Moving into Malawi: A History of the First Years of the Wisconsin Synod's Mission Work in Malawi with Personal Perspective from Missionary Raymond Cox

Abstract

Justin C. Cloute’s church history paper recounts the early years of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod’s mission work in Malawi, focusing on the period from 1961 to 1970 and highlighting the contributions of Missionary Raymond Cox. The paper explores the political context of Central Africa, the challenges of expansion, and the development of an indigenous church. It details the missionaries’ use of mailing programs, printed tracts, and personal visits to reach remote villages, often facing opposition and cultural barriers. The paper also describes the first confirmations, the rise of national pastors, and the strategic shift toward medical missions in response to government restrictions. Through interviews, letters, and archival sources, Cloute illustrates how God used adversity and faithful workers to grow the Lutheran Church of Central Africa. The story concludes with reflections on Cox’s legacy and a call to continue the mission work in Africa. —Abstract by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)