A Miracle in Malawi: Cynthia's First Steps

There is something truly magical about watching your child take their first steps. The uncertainty and cautiousness of each step. The look of determination on their face. The sheer joy and celebration of the accomplishment. It is an exciting and memorable event.

Sometimes, for parents of children with disabilities, that moment can seem like an impossible dream, one that may never happen. However, for 7-year-old Cynthia Banda, the impossible became possible thanks to the volunteers of Kingdom Workers' Home-Based Care program for people with disabilities in Malawi.

Cynthia had never been able to stand or walk on her own due to hydrocephalus, a condition causing fluid buildup in the brain. Seeing her take her first steps seemed like it would never happen. But then her family met the Kingdom Workers volunteers in 2017.

Since joining the program, Cynthia has been a faithful participant, regularly attending worship at the cross and never missing a hospital appointment. The skilled volunteers support Cynthia, providing transportation to her medical appointments to ensure she receives the care she needs to manage her condition.

After months of dedicated support, Cynthia can now stand and take her first tentative steps.

I watched a video of Cynthia taking her steps. Seeing her determination to walk and everyone around her cheering her on. In the video, she is surrounded by onlookers. She first begins to move by crawling across the room, and then, slowly, shakily, she puts one foot in front of the other. The excitement on her face is undeniable.

It was a moment of overwhelming joy and emotion for the family, seeing Cynthia achieve what had once seemed unattainable.

Though Cynthia's parents are not members of the Lutheran church, they deeply appreciate the love and support Kingdom Workers has shown their daughter. The Home-Based Care program meets Cynthia's physical needs and nurtures her spiritual growth by offering worship at the cross services and tailored services for people with disabilities.

The volunteer’s work goes beyond meeting physical needs. They also spend time educating families about disabilities and breaking down harmful misconceptions and stigmas. In Malawi, many people believe that disabilities are caused by curses or sins. This leads to discrimination and isolation for both the child and their family.

Kingsley Matope, Kingdom Workers' Field Lead in Malawi, has witnessed the program's impact on Cynthia and her family. He shares that with Cynthia's determination and the ongoing support of Kingdom Workers, her parents believe she will keep getting stronger. They take things one step at a time—celebrating each small victory. They are deeply grateful to the Kingdom Workers volunteers who make this progress possible through tireless efforts and dedication.