‘We are not alone’

Daniel Mvula, a member of the Malawian Men’s Guild reflects on a visit to Scotland with Jackie Macadam.

VISITORS to the Church of Scotland Guild’s Annual Gathering in September brought a blast of sunshine and warmth to these dreich shores.

Guests from the Women’s and Men’s Guild of Malawi brought the warmth of Africa to worship at the Gathering and were then guests of Guilds around Scotland. One visitor, Daniel Mvula, Chair of Dwangwa Presbytery Men’s Guild, was given something of a change of scenery by being given the opportunity to visit Guilds in Shetland. “It was quite different from Malawi,” he said with a smile. “The scenery was stunning – very striking, very dynamic, but oh, it was a bit cold!”

Daniel visited the Guild in Unst and was taken to see a care home for people living with dementia during his stay by Larry Sutherland and Mary Donald who acted as his guides during the visit.

“I enjoyed trying out the food. I had quiche, haggis, cod, salmon and lamb. I enjoyed all of it – I’m not really a fussy eater. I just eat whatever is put in front of me,” he laughs. “But no, no one offered me the famous Deep Fried Mars Bars!”

He particularly enjoyed being able to see where much of the support to Malawi from the Church of Scotland Guilds comes from and how men were integrated into the Guild here. “We have a separate Men’s Guild in Malawi,” he explained. “There seems to be a shortfall of men here. In Malawi we have a large number of them. Women are still at the forefront though, even in Malawi, and we have a strong youth Christian Fellowship. We are working on a number of initiatives to entice men into the Guild – and bring people to God as a consequence.

“My week in Shetland was amazing and I really do want everyone who took me around or entertained me to know just how grateful I am for all they did.

“The church services here are so much shorter. In Malawi they can go on for a prolonged period of time, but over here they are much shorter and straightforward.

“My week in Shetland was amazing and I really do want everyone who took me around or entertained me to know just how grateful I am for all they did.

“The sea, the birds, the fishing boats – none of that will ever be taken from my head. These sights will stay with me forever.”

One poignant moment stood out, however. “A few years back we in Malawi had a visit from some of your Guild members. One lady, Elizabeth Sutherland, stood out in my memory for her smile and her enthusiasm. I learned a little while ago that Elizabeth – Beth – had died. So while I was over here, I was taken by her husband Larry to see where she was laid to rest.

I stood by her grave and remembered her fondly. It was a sad and touching moment for me.”

Daniel is a keen supporter of Guild overseas visits. He feels it is something that benefits everyone. “We strengthen each other with these visits,” he smiles. “Both sets of Guilds are improved and enhanced by them. We all face challenges – but we know we are supported by Guilds across Scotland and are not alone, and neither are they.

“I have so many wonderful memories to take home with me to Malawi now, thanks to the moments the good people of Shetland gave me.”