A new partnership with Faith Comes by Hearing aims to spark city-wide spiritual renewal through 60 days of Scripture engagement.

In an age where smartphones compete relentlessly for people’s attention, Christian leaders in Malawi are asking a bold question: How can the Church turn mass distraction into deep engagement with God’s Word? For the Bible Society of Malawi and Faith Comes by Hearing, the answer lies in an innovative initiative called The Urban Campaign-a city-wide Scripture engagement movement designed specifically for the realities of the modern African city.

On March 10th, 2026, leaders from both organizations gathered to formalize a strategic partnership that will bring this vision to life. Representing Faith Comes by Hearing were Dr. Alemayehu Hailu, Regional Director for East and Southern Africa (Ethiopia), and Rabenjarisolo Oliventino Fabrice, Associate Regional Director for Southern Africa (Madagascar). They met with the leadership and staff of the Bible Society of Malawi to explore how collaboration could help reach urban communities with the life-transforming message of the Bible.

By the end of the meeting, the partnership was officially signed and sealed, setting the stage for immediate preparations.

Turning Distraction into Discipleship

The Urban Campaign seeks to bridge the gap between the smartphone and the soul, using both digital tools and community gatherings to encourage consistent Scripture engagement. The campaign will run for 60 uninterrupted days, mobilizing churches and believers across Malawi’s urban centers to listen to and discuss Scripture daily.

The initiative will include:

• Daily Scripture listening through a mobile app, followed by interactive WhatsApp discussion groups
• Proclaimer Audio Bible listening groups, creating spaces for communal listening and outreach
• Gospel film viewing gatherings, designed to reach audiences with the message of Christ

Together, these approaches combine technology, community, and evangelism to bring Scripture into the rhythms of everyday urban life.

A Model for City-Wide Impact

The Urban Campaign is built on a three-way partnership between:

• The Bible Society of Malawi
• Urban churches across the nation
• Faith Comes by Hearing

This collaborative model is designed to produce impact at several levels.

For individual believers, the campaign aims to encourage a shift from Sunday spectators to daily disciples, cultivating regular engagement with God’s Word.

For local churches, it offers an opportunity for renewed energy in discipleship, leadership development, and evangelistic outreach.

For the Bible Society of Malawi, the campaign strengthens its role as a strategic catalyst for Scripture engagement while expanding visibility and sustainability for future ministry.

A Moment of Vision and Responsibility

Those present described the atmosphere in the room as one marked by urgency, excitement, and a profound sense of responsibility. There was also a shared sense of privilege-to partner in advancing God’s Kingdom through creative and innovative approaches to Scripture engagement.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Alemayehu Hailu expressed strong confidence in the Bible Society of Malawi’s ability to lead the initiative successfully. “The Bible Society of Malawi has great potential and the expertise required to implement a project of this magnitude,” he said. Responding on behalf of his team, Mphatso Wiseman Bello, CEO of the Bible Society of Malawi, affirmed the organization’s readiness to move forward. “Our team is ready to make this happen,” he said. “We will immediately begin consultations with churches across Malawi so that together we can seize this great opportunity.”

A New Chapter for Scripture Engagement

As preparations begin, the Urban Campaign represents more than just a program-it signals a new chapter in collaborative Scripture engagement in Malawi’s cities. By bringing together technology, church partnerships, and community outreach, the initiative seeks to meet people where they are-helping them encounter the transforming power of God’s Word in the midst of modern urban life. And in doing so, it hopes to turn everyday devices into unexpected gateways to faith-bridging the smartphone and the soul.