If we have an accident or require urgent medical assistance, help is not too far away. Even in remote areas transport to hospital is available.  Thank you Lord for the medical facilities and transportation that we enjoy and so often take for granted. Help us to remember that in many countries throughout our world people do not have these facilities.

The Salvation Army is now working in 118 countries throughout the world.  One of the poorest countries is Malawi, situated in Southern Africa, sandwiched between the much larger countries of  Tanzania, Zambia, and Mozambique.

The estimated population of Malawi is between 15-16 million with 10 million of these living in rural villages and existing  on what they can grow.  More than 2000 communities live a considerable distance from the nearest hospital.   When in need of medical attention, many walk miles on dirt roads to get to a public health-care facility. Due to the long distances, the terminally ill, weak, and expectant moms are unable to reach their destination, and death is inevitable.   

The Salvation Army in Malawi, in consultation with local community leaders, wanted to reduce deaths by improving transportation. They knew a bush ambulance would give the ill quick and proper medical support.  The “ambulance” is a thin mattress/stretcher on wheels attached to the back of a basic bicycle. Each unit costs around £340 and our project aims to provide 25 new bicycle ambulances at a cost of £8,050.   As a corps, we can help to reduce the number of reported deaths caused by transport problems and also increase access to  health and medical services, for the vulnerable in rural communities.  

This is how it works.   In each community, a representative  committee is formed to oversee the day to day running of the project. They take responsibility for the care, repair, management and sustainability of the bush ambulances through fundraising. When a sickness is reported the committee members are the ones that collect the ambulance from where it is stored in order to ensure security and avoid misuse of the ambulance. 

Training is given in the use and maintenance of the bicycles to ensure that they are properly used and cared for by the communities. Where possible Salvation Army corps officers are involved in the care and knowledge of how the bikes are used.  

Because The Salvation Army in Malawi already has  ambulances in place, we know that the project works.  Within a few  months, the results were positive. There was  a noticeable reduction in infection and death rate. We know that patients are benefiting from the project,  including pregnant mothers, HIV/AIDS patients, malnourished children and other chronically ill members of the communities.  A local chief said, : “The Salvation Army saved us from the death that was claiming many lives in this village through HIV/AIDS, malaria, water-borne diseases, chronically ill, orphans and vulnerable children, the aged, emergencies and maternal problems. Please continue your support.”   

Lieut. Colonels Goff and Diane Payne are British officers in charge of SA work in Malawi.  Goff wrote, “May I say how grateful we are that Worthing Corps is raising funds for this venture. We are indebted to people like you and corps like Worthing for the tremendous support given.”

Lord we want to commit our new project into you hands. Help us to respond in a sacrificial way to the need that has been presented to us.  Help us to appreciate all that we have. We pray that lives will be saved as people are able to reach hospital.  Lord bless the work of the Salvation Army in Malawi.  Bless Goff and Diane Payne as they lead your people.