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Both leaders stressed that the Synod was not rejoicing in the
defeat of the current ruling party but celebrating the power of
God and His willingness to save us from ourselves. They also expressed
thankfulness for God’s support to those 59 MPs who voted
against the bill. In a country with a 30-year history of intolerance
for political opposition, they demonstrated principles and strength
of character.
The CCAP and other churches in Malawi have a long history of
acting for social and political change, and campaigning against
the movement to change the constitution is just the most recent
example. It is again time to show that dedication, as now the
government is pushing not an open term but a third term, and there
are signs that political intolerance is resurfacing. Rallies are
being forcefully closed, people found with "seditious"
literature are arrested or hassled, and political parties are
being undermined. Please pray for this situation in Malawi. The
political situation not only affects the freedoms of the people
but even their survival, as external donors may begin to tie food
subsidies for famine relief to political freedoms.
We trust that most of you have heard of the famine situation
in southern Africa. Although there was surplus maize in Malawi
two years ago, last year’s crop failures combined with the
mismanagement of resources led to widespread suffering throughout
the country. The Church of Central Africa, Presbyterian—and
particularly the Development Department of the Synod of Livingstonia—undertook
an ambitious distribution plan that was supported by many Presbyterians
in the U.S., Canada, Ireland, and Scotland. The work of the Development
Department was well targeted and very effective, assisting over
10,000 families with undernourished children.
This year’s harvest was worse than last year’s, but
interventions have begun much earlier this year. The need is of
such a large scale, however, that even with much more aid from
outside, starvation is still a threat to many in Malawi. Several
people have contacted us to ask how they can help in the relief
efforts of the church. The Synod has asked that any assistance
be directed through the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA)
of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Go to PDA’s Web site
at or call 1 (800) 872-3283. Donations given through PDA can be
specified for Malawi, or, more specifically, for use within the
Synod of Livingstonia.
Jim’s position as water coordinator for the Synod has been
very exciting and rewarding. By the end of this year, the Shallow
Well Program, supported primarily by the Marion Medical Mission
of Marion, Illinois, (www.marionmedical.org)
will have installed over 2000 hand-dug well pumps over the last
decade.
Yours,
Jim, Jodi, Michael, Jason, and Chrissiana
The 2002 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 41
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