inMission 46 (Spring 2014)

Issue 46Spring 2014

Special Anniversary Edition

Changing TimesCelebrating 200 years of transformation

Featuring: Profiles of all our Global PartnersReflections from staff and

Mission Partners, past and presentLooking forward - how to play your part

our people partners and staff In it for the long haul

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Welcome to this very special edition of inMission, which I hope will give you both a challenge and a blessing.

What a privilege it is to be working for CMS Ireland as a staff member in this significant year in our history. 200 years of service to the churches across Ireland and alongside our Global Partners is a wonderful heritage and underlines the fact that partnership really does work.

You’ll see that we’ve included a short profile on all of our Global Partners. Reading about them and learning something about how God has blessed them prompts us to look back and be thankful for the legacy that so many have left for us. Developing partnerships takes time and we want to do it well.

2 Timothy 3: 17 says: ‘so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work’. Our current logo is ‘equipping the church in mission’ but we want to reflect those words in 2 Timothy so that people can be thoroughly equipped – and that takes time! Therein lies the challenge. If we go into partnerships with churches here in Ireland and with our Global Partners, we are in it for the long haul – we want to stand alongside our Global Partners through thick and thin and not give up.

As we travel through this year we want to invite as many people as possible to reflect with us on how to strengthen the way we do partnership and to increase the bond that people have with our brothers and sisters across the world.

So, I invite you to read these pages with an attitude of thanks for what has gone before and with an open heart to hear God’s plans for you, so that you can play your part in the unfolding story of mission. Enjoy your reading!

Ronnie

Burundi: Dioceses of Gitega & Matana

Aart & Geesje den Breejen, with Anne-

Fleur, Ruben, Jan Lucas & Lisa [Madi West Nile Diocese,

Uganda]

DR Congo: Dioceses of Bukavu, Kindu &

N. Kivu

Rory & Denise Wilson, with Gideon

[Luwero Diocese, Uganda]

Egypt: Diocese of Egypt

Kenya: Diocese of Kajiado; Urban

Development Programme, Nairobi

Isabelle Prondzynski

[UDP, Kenya]

Ronnie Briggs Mission Director

Roger Cooke Mission Resource

Manager

Paul & Tania Baker [Luwero Diocese,

Uganda]

South Sudan: Dioceses of Ibba, Kajokeji, Maridi

& Yei

Jenny Christie Administration

Coordinator

Jenny Smyth Partnership Coordinator

Kelly Yates Partnership Coordinator

Uganda Dioceses of Luwero, Ruwenzori & Madi West Nile;

Zambia: Diocese of Northern Zambia

Nepal: Human Development Community

Services; SD Church

Deirdre & Mark

Zimmerman, with

Zachary & Benjamin

[Nepal]

Rachel Brittain Mission Resource

Coordinator

Brian Lavery Finance Manager

Rwanda: Dioceses of Kibungo &

Shyogwe

Alison Gill [Province

of Burundi]

Anne Buckley Finance

Assistant

Gillian Maganda Personnel

Coordinator

Global Partners (by country)

Mission Partners

Mission Associates

Staff

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The Age of Empire has gone, with former colonies replaced by independent nations. Wars, genocides and epidemics have claimed the lives of many millions, while the invention of the telegraph, the telephone and the television (let alone computers and the internet) have dramatically transformed our world. The atom has been split, penicillin and the X-ray have been discovered, humans have walked on the moon and a man from Jamaica has run 100m in 9.58 seconds – roughly the same time it will have taken to read this sentence.

Throughout its history, CMS Ireland has experienced many changing times. With each passing decade, our mission society has had to respond to events and circumstances at home and overseas, adjusting where it works and how it works.

It would be wrong, however, to view CMS Ireland – in its present or previous state – as merely a product of the times. As part of the Church, as people committed to sharing God’s transforming love, we also seek to shape events, to affect change. The vision of Christian mission, indeed the vision of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, is to alter the course of history.

Over the past 200 years, missionaries from Ireland and those who sent and supported them, have played a small part in bringing about

such dramatic, wholesale change across the world.

