When Mark Thiesen moved from the U.S. with his family to work with Namikango in 2005, he saw the need for an African leader to come in at a high level and help put policies and procedures in place to provide structure for a growing ministry. Bisani Mphongolo was that man. Bisani and his wife, Lilian, have now been connected to Namikango for over 20 years. Operating out of Blantyre at the time (about a one hour drive from Namikango), Bisani worked with Namikango for 8 years before transitioning his family to the central region of Malawi.
In 2018 Bisani became the first member of the Namikango Mission Malawian board. He partnered with Ryan, Eric, and I over the next few years, helping to oversee the work. When we started looking for a Mission Director last year, Bisani’s name was mentioned early in the process by both the Malawian and U.S. boards. Here we are a year later and history has been made.
Bisani Mphongolo is the first full-time Malawian Mission Director in Namikango’s history!
I have had the blessing of knowing Bisani for the last 12 years. When my family and I first arrived in Malawi, Bisani and his wife met us at the airport and helped us settle in and feel at home. I remember specifically that at staff meetings, Bisani would greet each staff member in a different language – French, Portuguese, Tumbuka, Chichewa, and Yao. Aside from being impressive in general, it was a way of communicating value to and connecting with each staff member.
Bisani is an experienced and talented manager, and he has always been a servant in his various roles: his previous job as director at Ndi Moyo (the only hospice care facility in Malawi), serving as an elder at church, and as a father and husband. It is regarding this last role that many will comment on when talking about Bisani. He has counseled many people, both young and old. He is a man who loves God wholeheartedly.
Along with his wife, Lilian, and the amazing staff leadership team at Namikango, he will have the support needed to carry out this new role, and we’re all excited to see where God leads!
Ben Hayes
