The message of Francis’ encyclical resonates most keenly in poor countries. As Christians prepare for the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation on Tuesday, we look at initiatives in Malawi to address the effects of climate change It was a very tall and very full tree, branches thick and thin. Ideal for cutting down to cook many meals and to warm many huts. But over the years, no one has touched it, despite trees all around it having been cut down and the landscape left quite barren. Why has this tree been preserved? A local Malawian villager told us very directly and simply: “The spirits protect the tree, to help us draw water locally.” A closer look at the roots reveals a small spring that provides good fresh water. The people of this village and others in the a