As we celebrate this special anniversary and look to the future, we want to think about changing times in both these senses. How should CMS Ireland continue to move with the times, as it has done for 200 years, responding to the needs and opportunities that God puts before us? How best can CMS Ireland continue to help people make a difference and change the times? As we consider such questions, we would do well to look at the example of some of our ancestors, whose stories appear in the pages of our bibles.

Joseph witnessed dramatic changes in fortune, home and family, as he was sold into slavery by his brothers and trafficked to a foreign land, where he was falsely accused and imprisoned. Joseph was a victim of circumstances and his story could easily have ended in tragedy, but God had other plans. Despite all the injustices he suffered, Joseph remained faithful to God and was able to show grace to his captors – and eventually to his own brothers. Joseph responded positively to his changing times and thus had the opportunity to bring about change on a national scale.

Daniel and his three friends were just teenagers when God’s people experienced the trauma of exile. The changing circumstances of the world

around them brought these boys, and their faith, into conflict with the Babylonian authorities. While showing respect and courtesy to these authorities, they did not compromise in their faith, remaining obedient to God and committing themselves to prayer. As a result, they impacted a pagan king and his nation.

Peter was the leader of the Early Church, an apostle known for his passion and devotion to ‘the truth’. Yet, through an afternoon vision on a rooftop and an encounter with a Roman Centurion named Cornelius, God transformed Peter’s understanding of the scope and reach of the Gospel. Peter’s ‘change of heart’ continues to change the world.

Faithfulness, obedience, grace, prayer, being willing to revisit ‘truths’ we cherish in the light of new revelation…these are the very things that will have helped God’s people through the ages, as they’ve been faced with changing times. These are the things that have helped them to change the world. This is what you and I must embrace as together, we look back over 200 years of CMS in Ireland and as we look forward to what comes next. This is a year to consider Changing Times.

Roger Cooke Editor

Over the past 200 years, times have changed – not just in Ireland, but

across the world.

Changing Times

Introduction

4

Changing Times Changing People

Delgany, Co. Wicklow

Raymond &

Audrey Smith

Personal Reflections

Raymond and Audrey were Mission Partners in Kenya before returning to Ireland, where Raymond

took up the role of General Secretary of CMS in Ireland. Here, Raymond remembers their time in Kenya, while

Audrey reflects on a parish Partnership Link back

in Ireland.

In CMS Ireland’s publications and events, one of the bible passages that we often return to is Isaiah 58. There’s a principle there about the transformation that comes when we share God’s love with those in need – it changes them, but it also changes us.

changing times changing people

CMS Ireland is a family that is committed to change, a fellowship of those who God has called to play their part in His story of mission. Whether working as a Mission Partner overseas, or in an office in Dublin or Belfast, or serving in a parish, or volunteering on a Board of Trustees, our people – past and present – have first-hand experience of God at work, transforming lives.

We asked a handful of these people, familiar names from recent decades, to share some personal highlights of God at work in them and through them during their time with CMS Ireland.

Audrey and I arrived in Kenya by boat with two small children in time to experience the birth of a nation. Overnight, a British Colony was to become the new independent nation of Kenya and take its place among the nations of the world.

It was a very special time to be there and to experience the understandable joy on the faces of the people as their new national flag was hoisted and the new National Anthem played publicly for the first time. We were privileged to be part of this new nation and to share in the life of the Church.

Initially we went to Kenya with the idea of making a contribution to the life of the Church but, in fact, along the way we discovered that we were on the receiving end and we had been enriched by the lives and testimony of our Africa brothers and sisters in Christ. After eleven years we returned to Ireland to take up a leadership role in CMS Ireland and in this special year we pray that the Society will go from strength to strength.

Audrey Writes...Looking back now, it seems incredible that we had built a fine primary school in faraway Sudan in less than three years! It happened because CMS Ireland brought together a partnership with the Diocese of Yei (and its Bishop) and the parishes of Delgany and Kill O’ The Grange in the Diocese of Dublin and Glendalough.

