Cyclone Freddy: Presence in Times of Trial (April 2023 Prayer Letter)

It seems so much has happened since our last update. Events big and small. Hang in there while I try and catch you without giving you mental whiplash!

Malawi has once again borne the brunt of another devastating cyclone. Tropical cyclone Freddy made a path of destruction through much of the southern region of Malawi. More than 600 are confirmed dead, with 500 more missing and presumed dead. Whole villages were washed away, roads and bridges destroyed, and livelihoods left in ruins.

Madzi ndi moyo – water is life – is a common phrase in Malawi. But perhaps it might be madzi ndi moyo ndi imfa – water is life and death. I’m just back from a visit to Phalombe to visit some of the affected areas and deliver relief parcels of donations from Malawi and beyond. The mountainsides bore the scars of mudslides and riverbeds were ripped wide by the torrents of water, mud and rocks. Water cut a fickle line of destruction, with schools washed away but metres away market traders could continue their trade. Some villages lost a house or two, and others washed away entirely.

We made our way slowly, crisscrossing routes because of washed-away bridges, to a trading centre largely untouched by the storm. There we met a group of young men who had travelled by foot and bicycle from about 10km away to collect donations on behalf of those sheltering in schools. Until now, they have largely relied on relief parcels being dropped by helicopter. Local pastors were coordinating the relief efforts, but as we spoke and learned of the loss in their churches and communities, it was clear that this has been a hugely traumatic time and will be for some time.

At the same time as floods devastate crops in the south of Malawi, in the very north, in Karonga, crops are dying from a lack of rainwater. Inflation and currency issues have already driven up the cost of food this year. With such devastation of food sources, hunger is a growing threat.

The importance of presence

To be honest, I was very reluctant to be there in person. A passing visit and a small donation seemed a glib offering. A 19-hour day of travel and fuel cost seemed inefficient in the face of the needs. However, as Malawian culture often teaches, presence is important. Being there in person to hear people’s troubles, show encouragement and see the situation for yourself is important. It goes in the face of some of our British sensibilities, possibly to our loss.

“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.”

Philippians 1:3-6

Paul could draw on his time with those in the church in Philippi as a source of joy and encouragement. Presence and partnerships have been strained through pandemics and economic crises, but time spent together fuels our mutual service.

On a more personal note, finding my feet at the beginning of the year took me a while. As 2022 ended, it was exciting to see how this new role might develop in the year ahead. Alas, the beginning of 2023 did not unfold as planned. I was in and out of hospitals and clinics because of kidney stones. Thankfully, after one failed attempt, the offending stone was removed without requiring invasive surgery or travel out of Malawi. While the process of getting that arranged and the symptoms while waiting were not something I’d like to repeat, receiving that sort of care is a privilege here and I’m grateful it has been resolved.

My work contacts spread the length of Malawi and stretch to Zambia and Zimbabwe. Physical presence isn’t always possible. Technology is a poor substitute, but it is a useful tool. And it’s one I’ve had to rely on more when health got in the way of planned activities at the start of the year. I’m now looking forward to more interactions with friends and colleagues through the year ahead.

A personal update

Health has set back some plans for the new year. We’ve adjusted our plans to respond to the impact of Cyclone Freddy too. However, things are coming together now for the tree planting and leadership training initiatives. I’ll spend more time in Blantyre in the coming weeks to offer support in developing and finding funding for their coordinated response to the longer-term impacts of Cyclone Freddy and other natural disasters. I often feel out of my depth or out of place in these situations. I frequently ask “Who am I…?” to be part of this conversation.

We’re looking forward to a visit from Sandy Sneddon from the Church of Scotland Edinburgh office in a few weeks. Then to a possible Guild visit later in the year. For those who’d like to come and visit Malawi and the church here, I’d say come. You may have put it off because the headlines seem overwhelming, or because you’re unsure what you’d say or do. But a lot can be achieved through openness, conversation, and humble presence. So, come! (If that’s of interest at all – please don’t hesitate to get in touch.)

I’m happy to report that the girls continue to thrive at school and Caitlin is now excelling in cutting teeth and crawling. We’re doing our very best just to keep up! We managed some time away to celebrate a special birthday for Jacqueline on top of Table Mountain.

We’re looking forward to a restful Easter before another busy season. Every blessing as you celebrate the persistent and eternal life secured for us through Jesus Christ.