Two hundred years ago, a man was born who would leave an indelible mark upon Malawi. This Scottish missionary did much to improve both the physical and spiritual health of the country. His name was, of course, Dr David Livingstone.

As the bicentennial celebration of his birth nears, Dr Livingstone continues to arouse plenty of discussion in Malawi. His efforts and influence can still be appreciated, long after his departure.

Whilst I don't want to make any arrogant presumptions or draw any lazy comparisons, I do believe that our efforts as a team can similarly (albeit on a much smaller scale) bless the Malawian people long after we have returned to the UK.

It's all about the ripple effect. Take a simple example. Install a water tank in a remote rural village. The girls in the village (for it is invariably they who are tasked with collecting water) no longer have to trek for miles each day to fetch water (which may or may not be clean). They now have time to attend school with their male counterparts and, empowered by the opportunities that education provides, break through the cycle of poverty. They can now, potentially, pursue a career, maybe become a teacher or doctor and so further help their village.

Seem fanciful? This is a true story, taken from the experience of a Tearfund team in Uganda.

I hope that we can start some ripples too...