What followed was a deeper understanding of the meaning of partnership, expressing itself in the coming together in a new way of two parishes, of parish and school, of CMSI personnel and of members of the Partnership Committee.

Above all, it was expressed through the visits of Bishop Hilary Luate, whose example in coming and especially his love for children showed that ‘partnership’ is an activity in mission in which we proclaim Christ wherever we are.

The challenge of partnership will keep CMS Ireland in business for the foreseeable future.

My involvement with CMS Ireland began back in 1991 when I went to a summer camp in Kinsale, County Cork.

Maybe it was the fun nature of the camp, or the authentic faith of the leaders or the God songs played on a guitar (I had only heard the organ before then) or the explanation of Jesus wanting to be my friend. But something in that week, in those small groups, in those Bible times, that made me stop…and think, ‘Maybe I should have a friend like Jesus?’ There began my story with Jesus. CMS Ireland is where my faith story began in a real way.

In CMS Ireland we hear regularly of people in our churches who, having been transformed by God, are going around the world to bring the message of hope and salvation to those who haven’t heard it. This happens because God has transformed our hearts of stone into hearts of flesh. We are being transformed into servants who put the needs, both physical and spiritual, of others before our own.

Words are inadequate to express how much working with CMS Ireland challenged me and gave to me in my 19 years of service on the staff team. I was appointed as Youth Worker and Southern Region Secretary in 1981 at Overseas House, Rathmines and then, in 1984, I was made International Secretary and was given the wonderful opportunity of recruiting people in Ireland for service with the Church in Africa and Asia.

There were so many experiences of prayers answered and challenges met by the volunteers and Mission Partners who sought out CMSI as a channel by which to live out God’s call to discipleship. One such example will have to suffice here.

Raymond Smith, our General Secretary at the time, once received a request from an Indian hospital for the services of a Nuclear Physicist. The hospital had been donated a cobalt radiation unit from Sweden, but they were somewhat at a loss because the gift did not include the funds and skills needed to install it, to commission it and to train and supervise the staff to use it safely. “We are in despair,” they said. “No one has been able to respond. We are praying that The Lord will help you.”

We explained that Ireland has no nuclear programme so scientists of this caliber would be scarcer than hens’ teeth here. But we gave it a try and included the request in our list of

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Declan Smith Alex NewenhamGlenageary, Co. Dublin Carrigaline, Co. Cork


vacancies to be mentioned at church services. Three Sundays later in a Dublin suburban parish, a man stood waiting after the service and said that he would be prepared to take nine months’ leave from his work, installing radiation equipment in Irish Hospitals. He would quickly marry his fiancé and would honeymoon on the journey out to India.

The couple spent over a year there and they did a wonderful job, to the everlasting gratitude of the hospital. But that was only the half of it. In the long term, the other half may have proved to be even more effective! The nuclear physicist’s wife was a social studies graduate. Rather than sit on her hands while in India, she offered to undertake a survey of health needs in the surrounding rural areas. The hospital was very pleased to have this help so she published a very effective report, which enabled the hospital to convincingly argue with the Department of Health for the provision of a several mobile health units.

This proved remarkably efficient in improving health statistics in the area. So much so that her system has been copied by many other Indian regional health authorities. On returning to Ireland she was soon employed in evaluating development proposals for the Irish Aid department of Foreign Affairs.

Two for the price of one - what an answer to prayer!

Declan served on the CMS Ireland staff team between 1981 and 2000.

Alex serves on CMS Ireland’s Board as a trustee, but his CMS Ireland story began

some years ago.

Continued ▻

Back in 1983, Christians in Nepal numbered about 8000 in a land of about 12 million Hindus and Buddhists.

As CMSI missionaries to Nepal, we were initially posted to Tatopani, 3 days walk from the nearest road - the first Christians to live there. As we settled, relationships developed and children came to ‘Sunday School.’ One of these was a boy of 10 called Prem. He had just finished his first three (free) years of school but his family could not afford the pittance to continue his education. Into the bargain, he had just broken his arm

so could not do farm chores or help push the bellows for his blacksmith father. Through coming to Sunday school, Prem committed his life to Jesus; foundations of the Kingdom of God had been established. A number of families in an adjacent village also came to know the Lord Jesus and in turn went out to share their faith.

