FTM salutes outgoing Teen Missions coordinator in Malawi

Malawi: Former Teen Missions Malawi members and staff (FTM'S) have praised outgoing Teen Missions Malawi Coordinator Seth Phippen for his efforts to reconnect them with current staff and members in terms of ministry.

During Phippen's farewell over the weekend in Chipoka, FTM's representatives, Alexious M'bwana, stated that despite only being in the country for six years, he has shown great consideration for issues of unity and coordination.

Phippen has been asked to return to the United States as Vice President of Operations.

"The departure of Seth Phippen and his family has been a blessing and disguise in the ministry, and we thank God for inventing Phippen life for this call to the Missions and giving the outgoing coordinator, who is set to become Teen Missions International vice president, a desire to shepherd his flock," M'bwana said.

Bishop Rutherford Banda, the father and founder of Teen Missions in the country, thanked God for allowing the ceremony to be so gracious, describing Phippen's leadership as unique and inspiring.

Micius Tsukani, who has taken over as Teen Missions Malawi Coordinator in place of Phippen, praised the outgoing coordinator for his love of ministry, saying he has left a positive impression on many people in the country.

"We will miss Seth and his family for their passion and commitment to lifetime mission involvement in Malawi, especially his impact among Teen Missions staff and students as well as alumni," Tsukani said.

According to Tsukani, many Teen Mission alumni are in full-time Christian ministry, serving the Lord as pastors, teachers, support technicians, and missionaries around the world.

Minister of Economics Sosten Gwengwe, Deputy Minister of Education Monica Chang'anamuno, musicians Skefa Chimoto and Dan Lufani, and Nyasa Big Bullets assistant coach Peter Mponda are among those who have previously attended Teen Mission Lord’s boot camp.

Teen Missions International is an interdenominational Christian mission that organises short-term mission trips for youth, teenagers, and adults.

Under the leadership of Bishop Rutherford Banda and Don Derstine, the organisation was founded in 1970 in Ohio and later relocated to Florida in the United States.

In Malawi, it was founded in Malingunde, Lilongwe in 1988 before relocating to Chipoka, Salima in 1994.