News from Linda Inglis

As the Ecumenical Officer for Blantyre Synod, my job focuses on assisting the Synod with visitors (groups and individuals) from various church partnerships around the world. This entails working with the Synod General Secretary and the various Synod Committees, to plan programs that will engage our partners effectively in the mission work of the Synod. In the past year, groups have come from Canada, the US, Scotland, Ireland and Australia. They have been as large as 18 and as small as two. Visitors have ranged from program officers seeking to support the work of the Synod to youth and congregational visitors working alongside the programs for a few weeks at a time. It’s been fun and interesting.

Such visits help people witness the wonderful faith and joy of Christians throughout the Synod and awaken people to the realities faced by everyday people in one of the world’s poorest countries.

I am an active volunteer and leader in the program for people with disabilities called Tidzalerana, which is now part of the Gifts of Change program. I also volunteer, as time permits, at the Orphan and Vulnerable Children Centers of the Blantyre Synod Development Commission.

In the past year I have seen the growing demand from Church partners as well as congregations and individuals to participate in some of the life and work of Blantyre Synod. Such visits help people witness the wonderful faith and joy of Christians throughout the Synod and awaken people to the realities faced by everyday people in one of the world’s poorest countries. At the same time, one should not underestimate the amount of time and effort it takes to host so many visitors. This is a particular challenge when the Synod lacks transportation and other resources necessary to assist partner visits. This is simply a reminder that good preparation and proper planning makes the experience richer for everyone. I am particularly grateful for the careful planning that International Ministries and PWS&D devoted to prepare visitors for a stimulating visit to the Synod.