We moved on to other hydropower projects, seeing the works of the Holy Spirit through the saving, healing and raising of men and women for the Kingdom. Prem completed his schooling and came to work with me (Mark) on one of these projects. He

Mark and Ali both worked overseas with CMS in a short-term capacity – Ali in Iran, Mark in Nepal – before they met, got married and returned to

Nepal in 1983, for over 25 years of Mission Partner service.

changing times changing people

studied to be a pastor, excelling in his studies. He returned to his local church as deacon and eventually became pastor. As part of his testimony, Prem is thankful to God for the freedom he has in coming out of misery and he wanted to show God’s love for children. He established an orphanage, and we’ve been privileged to see the 14 kids settle and grow up in the knowledge and joy of the Lord Jesus.

The Kingdom continues to grow today. Nepal is now a secular state of approximately 28 million and up to 0.5 million Christians…so the harvest is still plenty.

When I first came to Northern Ireland, I was young, enthusiastic, and ready for an adventure – so sure and set about many things. I left all that was familiar to me, my family and community. As a Christian I was also, young,

enthusiastic and sure of what God and life was about. I volunteered for two and half years in Christian ministry in Belfast before joining CMS Ireland, some 27 years ago.

CMS Ireland has been the only full-time job I have ever had, the only employer I have ever known. I feel very grateful and blessed to be in this position. I can say, with thankfulness, that the people that I have met and the fellowship of CMS Ireland have been and still are my extended family.

The engagement with CMS Ireland has enriched my life and it has shaped how I view the world. I know that God can do amazing things with just our earnest desire

Originally from Middleton, Co. Cork,

Anne Buckley made the long journey north in 1983. Today, she’s still

here, and is the longest serving member of the CMS Ireland staff team.

and willingness to love Him and remain open to see the potential in others that He does. From my own background in a South of Ireland Protestant ‘culture’ and from living in Northern Ireland. I’ve realised just how small we try to make God. CMS Ireland has helped me realise that God is so much bigger than we can ever imagine.

I have seen many people blessed through the work of CMS Ireland. Getting to know different people on a personal level, whether staff, mission personnel, rectors or members, has been amazing and very humbling.

I have had the privilege of meeting numerous people who are true saints, with real humility and holiness. It’s been an honour to meet people on their journeys and to witness God’s grace increase and grow in their lives. I don’t remember all their names or all their stories, but as a result of seeing God at work in them and through them, I have gained a sense of wonder and amazement – a glimpse of God – and this have given me much hope.

6

Anne BuckleyBelfast

Mark & Ali GillBrighton, England


When Ronnie and I first travelled with a CMS Ireland ‘Work Party’ (now known as a META) to Kenya in 1978, we had absolutely no idea that God was planting a seed in our hearts which is still bearing fruit to this day – 36 years later! Our task on that team was to start making concrete blocks for a Community Centre in Kajiado on an empty plot of land. Two years later, God called us to go and live in Kajiado and we have been amazed at what He has done in the intervening years.

On that original plot of land there now stands a Cathedral, a

spring 2014

Residential Centre, a Manager’s house, a Nursery School and a Clinic. A large Diocesan Headquarters is the current work in progress.

These all stand as testament to the love of Christians in Ireland as they have prayed and worked tirelessly to raise funds to support such projects. God has moved many to become involved and we have literally had hundreds of people from Ireland visit Kenya through CMS Ireland METAs and individual placements.

The impact of these things has spread throughout the diocese and

Ronnie and Maggie Briggs served as Mission Partners in Kenya between 1980 and 2010.

Ronnie is now our Mission Director.

we have had the privilege of helping improve the basic quality of life for many people in rural areas, in terms of water supply, health services and training in practical skills.

A very important part of this has been the training of pastors and evangelists within the local Church; many of our own Bishops and clergy from Ireland have been involved in this. More importantly, many supporters have remained at home praying for the Church in Kajiado. Their contribution is priceless. We continue to be amazed at what God can do with us and through us.

