We’re excited to welcome Chris Weaver on Sunday, September 14, 2025, to share about the incredible work he and his wife, Joni, are part of in Malawi, Africa. Many of you may remember Chris and Joni as former Northwest members who answered God’s call to bring decades of business wisdom and life experience to the mission field.
From Advocates to Missionaries
Our connection to this work began more than 16 years ago when Chris first introduced Northwest to the Passion Center for Children. He convinced our then-Senior Pastor Ken Harrell (now Pastor Emeritus) to send our first exploratory team in 2009, launching a partnership that has continued ever since. For years, Chris and Joni led our short-term teams to Malawi.
Watching them transition from hosting team meetings in their Dublin home to becoming full-time missionaries themselves has been incredible to witness.
The Farm That Feeds Families
Today, Chris and Joni operate a thriving agricultural operation in Namikongo village that employs 60-80 people regularly. Using innovative “Foundations for Farming” methods, they’ve transformed local agriculture by replacing expensive fertilizer with compost and organic methods, showing farmers how to feed a family of six for an entire year using just 1/16th of a hectare of land.
But this isn’t just about jobs—it’s about the gospel. Five percent of all revenue goes directly to church planting and pastor training, while regular gospel lunches provide opportunities for spiritual conversations. Each employee represents a life transformed through meaningful work and the hope of the gospel.
A Living Partnership
This past July, six Northwest members spent two transformative weeks serving at both the Passion Center for Children and Namikongo Farm, witnessing firsthand the fruit of Chris and Joni’s labor. We’re excited for them to celebrate the farm’s tenth anniversary next year!
Want to learn more? Chris and Joni recently launched the Malawi Talent Fund YouTube channel, sharing regular updates from the field. See what God is doing through their faithful service.
