AP

An amazing day … so enjoyable. 

In brief: 3½ hrs worship service which included the opening ceremony for St Peter’s CCAP Ministry Centre, followed by a banquet lunch with the General Secretary and other Synod guests at Mbawas’ home. Ah! But you know I can’t be brief in reflections from Africa, even though I may need to be because the light is fading fast from this glorious meeting place of Mt Soche Hotel garden restaurant.

It sounds such an ordeal, doesn’t it (3½ hrs worship) yet – honestly, I could have continued such was the enjoyment of the occasion. St Peter’s congregation used to be a membership zone of a larger congregation (Michiru CCAP), then it was jettisoned off to be a prayer house, then after purchasing land, a fully-fledged congregation with Rev Colin Mbawa as their first minister. 

In terms of buildings (because there were none) the congregation built themselves a very impressive church facility and then with the PCA’s PresAID donation they have now constructed a very fine ministry centre for all kinds of Gospel ministry. They were so hampered previously in that all their Sunday School children (200 or so) had to walk down the road to meet in a primary school.

I am so privileged to stand beside this new facility, to pray and officially open this mission – principally funded by the well-wishers and generous hearts who give to PresAID appeals. Giving from Australia makes a huge difference here in Central Africa – I can testify to it. Presbyterian Church of Australia – you have enabled this Malawian congregation to engage in Jesus’ ministry and to be a blessing to its community. The local chief sent his emissary to thank us.

Christian worship is, naturally, very African in style. There are very many sweet customs they’ve been brought up on for generations for a hundred years or so:

• singing groups (five or six), each practised and therefore very earnest in speaking to us through song about how great God is;
• meaningfully-prepared welcomes for each of the special guests, not to inflate our egos but to thank God for providing the church with leadership and to honour us for honouring God;
• a pause for the entire congregation to process around the new building singing hymn no. 9 (Milton’s version of Psalm 136 with the repeated chorus: “ever faithful, ever sure”);
• opening speech and cutting of the ribbon by myself representing PCA
• back to the church for children’s memory verses, prayer, Scripture reading and preaching of God’s Word.
• Be honest for a moment: how would you feel about giving the main speech (i.e. sermon) at the 2¼ hr mark on a very warm Sunday morning? Ideal, or not?
• It’s hard to describe, but there’s a reverent hush that comes over the congregation, a sense of expectation that something special will be heard in the preaching of God’s Word. There’s no shuffling, no expressions of “I’ve had enough”.

It’s hard to describe, but there’s a reverent hush that comes over the congregation, a sense of expectation that something special will be heard in the preaching of God’s Word. There’s no shuffling, no expressions of “I’ve had enough”.

God gave me unusual energy and ability to communicate from John 6. I felt empowered. God touched hearts. One family especially – although it’s not the usual etiquette to speak directly with the Abusa after worship – waited patiently in the background until I noticed that they wanted to consult me with their special spiritual needs and prayer.

Then there’s other little customs such as the hymn we always sing immediately at the close of the preaching; the courtesy speeches after the benediction; the elders gathering in the vestry after the speeches to thank God for the occasion; and eventually closing with the singing of Amazing Grace and a circle of handshakes. Finally, finally: the signing of the visitors’ book! Everything is done thoroughly – no shortcuts permitted.

Other blessings abounded: Richard and Rose (long-standing Malawian friends of the Aussies) were in attendance for the occasion. Miriam (youngest Mbawa daughter) cooked us a delicious banquet lunch. Time spent with Shirley (Colin’s wife) who is walking better than I’ve seen for years.

There won’t be anything from me tomorrow as I’m in transit from Blantyre – Lilongwe – Harare – Lusaka. Although it’s not far in actual air distance, it’s a torturous journey on warm planes, but worth it to see my friends and ‘family’ in Zambia.

– John Wilson