My involvement with CMSI began gradually. In 1984, Archdeacon Eliud Okiring came to stay with us for a few days before spending time in the Church of Ireland Theological College. He arrived with a suitcase containing a ruler, a threadbare grey shirt and a bar of Imperial Leather soap in its wrapper in an envelope.

We took him for a drive in the Dublin mountains and when he saw a turf

cutter’s hut, he asked who lived there? I realised then that Kenya was different!

When Eluid went back home he said, “You will come and visit me in Kenya”. It seemed to be beyond my dreams, but the following year, CMSI took a group out to Kenya and I was one of the team members. What better preparation for a year when my husband’s family business closed and we learnt to live by faith. These were people (in Kenya) who talked about answered prayer in their lives day by day. We stayed in Eliud’s home and the choir came to greet us after midnight. Our bus had broken down and we got lost so after waiting for hours the choir went home, but word got around that we had arrived and out they came again! Ireland has a reputation for hospitality, but who

Between 1993 and 2006, Felix worked in Overseas’ House in Dublin, but her engagement with CMS Ireland extended

well beyond the office.

would get up at five in the morning to heat water for bathing?

Back in Dublin, our home became known as the CMS Guesthouse. Over the years we have managed over 400 entries in our Visitors’ book - including Mission Partners attending courses in Dublin, visiting Bishops, CMSI staff from Belfast, CMS UK members of General Council and most of a Ugandan choir.

Johnny and I used to cook the staff Christmas dinner each year and when I joined the staff in 1993 one of the conditions was that we would continue to do so! Our cooking skills were used in force, cooking for the CMS Summer Camps. We brought our caravan and our dogs and if anyone got a bit homesick, Honey was only too pleased to comfort them. We were involved in camps for twelve years and had a fabulous team of leaders. The caravan also went to visit schools all over the country to introduce the Annual project. I never thought I would be speaking in assembly halls, churches and cathedrals, but I quickly learnt that ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’

Felix BlennerhassettDublin

Maggie BriggsBanbridge, Co. Down


You never know where involvement with CMS Ireland will lead you. As a 12 year old, I set off on the bus for a summer camp at Sligo. From there, via children’s holidays, youth weekends at Kilbroney, a youth music and drama group, I went on to teach maths in Uganda and later, to serve as a member of the Board of Directors of the society.

In 1987, I succumbed to the persuasion of Canon Cecil Wilson to take part in a META to Mengo Hospital in Kampala, Uganda. While sitting on the steps of Namirembe

Cathedral at sunset, the sense of calling, which had been growing in my mind for some time, was confirmed: I knew God was calling me into the ordained ministry of the Church of Ireland. Within fifteen months I returned to Uganda, to teach maths at Ntare School for two years, before beginning my theological studies.

Ten years later, while on another META to Gahini, Rwanda, I bumped into one of my former pupils. He hugged me and thanked me for the maths I’d taught and explained that he was now an accountant for a law

Paul McAdam’s involvement with CMS Ireland started when he was a child. It’s a connection that has continued to impact him

and through him, many others.

firm helping victims of the Rwandan Genocide. Amazing that God could work through me, to influence him, to help so many others!

Nowadays, I serve as rector of Loughgall & Grange parishes in Co. Armagh. It was here, in Loughgall Old Rectory, that one of the earliest meetings of the Hibernian Church Missionary Society was held, in June 1814. In my garden, I can still see the foundations of the house where so much began – and thank God that I can still play my small part in continuing to build on that foundation within the fellowship of CMSI.

I threw the letter in the waste paper basket, but all day long it niggled at me, so that evening I retrieved it.

It was from Canon Raymond Smith, then General Secretary of CMS in Ireland, informing me of a staff vacancy and asking if I would apply. I contacted Raymond, thanked him, but said “No thanks.” However, three

months later I was appointed as Youth Worker and so began a roller coaster ride of a thirty-year career on the staff of CMS Ireland. Mission became my way of life, my way of thinking, of looking at the total ministry of the Church.

