On March 17, 2025, the Friendship Ministry officially started in Central Africa. This program helps church members support others who are struggling with mental health issues. In Central Africa, approximately 15% of children and adolescents experience mental illness influenced by poverty, high unemployment, HIV, and substance abuse. The Friendship Ministry was created by Dr. Stephen M. Saunders, a clinical psychologist from Marquette University, to address the lack of mental health services in urban areas. Meros is working with Dr. Saunders to adapt the program to a Central African context.
The Meros Center began working on this project in October 2023 with Dr. Genesis Chorwe, a mental health expert from Malawi. Through a collaboration between generous Meros donors, Dr. Saunders, and Dr. Chorwe, we were able to coordinate trainings in three cities (Blantyre, Lilonge, and Lusaka) from March 17-24 involving over 65 participants including pastors and mental health professionals.
The Friendship Ministry is a great example of how faith-based efforts can improve mental health care and bring hope to communities. Studies show that church-based programs like this can be very effective in providing mental health support where it's needed most. Your prayers and support can move this initiative forward as we learn how best to implement it in Central Africa.
