St. Nicholas Malawi Initiative

Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me. Matthew 25.40

Introduction - Why Malawi:

There has been a long-standing link of friendship between Malawi and Scotland since the days of the explorer Dr David Livingstone. Since then many links have been established in the fields of Church, Health, Education and Commerce.

Scots have maintained a healthy partnership with the Republic of Malawi, South East Africa, and have shared the trials and tribulations experienced by these warm and loving people, whose country is one of the 10 poorest in the world. Malawians readily claim that Scotland is their “Mother” nation so they were delighted when the Scottish Executive signed an agreement of co-operation between Malawi and Scotland in 2005. Phiri Church interior

In recognition of these historical, emotional and faith links and the great difficulties the people face because of dreadful poverty, Ayr Presbytery in 2006 decided to link with Bandawe Presbytery in the Synod of Livingstonia, Northern Malawi. The aim was to create a partnership which would strengthen and develop relationships and assist in enriching areas such as church, education, health and commerce.The objective is to engage as many people as possible within the societies of the two countries to take part in a two way sharing of relationships Children of Phiri Church nursery/orphanage . This will involve people of all ages, with different experiences and qualifications, representing a cross-section of the societies of both countries. This will hopefully bring about meaningful interchange of life stories, resources and experiences between two countries which are very different from each other but between which there is a very strong bond.
The poverty and political situations in Malawi requires our prayers as well as our tangible support so we encourage you to please remember the people, and their state of affairs, in your prayers.

Please check the links on this page or contact any member of the committee if you would like some further information about this project.

Gallery:

wedding photographs
new arrival
Malawi visit #1
Malawi visit #2
Malawi visit #3

Purpose:

Our purpose is to build a positive partnership with the Phiri Congregation in Malawi. This came about through the Church of Scotland Bandawe / Ayr Partnership that was created in 2006. Following the initiation of our Centenary fund raising in 2008, our church linked specifically with the Phiri Congregation, which lies south west of Nkhata Bay, and is led by Rev. Joseph Chimembe. It was agreed at the outset that 70% of the funds raised would be used to assist with their needs. That figure reached approx £14,500.

Aim:

The aim of this committee is to:

forge specific relationships with various organisations in Phiri Church, Bandawe
steward the disbursement of funds raised from our Centenary fund raising events
assist in enriching areas such as welfare, education and the church in Phiri in the long term

Committee:

The committee members are: Sandra McCall (chair), Rev. George Fiddes, Margaret McIntosh, Helen Johnston, Sheena Relly, Maureen Bird, and Nick Stewart. We are accountable to the Congregational Board and report to it on a quarterly basis.

External Links:

Scotland Malawi Partnership
The Raven Trust
The Hunger Site
Mary's Meals
The Against Malaria Foundation

Shipping Goods to Malawi:

A Guide to Best Practice