Of all the places overseas in which we were involved, the one in which I believe we were able to make the most significant contribution was Nepal. One of the first missionaries allowed into that country in 1953 was Dr Trevor Strong and when he returned there in the early 1980’s we were able to build on his pioneering work. Mark and Ali Gill, through their combined skills of engineering and nursing, were able to travel and work in a number of very remote locations

Cecil joined the staff team in 1977, starting as Youth Worker and eventually becoming

General Secretary until his retirement in 2007.

and in every place, they planted churches, which continue to thrive and grow under local leadership. The legacy that they and many others have left behind have helped to transform that country from a Hindu Kingdom to a country where the Christian Faith is now playing a significant role at all levels of society.

When I joined CMS, we were the Hibernian Auxiliary of CMS based in London and although we had a degree of autonomy we were still bound by their rules and regulations, particularly in relation to our overseas work.

During my time as General Secretary, I was able to complete the process, already underway, of developing CMS Ireland as an independent Mission Society – still within the CMS Family but giving us, and the Church of Ireland, a direct voice in creating our own Mission Partnerships in our own way. This has led to many parish and diocesan ‘pew-to-pew’ Partnership Links with our Global Partners, many of whom now feel just as much part of the CMS Ireland Family as we do here in the Church at home.

changing times changing people8

Paul McAdamLoughall, Co, Armagh

Cecil WilsonBallynahinch, Co. Down


Andrew and I are thankful for the role that CMSI had in bringing us together. We first meet at a ‘Focus on Uganda’ weekend in Greystones, after we had both offered for long-term service. We found ourselves placed only ten miles apart in Uganda.

Those were the days, as we tell our now grown children, of no mobile phones, few working landlines and limited postal service. Following our marriage in 1990 we had an exciting 10 years of service learning to depend more on God and his wisdom as we were posted to different locations.

Along with Matthew (22), Phoebe (20) and Abigail (17), we treasure the memories of our time in Uganda (Fort Portal and Kampala) and Tanzania (Mwapwa) and of the many people we met along the way. People like Samuel.

In 1988, the Church of Uganda’s Education Department was promoting a discipleship course called ‘Go Forward with Christ’. Like ‘Alpha,’ it covered the basic tenets of faith over a series of weekly meetings in small groups. In a Uganda just recovering from the ravages of civil war, this was a way of encouraging and challenging believers and seekers to walk in the way of truth and hope.

Like some other Mission Partners, I (Wendy) was privileged to host such a group of English speaking Ugandans in Katwe Community Centre, Kampala, where I lived and worked. One member of the group, Samuel Sekitoleko, was a young student teacher. He felt challenged during the course to change direction and become an evangelist. This took him to the Church Army training college in Nairobi, with placements in Port Bell Prison on the shores of Lake Victoria and thereafter in Mombasa.

Andrew and Wendy found love – and each other – through CMS Ireland before serving together as

Mission Partners in Uganda and Tanzania.

After Andrew and I married, Samuel remained a family friend, visiting us in Fort Portal and later in England. We had rather lost touch but were delighted to be able to get his number and make contact just the other day! Samuel told me of how he still has his ‘Go Forward’ certificate and likes to refer to those days as being significant in his journey of faith. He also reminded me of the songs we used to sing and which he has since sung to his children! ‘Abba Father let me be, yours and yours alone, may my will forever be evermore your own...’

Samuel went on to be ordained in England and was given a Lugandan speaking congregation in North London. Of late he has had a position in Lincolnshire, but is planning to move with his family back to Uganda to serve with the Diocese of Kampala. Please pray for them in their preparations.

spring 2014

We really hope you enjoyed reading these personal reflections and also that you enjoy Isabel Whiteside’s

‘living story’ on Page 28.

We’d love to receive more of these stories and reflections – on your engagement with CMS Ireland, on how God has transformed you through this engagement, or on

how you’ve seen others being changed and transformed.

