Seasons Change, So Do We

I’ve sat down to write this letter a few times over the last couple of months. Each time, I have made significant edits because the situation has changed substantially. It was the cold season, now it’s hot; it was campaign season, and now there’s a new government; there were fuel queues, and now there are, well, longer fuel queues.

Malawi’s Election: A Return to the Familiar

The September elections went peacefully. We thank God for that and don’t take it for granted. Tensions were high with a floundering economy biting in many parts of everyday life. The incumbent president was unseated and his rival, former president Peter Mutharika, was returned to office. It would have been hard to imagine a victorious return five years ago, but Malawians seeking change had few other options.

And so it seems that change brings back what was once familiar. It’s easy to focus on the change around us and miss how we, too, are being changed. A lot has become familiar, subtly, without being noticed. “Eish” has slipped into our vocabulary, like a Scottish “och” but with a bit more exasperation. “Thingy” is “ujeni” and “stuff” is now “katundu”, even between us at home. Occasionally, I’ll pronounce the letter “l” as “r” – a common Malawian trait.

But not every change is benign. News of serious road accidents comes as less of a shock. Shortages of essential medicines and fuel are unsurprising. It’s not acceptance, and certainly not ambivalence. But the change in attitude is there, nonetheless.

We don’t know what we are used to or indeed can become familiar with until some new normal tries to take its place. We learned that lesson during 2020’s restrictions, but perhaps forgot it with 2021’s freedoms.

Building for the Future

In May, I travelled to Harare to deliver the Emerging Leaders Programme. The group was larger than usual, 24 people gathered from around the country. The ages ranged from 18 to 75, bringing another dimension to conversations. It became apparent how much the church had changed and is changing, and how that experience has been met with mixed feelings. Many of Zimbabwe’s older CCAP members came from Malawi, bringing their language and culture with them. Now, two or three generations later, those Chewas and Tumbukas are mixed with Shonas, Ndebeles and international influences from technology and media.

ELP is not designed as a toolkit on church culture, but it was encouraging to see different generations learn new skills together. If we’re not careful, an understandable focus on youth development can give rise to internal conflict just as easily as a focus on traditions can alienate younger generations.

In church, we recently looked at the lives of Saul and David.

Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward.

And Samuel rose up and went to Ramah. Now the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and a harmful spirit from the LORD tormented him. (1 Samuel 16:13–14, ESV)

Look how quickly God’s spirit moves on when we decide to make it about ourselves and not His glory—leaving us to our bitterness. We can all learn a lesson from that, particularly in seasons of change.

In early July, we began developing materials on fundraising and stewardship for congregations. When resources are so limited, a significant amount of time can be spent on raising funds and ensuring they are used effectively. A group of ministers, elders and members with experience in church life, local development, theology, and research has begun its work to ascertain how money plays a role in church life. A first step towards producing a handbook that we pray will help congregations to be good stewards of what God provides for local mission and development through His church.

Work continues at Zomba Theological University to bring the vision of a Postgraduate Centre to life. The classroom blocks are nearing completion, but this has not been without some trials. Costs have skyrocketed as a result of record inflation and a shortage of foreign exchange, making it difficult to maintain affordable supplies of imported building materials. Maintaining momentum for the Emerging Leaders Programme, church fundraising resources, and construction is a current challenge. Please pray.

All change for the family

When the school year recommenced, we were confronted with change once again as Eilidh moved up to secondary school, Morven adapted to being the only Brough in primary school, and Caitlin started nursery. The change of routine has allowed Jacqueline more time to focus on her studies. However, it has required some adjustments due to three different school schedules. Eilidh now leaves the house for school at about 6.30 am!

We welcomed the October break and took the opportunity to rest together as a family. We took a long-overdue trip to Nyika National Park, which is often described as looking like Scotland. The landscapes were familiar, but the wildlife was not, with nighttime visits to our campsite from zebras and jackals.

Where is the year going? What has changed in 2025? And how has God changed you? We’re grateful that every detail is in His hands and for your friendship and prayers.