Mission guide

Malawi Lilongwe Mission

The Malawi Lilongwe Mission serves in a growing capital city known for its high plateau, warm climate, and Chichewa-speaking communities.

Chichewa

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Malawi Lilongwe Mission shirts

Every style made for this mission, printed when you order.

Malawi Lilongwe Mission T-Shirt

$29.00

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Malawi Lilongwe Mission Heart Map Shirt

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I Glory in My Jesus, in the language of this mission

2 Nephi 33:6 as it reads in the Book of Mormon for each language spoken here.

I Glory in My Jesus shirt in Chichewa on White: “Ndimalemekeza mwa Yesu wanga”, 2 Nefi 33:6

I Glory in My Jesus Shirt – Chichewa

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I Glory in My Jesus script shirt in Chichewa, white ink on Dark Chocolate: “Ndimalemekeza mwa Yesu wanga”, 2 Nefi 33:6

I Glory in My Jesus Script Shirt (White Ink) – Chichewa

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About the mission

The Malawi Lilongwe Mission is based in Lilongwe, the capital and largest city of Malawi. Lilongwe sits in the central part of the country and serves as an important administrative and agricultural center.

Chichewa is the main local language highlighted for the mission. Missionaries and families may also encounter English in official and public settings.

At a glance

Country: Malawi
Main city: Lilongwe (989,318 people in 2018)
Time zone: Central Africa Time (UTC+2)
Climate: Humid subtropical, with a short rainy season from December to March and a dry winter from April to August
Church in Malawi: 7,857 members, 2 stakes, 21 congregations
Congregations: 10 wards and 11 branches

A short history of the area

Lilongwe was first set up as a boma by the local leader Njewa around 1902 and became an administrative center in 1904. Its location at the junction of major roads helped it grow as an agricultural market center in the 1920s. It was officially recognized as a town in 1947.

In 1965, Hastings Kamuzu Banda selected Lilongwe as an economic growth point. The city became Malawi’s capital in 1975, replacing Zomba. The last government offices moved from Zomba to Lilongwe in 2005.

The Church here

1992The first missionary couple, Elder James and Sister Diane Griggs, was allowed to enter Malawi.
1995The Church was legally recognized in Malawi on April 25.
1999Elder Dennis E. Simmons and Frank Bagley organized the Sitima Village Branch on May 20. Within the following year, its membership grew to about 200.
2000A second branch in Malawi was organized in Blantyre on July 20.
2002A Church branch in Lilongwe that had been organized during the 1990s was discontinued.
2007The Church reestablished a branch in Lilongwe during the fall.
2010The Kauma 1st Branch was organized in Lilongwe.
2011The Church established a member group in Liwonde.
2013The Kauma 2nd and Kalambo Branches were organized in Lilongwe.

Temples nearby

Harare Zimbabwe Temple

Dedicated March 1, 2026 · About 325 miles from Lilongwe

The Book of Mormon here

Missionaries in this mission share the Book of Mormon in these languages. Tap a cover to read it free.

Chichewa Read it free →

Cover art is an illustration. Links open the free edition on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

Before you go

Phrases to learn

MoniHello
Muli bwanji?How are you?
Ndili bwinoI am fine
ZikomoThank you

Foods to try

Nsima (a thick maize porridge served with many meals)
Ndiwo (a vegetable, bean, or meat relish served with nsima)
Chambo (a freshwater fish from Lake Malawi)
Mandasi (fried dough similar to a doughnut)

Fun facts

Lilongwe is both the capital and largest city of Malawi, and it is named after the Lilongwe River.
The city sits on a plateau about 1,050 metres above sea level.
Bingu National Stadium has a capacity of 40,000 and was built with help from a $70 million loan from the Government of the People’s Republic of China.

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