Andrew & Wendy WatsonCoachford, Co. Cork


Our Global Partners

10

Global Partner Profiles

While the work of CMS Ireland in 2014 may look vastly different than the activities of the Hibernian Church Missionary Society of 1814, ‘global mission’ remains our priority. For 200 years, our bread and butter has involved helping people ‘here’ – in Ireland – to support mission work throughout the world.

Those two centuries have seen huge shifts in international politics, in mission thinking and in the life of the Church, both in Ireland and across the world. Many of those countries visited by CMS missionaries in the 19th and Early 20th Centuries now have different names. Most of them now have strong, established churches. As their needs have changed, so our engagement with them has evolved.

Today, CMS Ireland works in nine countries with 20 Global Partners – Anglican Dioceses, indigenous churches and Christian organisations who are

all involved in local mission. As far as possible, our engagement (and the engagement of Link Parishes throughout Ireland) with each of these Global Partners focuses on fostering long-term relationships, that are personal and mutually beneficial.

In May, we will welcome to Ireland representatives from all 20 Global Partners, as they join us for our celebrations and help us look to the future. In the pages that follow, we introduce each Global Partner – and they share something of their perspective on the partnership with Ireland.

The ‘Poverty Rank’ figure reflects the position of the country, using the most commonly accepted index - per capita GDP (PPP). See www.gfmag.com.

Partnership started: 1998Link Parishes (currently): 7Leader of Global Partner: Bishop Justin Badi Arama

⏱ Recent Activity

Last CMS Ireland Staff visit: 2012Recent GP visits to Ireland: 2013, 2010, 2007Recent STEP volunteers: Aaron McAlister (2013)Recent Financial Support: 2011/12 Є157,752; 2012/13 Є76,192 (including support for Primary Education, Health Projects and training).

🌎 Global Partner: Maridi Diocese

Bishop Justin writes…Through the partnership with the Church in Ireland and CMS Ireland, I have seen God at work in many ways, such as giving hope and encouragement in times of hardship and loneliness, by regular visits from our partner churches in Ireland. Also, through the practical support towards education, health services, training, agriculture and assistance to displaced people.

What matters most to me about our link with CMS Ireland and the churches in Ireland is the friendship and fellowship that has bound us as one family in Christ Jesus. When I visit Ireland, I do not see myself as

a foreigner but as a member of a family in Ireland.

Our current priorities are:• To construct a simple house for

the clergy to enable the priests to be closer to the Christians.

• To acquire simple transportation such as motorbikes and bicycles for pastors.

• To provide education and training opportunities to the youth and the church workers.

• To support the displaced people and encourage them to develop agriculture skills to produce enough food.

11 country profile south sudan

Population: 11.1mLand Area: 644,329 km2

Poverty Ranking: 18Main Religions: With no census data yet available, there are vastly differing estimates regarding religious adherence in South Sudan, but Traditional Religions (including Animism) and Christianity are the most prominent by far.

South Sudan is still the newest country in the world, having gained independence from its northern neighbours in 2011 – the result of a six-year peace process following 22 years of civil war. Despite the extreme poverty in the country and the lack of infrastructure and resources, the birth of the new nation was widely celebrated as a positive development. Recent months, however, have seen a return to instability and violence, with the result that, since 15th December, thousands of people have been killed and over 800,000 more have fled their homes. Throughout the many years of turbulence and strife, CMS Ireland and many parishes in Ireland have maintained strong connections with the Church in what is now South Sudan - supporting our partners through friendship, prayer, personnel support and financial support.

South Sudan


Recent META visits: 2013 (Yei); 2012 (Ibba; Maridi); 2011 (Yei); 2010 (Yei)

Latest Annual Project: All Things New (2013)

Continued ▻

Partnership started: 1998Link Parishes (currently): 12Leader of Global Partner: Bishop Hilary Luate Adeba

⏱ Recent Activity

Most Recent Mission Partners: Billy and Jenny Smyth (2003-2006)Recent STEP volunteers: Jenny Bell (2011-2012); John and Poppy Spens (2006-2011) Last CMS Ireland Staff visit: 2013Recent GP visits to Ireland: 2013, 2011, 2009Recent Financial Support: 2011/12 Є24,787, 2012/13 Є9,727 (including support for primary education, Vocational Training and Healthcare).

