Reflections On Our Malawi Pilgrimage

By Eddie Willson

Annabel Degenholtz and I traveled to Malawi with the International Partnership of Pittsburgh Presbytery from July 2–18. We were able to spend three days with our sister church in Balaka, and helped lead three youth conferences around the southern region of Malawi. Youth from both countries compared the experiences of growing up as Christians in today’s world, and discussed ways of dealing with the stresses inherent in adolescence, regardless of geography.

During our stay in Balaka, I had the honor of preaching a sermon and cutting the ribbon on a newly built house for an elderly congregant who had lost her home in last year’s floods. Annabel had the opportunity at the Kabango Prayer house to teach a clapping game to the Sunday School children, and lead great conversations during the youth conferences.

We had the opportunity to listen to and learn from our brothers and sisters in Malawi, and to experience their grace, hospitality, and love. We learned through experiences like sharing devotionals and climbing Mount Mulanje with friends from Balaka CCAP and other congregations. We saw firsthand some of the work that the Balaka CCAP congregation has been able to accomplish with the help of resources from ELPC—like the roof that they were able to build on a prayer house, and the Mvano house built by, and for, the Women’s Guild in Balaka. We saw the effort and passion put in by all the staff at Mount Mulanje Mission Hospital, dedicated to making a healthier Malawi. God is doing amazing work in Balaka, throughout Malawi, and in the hearts of the ELPC pilgrims.

We will be presenting details about our pilgrimage and discussing more ways for ELPC members to get involved with the partnership during some of the Church School classes this fall. Feel free to reach out to me for more information at willson.eddie@gmail.com.

We are so incredibly grateful to the congregation for all of your support—especially the Mission Board, the Peace Committee, and the Youth and Young Adults Committee. Not only were we able to go on the pilgrimage, but with your help, we were also able to donate 15 suitcases full of medical supplies, handmade toys, and $400 to the Mulanje Mission hospital.