faithful group of district pastors and other leaders a number of whom have benefited from training at the Evangelical Bible College of Malawi (EBCoM). The churches run a variety of activities including bible teaching programmes (TEE); ladies, widows and youth ministries; orphan and HIV care groups and income generation projects. The main church centre near a small town called Bvumbwe acts as a conference and seminar centre for training and worship.


The Rock Springs Baptist Mission was started in 1989 and the chairman of this group of churches is now Godfrey Kamwendo who gained a BA in theology at Chancellor College, Zomba in 2003. Godfrey is now based in the capital city of Lilongwe where a new church mission centre is being developed.

There are presently about 39 churches in the group, many in rural areas; 9 of these are in Mozambique and one is in D.R.Congo. Church leaders are being trained through the TEE (Theological Education by Extension - see projects) and an increasing number have benefited from bible college training at EBCoM. Evangelism, women's and youth ministry are progressing well in the RSB churches.

The township church in Ndirande is the base for a community AIDS awareness, education and support project called 'John 8 in Action' (see projects section) which is helping young people to find faith and avoid HIV infection as well as offering compassionate support to those already infected.

Martin & Marian Williams provide oversight and guidance as well as particular responsibility for monthly joint pastors teaching days for both church groups. They are also active in church visitation, ministry to pastors wives and various practical and building projects.