Being white in Malawi definitely has its advantages. For example, at St. Columba, the congregation I serve in the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian, I look out on a seated congregation of about 1,000 and can easily find my wife, Jackie and my boys, Jacob and Nico.
And last year, when the church was celebrating the 150th anniversary of Dr. David Livingstone coming to Malawi, I was chosen to play the good doctor. Livingstone was instrumental in abolishing slavery and bringing Christianity and commerce to Malawi. The Livingstonia synod (where the Presbyterian Church in Canada also has a partnership) was named after him. He was an amazing Christian man, obedient to his calling. I felt honoured to recreate this character, even though my skin colour, gender and age had much to do with being chosen.
As azungu (white people), Jackie and I are frequently asked “for a little something.” The adults do not usually ask for money, but it is understood. Linda Inglis (a Presbyterian missionary friend) gave us the idea to give little packages of peanuts; this way you know they are benefiting from the gift. However, Linda’s brilliant idea only goes so far: two weeks ago a man asked for something and I promptly reached into my glove compartment and handed him a bag of peanuts. He responded with a wide, gummy smile, stating he did not have any teeth!
But making connections within the community has to go beyond the stereotypical associations that come with being white in a foreign land.
The inmates at Chichiri prison, where I minister when I’m not in the congregation, love it when I try to speak Chichewa. Some of them like it so much that they promise not to revert to English. In my attempt to speak their mother tongue, the inmates feel that I care for them and want to get to know them. Christian friendship then takes over and the colour of my skin becomes secondary to my identity with them.
It is understandable that as a white person, I will always represent wealth to the average Malawian. No one likes to be viewed as an object. However, I do believe (and have experienced) that in our actions, we can show our brothers and sisters in Malawi that we represent far more than aid money. St. Columba is a huge congregation divided into 14 cottages, or districts. Each district takes their turn to visit our home on the last Sunday of each month to worship with us and bring gifts of food. This is a beautiful tradition where they take time and share their resources to make sure the pastor is well cared for. Without exception, each cottage articulates that they are thankful that we willingly left our home and our country to be with them. We are appreciated! And we appreciate their gratitude immensely.
Over 20 years ago, Jackie and I were thinking of moving to a new city, so we decided to look at some homes to buy. The real estate agent was a wise, thoughtful woman. After looking at several places, we narrowed it down to one. Before we put in the offer, I asked her if she knew whether the neighbours we would inherit were good neighbours. The agent’s reply was simple and succinct: “If you are a good neighbour, you will probably have good neighbours.”
The parable of the Good Samaritan answers the Pharisee’s question: “Who is my neighbour?” It is not easy to “Go and do likewise,” but we do it because it is the way of Jesus — the way that brings understanding and unity to both neighbours.
