Spirits Behind Sickness, According to Beliefs in Malawi

November 20, 2009

Spirits Behind Sickness, According to Beliefs in Malawi

November 20, 2009

Source: HCJB Global
"He didn't follow the instructions correctly," a Malawian said of his dead uncle. "And because of this, he contracted a disease in which his body swelled up and he went mad."

The African was not describing mishandling prescription drugs, but instead the charm his uncle had purchased to become wealthy.

"It was his own fault that he died out of his greed to get rich," was what an Ecuadorian family practice resident Dr. Marco Pesántez, was told.

Pesántez and Dr. José Luis Vivanco each served a one-month rotation at the PIH clinic as part of their family practice residencies at Hospital Vozandes- Quito. "From a Western perspective, one would make a list of possible causes of death and determine what evidence there is to support one diagnosis over another," said Dr. Richard Douce, after helping at the clinic for more than two months.

Douce listed possibilities such as liver cirrhosis or a parasitic infection called shistosomiasis which is common in Malawi. Possibly the man was an alcoholic, but to the nephew, greed and misapplying the charm took his uncle´s life.

"Westerners will ask what caused an illness while an African will ask who caused an illness," said PIH chaplain Lester Chikoya as he underlined fundamental differences in how Africans view health and the HIV/AIDS epidemic. To a person raised within the traditions of many rural African cultures, most things have a spiritual explanation.

Douce led a Bible study in Malawi on the cost of discipleship. While discussing Luke 12:51-54, a PIH counselor told about a friend whose brother had died, requiring the living brother to sleep with the widow in front of the dead man's cadaver in order to let the man's spirit go in peace. Despite pressure from peers and family members, the man refused, not wanting to participate in something based on demonic beliefs.

Many cultural practices in central Malawi's rural cultures attempt to placate ancestor spirits. Some of the taboos prohibit sexual relations in married couples for long periods of time, making sex outside of marriage more attractive, contributing to the spread of HIV in a country that is 80-percent Christian.

Director of Church & Donor Partnerships

Position Summary: The Director of Church & Donor Partnerships strengthens Reach Beyond’s ministry by cultivating purposeful, trust-based relationships with churches, pastors, donors, and mission-minded individuals. Serving as a storyteller, encourager, and connector, this role invites the Body of Christ to join in God’s mission to reach those with little or no access to the Gospel.

Working closely with the Mobilization and Development teams, this person helps raise up new workers, strengthen church partnerships, and resource strategic ministry initiatives—always with a posture of discernment, prayer, and long-term stewardship.

Location: Colorado Springs or remote

Employment Type: Full time with employer-paid benefits, including medical coverage, retirement plan, and paid time off.

What This Role Does (Core Responsibilities)

1. Church Partnership Development

This role serves as a relational bridge between Reach Beyond, churches, and missionaries.

The Director:

Maintains strong relationships with existing partner churches and develops 2–4 new church partnerships annually
Shares the vision of Reach Beyond, helping churches understand and engage with the needs of the unreached
Equips churches with resources that support missionaries and foster long-term, healthy partnerships
Collaborates closely with missionaries as they engage their sending and supporting churches

2. Donor Ministry & Stewardship

This role views donor relationships as ministry and discipleship, not transactions.

The Director:

Manages relationships with approximately 12 key donor accounts
Walks alongside donors with discernment—guiding them through education, cultivation, solicitation, and appreciation
Communicates clearly about ministry priorities, impact opportunities, and project funding goals
Maintains accurate, timely records in the donor management system to ensure thoughtful follow-up and accountability

3. Representation & Engagement

This role serves as a public voice and relational presence for Reach Beyond.

The Director:

Represents Reach Beyond at 3–5 regional or national events annually, with intentional follow-up for every connection
Communicates the story of God’s work in Reach Beyond through stage presentations, small groups, and media opportunities
Participates fully in staff meetings, chapels, retreats, and organizational prayer rhythms

4. Reporting, Collaboration & Administration

This role balances relational ministry with faithful stewardship and teamwork.

The Director:

Provides quarterly written reports tracking progress toward mobilization and development goals
Works closely with the Mobilization and Development Directors to align efforts and communicate organizational priorities
Upholds organizational policies and maintains healthy, proactive communication across teams

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Why Join Reach Beyond? At Reach Beyond, we cultivate a culture rooted in relationship, collaboration, and dependence on God. Our mission is to see unreached people transformed in Christ through media, healthcare, and community development. As the Director of Church & Donor Partnerships, you’ll play a vital role in advancing God's mission and have the opportunity to grow personally and professionally while making a lasting global impact.

All applicants must be able to sign the Reach Beyond Statement of Faith.

Apply Now: Join us in fulfilling God’s calling to bring hope and transformation to the unreached. Complete the application here. Contact [email protected] if you have questions.