revealed 2 October 2024
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The moderator of the Church of Scotland’s Normal Meeting mirrored on the teachings of a “life-changing” journey to Malawi at an occasion within the Scottish Parliament.
Chatting with the Malawi Cross Get together Group, Dr Patterson emphasised the worth of the partnership between the African nation and Scotland and thanked his hosts for his or her hospitality.
Accompanied by his spouse Christine, who’s an NHS nurse, Dr Patterson visited Malawi in August.
He stated individuals may be taught from the welcome he obtained:
“It is about loving your neighbor…Malawi individuals like to exit and share the great phrase with their neighbors
“We have seen so many great initiatives, so many alternative issues.”
“I would like you to consider methods we might help and encourage others to be taught and provides – not out of generosity – however give in partnership as a result of the individuals of Malawi have a lot to offer us.
“It has been a life-changing expertise for me – I have been enriched.
“Let’s take into consideration how we will share our sources, our experience, and take into consideration how we will be taught from the individuals of Malawi as a result of they’ve a lot that they’ll educate – let’s be companions.”
The night was additionally attended by teams together with members of the Scotland Malawi Partnership.
Folks from each nations from church buildings, civil society and authorities joined on-line, together with Malawi Excessive Commissioner to the UK, His Excellency Dr. Thomas John Bsika.
Throughout the lecture, Dr. Patterson spoke about how he participated within the 100 12 months celebration of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP).
Different highlights included journeys to Zomba Theological College (ZTU) and the College of Livingstonia the place Dr Patterson led seminars.
In Thondwe, close to Zomba, he had the chance to satisfy the congregation who attended the blessing of a brand new bridge connecting the neighborhood to the college, becoming a member of Innerleithen, Traquair and Walkerburn church buildings in Scotland.
This has been a serious downside because the bridge was washed away by Hurricane Freddie.
Elsewhere he paid tribute to the graves of the early missionaries of Bandaw who misplaced their lives serving the Church in Malawi.
Dr. Patterson additionally famous that one of the vital profound moments for him was when the native church choir sang a fantastic rendition of the Hallelujah Refrain.
Throughout the go to Dr Patterson was even invited to create a jingle for a radio station, which might be his “subsequent profession”.
Malawi Cross Get together Group Co-Chair Alexander Stewart MSP spoke of the shut relationship between the 2 nations, saying:
“The keenness that individuals have in Malawi for Scotland is immense.
“The variety of organizations actively concerned in Scotland is actually extraordinary.
“There’s an actual connection to the church.”
