Church Moderator speaks of lessons from 'lifechanging' trip to Malawi

Published on 2 October 2024 2 minutes read

The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland has reflected on the lessons from a "lifechanging" trip to Malawi at an event at the Scottish Parliament.

Speaking at the Malawi Cross Party Group, Dr Paterson emphasised the value of partnership between the African country and Scotland and thanked his hosts for their hospitality.

At The Synod Of Livingstonia In Malawi
At the Synod of Livingstonia in Malawi.

Accompanied by his wife Christine, who is an NHS nurse, Dr Paterson visited Malawi in August.

He said that people could learn from the welcome he received:

"It's about loving your neighbour…the people of Malawi are loving their neighbours going out and sharing the Good Word.

"We saw so many wonderful projects, so many different things."

"I would like you to think about ways that we might help and encourage others to learn and give – not give out of a benevolent sense – but give in partnership because the people of Malawi can give us so much..

"It has been a lifechanging experience for me – I have been enriched.

"Let's think how we can share our resources, our expertise, and let's think about how we can learn from the folks in Malawi because they have so much that they can teach – let's partner."

The evening was also attended by interested groups, including members of the Scotland Malawi Partnership.

People joined online in both countries from church, civil society and government, including the Malawi High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, His Excellency Dr Thomas John Bisika.

Blessing The Bridge
In Thondwe, near Zomba, the Rt Rev Dr Shaw Paterson had the opportunity to meet with the congregation who are twinned with Innerleithen, Traquair and Walkerburn Church of Scotland and took part in the blessing of a new bridge connecting the community with the school.

During the talk, Dr Paterson spoke about how he took part in celebrations marking 100 years of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP).

Other highlights included a trip to Zomba Theological University (ZTU) and the University of Livingstonia where Dr Paterson led seminars.

In Thondwe, near Zomba, he had the opportunity to meet with the congregation who are twinned with Innerleithen, Traquair and Walkerburn Church of Scotland and took part in the blessing of a new bridge connecting the community with the school.

This had been a major issue since the bridge was washed away by Cyclone Freddy.

Elsewhere he paid tribute at the graves of the early missionaries in Bandawe who lost their lives serving the Church in Malawi.

Dr Paterson also recounted that one of the most profound moments for him was a local church choir singing a beautiful rendition of the Hallelujah Chorus..

In the course of the visit Dr Paterson was even invited to create a jingle for a radio station, joking that this would be his "next career".

Co-chair of the Malawi Cross Party Group Alexander Stewart MSP spoke about the close ties between the two countries, saying:

"The enthusiasm that people have in Malawi for Scotland is immense.

"The number of organisations who are actively involved here in Scotland is truly remarkable.

"There's a real connection when it comes to the Church."