FAQ
About Us
Q: What is Passion Center for Children?
A: Passion Center for Children is a nonprofit organization based out of Malawi, Africa. Learn more about our organization here.
Q: When did Passion Center for Children start?
A: The Passion Center for Children began caring for its first 30 orphans in September 2004.
Q: Who founded Passion Center for Children?
A: The Passion Center for Children was founded by F. Eric and Julie Von Barnau Sythoff. Learn more about our team here.
Q: What is unique about the Passion Center for Children in its approach to humanitarian aid?
A: Our approach to humanitarian aid is two-fold:
First, we strongly believe that only a robust, multi-faceted approach can break the continuing cycles of death, disease, and despair. By working through multiple grace-centered ministries, we are continuing to see lasting change take root in communities.
Secondly, we are convinced that unless we address each person's core spiritual need for a new life in Christ, all efforts in food security, education improvement, health care advancement, caring for orphans, etc. will not bring about real, lasting change for the person, nor their community.
Where We Work
Q: Where is Malawi located?
A: Malawi is a landlocked country in southeast Africa. It is bordered by Zambia, Tanzania, and Mozambique. Learn more about where we work here.
Q: What is the nation's population?
A: The current population of Malawi is approximately 18.6 million (2019).
Q: What are the official languages in Malawi?
A: The official language of Malawi is Chichewa, spoken by over 50% of the population, although English, Chinyanja, Chiyao, and Chitumbuka are also spoken by a large percentage of people.
Q: What is the prevailing religion in Malawi?
A: 20-25% of the population identifies as Muslim primarily from the Yao tribe, 60-65% identify with Christianity (Protestant and Catholicism), while 10-20% adhere to elements of African Tradition Religion (ATR), spiritualism, and ancestral veneration.
Donations
Q: How much of my donation goes directly to aid?
A: 93% of all donations go directly to providing aid in Malawi.
Q: Are my donations tax-deductible?
A: Yes! Passion Center for Children is a registered non-profit with 501(c)(3) status.
Q: How can I view/download my contribution statement?
A: Your contribution statement is available anytime through our REACH portal. Login to your donor portal here, Go to profile> Recent Donations, and select 'See All'. Click on the 'Download Statement' button, Select desired date range, click 'Submit'.
Q: Are there other ways to support Passion Center for Children?
A: Yes! In addition to becoming a prayer partner, donor, sponsor, or joining us in Malawi, another easy way to support us year-round is through AmazonSmile. Visit smile.amazon.com and select 'Passion Center for Children Inc.' as your designated charity. AmazonSmile will donate 0.5% of your purchase amount to our organization.
Mission Trips
Q: Is Malawi safe to visit?
A: Yes! Malawi is a very safe place. Though petty theft and/or unsecured valuables left out can be stolen, Malawi enjoys peace with its neighbors. There is no open civil, religious, or tribal conflict or violence. Befitting its motto as the "Warm Heart of Africa", Malawi has enjoyed mostly peace since its independence from Britain in 1964.
Q: I'm interested in joining a missions team. What are the next steps?
A: We would love to have you! You can view our Join A Trip page for more details on trip dates and submit an application here. Have more questions? Email us to find out more information or to join an informational meeting.
Q: What does a typical team trip look like?
A: Typically, our team trips run for 14-days (10-days in-country and 2-days of traveling on each end), but trip lengths may be flexible. While some of our trips have a singular focus (e.g., medical, pastoral), the main aim of our mission trips is to reinforce our ministries and refresh our in-country staff. This may be through hosting conferences, outreaches, teaching, bible training, and more.
Q: How do I raise support for my trip?
A: If you have chosen to raise support for your trip, we recommend that you create a personal fundraising campaign here and use our U.S. mailing address for all check donations.
Q: Help! I'm not sure how to write a support letter!
A: You can download a sample support letter outline here!
Q: What should I bring on my trip?
A: Our recommended packing list can be found here.
Sponsorships
Q: How do I become a sponsor?
A: You can view our available sponsorships here on our website!
Q: How much does a sponsorship cost?
A: Our sponsorships range from $25-$84/month and vary based on the type of sponsorship selected.
We currently offer 5 types of sponsorships through the following ministries:
Passion Kids (children who reside at the Passion Center or are enrolled in our village program), Champions Club (children with special needs), Child Headed Households, Education ( students attending college/vocational school), and Infant Rescue Project.
Q: What does a child sponsorship provide?
A: Your monthly sponsorship ensures food, clothing, medical aid, education, and grace-filled care for a child in need.
Q: Can I communicate with my sponsored child?
A: Yes! We encourage all sponsors to write letters and send photos to their sponsored children. Simply log in to your account here, and in the "My Profile" tab, click 'Inbox'. You can also mail your letter directly to your sponsored child or send your letter to our Malawi address at P.O. Box 1435 Zomba, Malawi (ATTN: Your Child's Name). Please note that all letters are hand delivered by our ministry coordinators and may take some time to reach your sponsored child. Please allow 3-4 weeks to receive correspondence.
Q: What happens if my sponsored child is no longer enrolled in the program?
A: If your sponsored child is no longer enrolled in our program, you will be notified by one of our coordinators.
Q: Can I send/bring items to my sponsored child?
A: All items are given at the discretion of the Passion Center staff members. We kindly ask that you inquire with a staff member before providing any items to your sponsored child or any other children.
Q: Am I able to see my sponsored child during my trip to Malawi?
A: Although we cannot guarantee that any sponsor will be able to visit their sponsored child, many of our sponsors have had the wonderful opportunity to meet their sponsored child throughout the course of their trip.