Leaning Into Visions that Transform Individuals and Communities – Part Four

A Letter from Paula Cooper, serving as regional liaison for East Central Africa

Fall 2023

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Dear friends,

In our previous newsletter, we explored our partner’s vision in Rwanda and how it aligns with the teachings from Matthew 25:31—46 that PC(USA) is striving to embody. In this newsletter, I am excited to introduce you to the inspiring work and vision of the Church of Central Africa Nkhoma Synod in Malawi. It’s worth noting that there are three CCAP Synods in Malawi.

As you may remember, we discovered that our global church partners’ “patterns of Christian practice in Church and Society” are proven effective in their ministries, fostering spiritual growth and transformation in their members and the surrounding communities.

Shall we learn about the Nkhoma Synod through the inspiring message of General Secretary of CCAP Nikhoma Synod Rev. Vasco Kachipapa?

CCAP Nkhoma Synod as an institution within Malawi has been affected by the effects of climate change. The main source of income for Nkhoma Synod is offering and tithe from its members who rely on agriculture. Climate change has affected agricultural activities and resulted in economic challenges for the people in the catchment area of Nkhoma Synod.

In June 2023, the Synod leadership invited the Director of Climate Change and Meteorological Services in Malawi to make a presentation to the 228 pastors of Nkhoma Synod. During their presentation, it was stated that the effects of climate change are worsening and there is a prediction that Malawi and the surrounding countries will be facing a dry spell for the next five years.

By the end of the meeting, the pastors agreed to take Romans 8:19 as our guiding passage, For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. As a church we have been concentrating on heavenly messages, forgetting that we are still on this planet Earth. While we wait for the second coming of Christ, we also need to make sure that we live in a place, which is conducive for the present life. Therefore, the issues of climate change must be taken seriously from now onwards.

We have agreed to focus on four strategic pillars:

1. To teach our congregations and the surrounding community the effects of climate change and to be actively involved in combating climate change by protecting the trees, preserving the shrubs to allow them to grow, planting trees, and following good agricultural practices that will help us harvest enough even during harsh weather. This will be implemented by preaching in church, seminars, and workshops with different levels of leadership in the church and in the community.
2. Encouraging our congregants and the entire community to use irrigation farming and planting early maturity crops.
3. To corroborate with other organizations in combating the causes of climate change.
4. Helping our growing university to connect with other institutions within Malawi and abroad in developing curriculum and introducing studies related to climate change and to enhance research.

This will be an ongoing project; however, the first component will be for the next five years (August 2023—July 2028).”

Please remember to include Nkhoma Synod in your prayers as they face the challenges of climate change. To support Nkhoma Synods’ effort in combatting the effects of climate change please donate to E052044 CCAP Nkhoma Synod, General Support.

Our next newsletter will explore how one of our other partners in Malawi is using Scripture to gain a deeper understanding and apply it to bring about significant changes in people’s lives.

We are deeply appreciative of your prayers. Your compassionate nature and unwavering support bring us blessings.

Shalom,

Paula

May we surrender to the Holy Spirit living within us during this Pentecost Season, and beyond, to live into the purpose and plan God desires to manifest within us!