The Challenge for Our Churches

The office block in Mzuzu,1999. photo by Clint McCoy

In 1998 it seemed a good idea to the Synod of Livingstonia, Church of Central Africa Presbyterian, to construct an office building in the city of Mzuzu that would provide space for expanding community businesses and agencies, while generating income for the Synod of Livingstonia's ministries. The whole country benefits from the Synod of Livingstonia's vision and leadership in Christ's name: hospitals, secondary schools, deaf education, elementary schools, AIDS education, agricultural projects, new congregation, etc. But trouble loomed. The Malawi kwatcha devalued. The interest rate soared to 52%. The Synod was unable to satisfy its mortgage. With other synod properties were being held as collateral, the Synod of Livingstonia was sinking to financial ruin. Difficult moments are opportunities for friends to prove their worth.

A Creative Collaboration

Rev. Mvula, left, Secretary General Nkoma and Deputy Secretary General Mwambira ceremonially burn the mortgage in front of the office block. photo by Michael Fagans

The Presbytery of Northern New York took the lead during the summer of 2000 to invite other international partners to join us in a project to pay off the mortgage and to complete the office building. Over the next eight months six international partners in the Presbytery of Northern New York, the Presbyterian Church in Canada, the Church of Scotland, the Presbyterian Church (USA), Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church of Dallas, Texas, and Eastern Oklahoma Presbytery together contributed over $150,000 towards the project’s completion and the satisfaction of the mortgage. The Presbytery of Northern New York designated as a gift $6,000 from funds already committed to the Malawi Partnership, and approved an additional $24,000 from the Presbytery’s investments to be loaned at 8% interest over four years, to be paid from contributions made to the Malawi Partnership.

The Call of Christ in this Situation

Secretary General Nkoma and Deputy Secretary Mwambira roll on the ground and say "Yeow(thank you)." photo by Michael Fagans

There are times when the mission of Jesus Christ is neither glitzy nor glorious, but absolutely essential. This is such a time. The presbytery has challenged itself to generate $6000 annually, plus interest, for four succeeding years (a total of $7920 in 2001). Our partners from Malawi are filled both with joy and relief for the freedom their partners have helped them secure from the weight of a difficult debt. Our presbytery has assumed a part of that debt for them from our own reserves. In effect, we have mortgaged our contributions to the partnership against that office block. We have given the Malawians the freedom to use the money for ministry instead of giving it to the mortgage company.

The nearly completed office block, 200.

How Your Congregation Can Help

How can your congregation help? Budget no less than $2 per member for the general operation of our Malawi Partnership. We'd ask congregations of fewer than 50 members to consider a contribution of $100 or more, congregations between 50 and 100 members, $200 or more. We'd invite all other congregations to consider contributing a dollar amount at least twice their membership. When total funds received exceed $7000 in a year, it is likely other projects in Malawi can be funded as well. Individual gifts can be designated to the office block project as well. With additional significant gifts from congregations and individuals, we can reinitiate our partnership exchanges of personnel, which have been so enriching for our presbytery and its congregations in forming the personal friendships that cement the partnership and increase understanding and mutual faith. But until then, our Malawi mission is on an austerity schedule while the office block loan is repaid from contributions the presbytery is receiving.

One Congregation's Plan for Office Block Support

The Hammond Presbyterian Church plans to have a Malawi Night, serving a dinner and pledging the proceeds. Partnership Working Group Chairperson Jo Serchak suggests inviting the community to such a dinner, charging a reasonable fee for a smorgasbord or a barbecue, and dedicating the proceeds to the Malawi Partnership. Jo thinks a church might generate proceeds near $600 through a special Malawi Night. "We need your help, and we need it very quickly," she said to the Presbytery during the October 4, 2001 stated meeting. Let's get cooking!"

Print this page and use it as a remittance form!

Church ________________________________________

Contribution: $___________________

Mission Treasurer ______________________________

Date: ____________