A Humble Hero Laid to Rest

Egbert Chibambo, a dear friend to Rafiki and hero to many children in Malawi, went to be with the Lord on ­­February 16, 2022. Egbert is remembered as a godly, kind, driven, and good-natured man.

Egbert acquired a vast amount of experience in his life and accomplished many extraordinary things. After completing his education in England, he moved back to Malawi and spent his time working in a hospital, teaching at a university, starting and running his own business, and serving as mayor of Mzuzu, Malawi. It was there in Mzuzu that Egbert did some of his greatest work and made a huge impact on the Rafiki Foundation.

Previously, while visiting his brother in Seattle, Washington, Egbert met a woman who shared about missionary work in Africa. As they spoke, he learned about the Rafiki Foundation and was impressed with the work Bob and Rosemary Jensen did in Africa. Egbert telephoned Rosemary that same evening.

“My name is Egbert Chibambo. I want to ask you to please come build an orphanage in Mzuzu, Malawi.”

He described to Rosemary the vast number of orphans in Mzuzu—thousands of them—and the need for someone to care for them.

“This is what you have to do,” he said. “I will show them to you.”

However, it wasn’t quite that simple. Rosemary explained that Rafiki must first be registered in Malawi, and, on top of that, they would need 20 acres of land to meet the children’s needs.

“I can take care of that. It’s not a problem,” came Egbert’s reply.

After that, Egbert worked tirelessly to prepare for Rosemary’s visit. He spoke with the chiefs in the area, those who owned the land, to convince them to offer acreage to Rafiki. He told the orphans in his town that a lady would come to build them an orphanage. The children, nearly in tears, rejoiced at the prospect of finally having a home.

When Rosemary arrived, Egbert met her in his mayoral car and ensured that she wanted for nothing during her trip. At this time, he also introduced her to the first lady of Malawi.

As he showed Rosemary around town, she saw the truth in his words. These orphans were in great need. At every stop along the way, Egbert had gathered hundreds of orphans who sat on the ground eagerly awaiting Rosemary’s arrival.

Not only did he convince Rosemary of Mzuzu’s great need for an orphanage, but he also made sure Rafiki could build and work in Mzuzu. He offered Rosemary not 20 acres of land but 175 acres. His determination and compassion for children paved the way for Rafiki to establish an entire Rafiki Village in Malawi instead of just an orphanage.

Because of Egbert Chibambo, Rafiki now trains teachers, serves many children and widows, and shares God’s Word with numerous people in Malawi. All who walk through the Village’s gates see the fruit of Egbert’s labors and hear the truth of the gospel.

The work God began through Egbert continues through the Rafiki missionaries, the Village staff, and the children themselves as they share God’s love with others. His legacy continues to impact lives in Mzuzu today.

Egbert also served God as an elder in his church, caring deeply for the congregation. He is remembered as a strong Christian, an honest man, and an endearing friend. Praise God for raising him up in the service of the Kingdom! We look forward to seeing our brother in Glory!