TransWorld, World Vision founder mourned

Hadwick Adam Kachaje, the evangelist who is widely celebrated for helping set-up World Vision, Trans World Radio plus Christian ministries such as New Life For All and Global Field Evangelism, has been described as a man with an unwavering vision and a passion for his country.

Kachanje, who died last on Saturday and was laid to rest on Tuesday, pooled together politicians, preachers and development buffs to his funeral at Nthumba in Dualo Village in traditional authority Kabudula’s area in Lilongwe.

While the Christian community was saddened by the passing of evangelist and teacher, it was also a time to celebrate his life.

Kachanje was born in 1920 and as a young man, he strived for education.

During the funeral ceremony, speakers told stories of the man whose efforts led to advances in ministry, politics and education.

Nkhoma Synod moderator Chantha Msangambe said Kachaje came to have a experience when he met the Lord in 1950.

“He had been a devout man of God and a productive scholar for the kingdom for over 50 years. But when he came to die, God—in a very real sense—did more for him in those last few days of life than in all the years before. He was the first Malawian education secretary for Mkhoma Synod,” said Msangambe.

According to Msangambe, Nkhoma Synod will remember Kachanje for his effort.

“All of us owe the citizens of Nthumba Village a debt of gratitude for sending Kachaje to serve with us and for us,” he said. “Kachaje, together with former MCP president John Tembo, were in forefront of fighting for the right of fellow teacher at Nkhoma due to racism. Together, they formed an association for teachers which was called Nkhoma Synod Teachers Association and he was general secretary. During that time, the missionaries at Nkhoma, who were from South Africa, brought the spirit of apartheid to Malawi and teachers were not allowed to put on shoes. So it was Kachaje who fought for his fellow teacher and things changed. He later joined politics and was first MP in his village for three years before arrested without trial by the MCP,” said Msangambe.

Evangelical Association of Malawi (EAM) general secretary Reverend Francis Mkandawire described Kachanje as a hero.

“You can’t talk or write about mission work in Malawi without mentioning the name Hadwick Kachaje. He has been spiritual father to many people. He was the one who formed EAM in 1984, but then it was called NLFA. He has been my spiritual father since I joined the ministry. His attitude towards others was so touching looking at what he has done for a lot of souls to find Jesus. His life is worth celebrating and not mourning,” said Mkandawire.

Mkandawire said they is a lot local churchs in Malawi can learn from Kachaje’s life.

Malawi Congress Party president Lazarus Chakwera said, as a party, they are going to remember Kachaje for his humility, for the wisdom he possessed and the common sense he exercised; for the legislative skills he displayed and the life of integrity that he lived.

Chakwera said Kachaje’s life was a good example that a preacher can join politics and serve the Lord faithfully at the same time.

Kachanje’s longtime friend Evangelist Shadreck Wame said the departed had an intimate belief in Jesus and heart to reach many souls with the gospel.