12 country profile south sudan

◅ Global Partner Profiles: South Sudan (Continued)

Ronnie Briggs writes…While CMS Ireland has been working in Sudan for very many years the more recent relationships started from a challenge made by the former Bishop of Yei – Rt Rev Seme Solomona. Bishop Seme visited Ireland during the terrible war that engulfed most of Southern Sudan in the 1980s and 1990s and he challenged us to come and help his people during this time of great need. There then started a number of visits from Ireland to Yei – and to the refugees in Northern Uganda – by Archbishop Eames and many other clergy and lay members of our congregations.

Bishop Allison Theological College (BATC) was central to this growing partnership as the Church wanted to ensure that its leaders were ready to continue their mission work when the war ended and people returned back to Southern Sudan. BATC was based in Arua in Northern Uganda for many years and is now in the process of being

relocated to Yei Diocese – a dying wish of Bishop Seme.

The work in Yei continues to grow and develop through health provision, vocational training, church leadership programmes and education, in both primary and secondary school levels. Even though Yei – as well as other parts of South Sudan - are currently experiencing another period of unrest, Bishop Hilary remains positive and is confident that the Church will continue to grow.

🌎 Global Partner: Yei Diocese

Ibba Ibba

Partnership started: 2009Link Parishes (currently): 2Leader of Global Partner: Bishop Wilson Kamani

⏱ Recent Activity

Last CMS Ireland Staff visit: 2012Recent GP visits to Ireland: 2010Recent Financial Support: 2011/12 Є2306, 2012/13 Є24,873 (including support for education, water projects and bicyles for clergy).

Prayer requests for the coming monthsPastors are becoming less committed to their pastoral roles because of the huge needs at home from their children, including the need for money for schooling. As a result, we have parishes now without pastors. Pray for the training programme which has been organised for nine lay readers due to commence in February for three months and then resume again in July for three months, with the last phase beginning in October followed by ordination in December 2014.

The level of giving on Sundays is very poor, so it needs lots of awareness in the churches to enable people think about the sustainability of the Church. Please pray for this situation. For the last two days St Peter’s Primary School has registered over 300 children. The school fees our people collect can’t pay 12 teacher, so please pray for the huge need for teachers.

How does partnership with Ireland make a difference?What matters to us in Ibba Diocese is our relationship with our friends in Ireland and CMS Ireland. God is at work in Ibba through these partnerships. For example, the META group visit to Ibba in 2012 was enormously rich. The spirit of empathy from the team was commendable. All of them worked tirelessly, interacting with our people and sharing God’s love with them practically, in the clinic and the parishes.

Current priorities• To help liberate people from

illiteracy and to educate them well – through Nursery programmes, Primary Education and Adult Literacy support

• Construct a new Cathedral • Train pastors locally for

ordination in December 2014

🌎 Global Partner: Ibba Diocese

spring 2014

Bishop Anthony Writes:The partnership has enabled us to train different categories of people through the Kajo-Keji Ecumenical Training Centre (KaETP) – training in areas such as micro-finance and HIV awareness and prevention. The objective is to promote holistic development and to empower local communities.

Our current priorities are:• Evangelism and Discipleship• Education• Empowerment• Organisational development

What matters most to me about our link with CMS Ireland and the Church in Ireland is the prayer support with each other, the visits that we exchange with each other and the fact that we have partners in the Church of Ireland who are praying for us and partnering with us.

Our prayer requestsPray for churches to place emphasis on discipleship. Pray for strategies to fight poverty. Pray for peace, justice and reconciliation to prevail.

Partnership started: 1998Link Parishes (currently): 2Leader of Global Partner: Bishop Anthony Poggo

⏱ Recent Activity

Last CMS Ireland Staff visit: 2010Recent STEP volunteers: Robert Wray (2011) Recent GP visits to Ireland: 2013, 2007Recent Financial Support: 2011/12 Є2017, 2012/13 Є6270 (including support for the Ecumenical Training Centre).

🌎 Global Partner: Kajo-Keji Diocese

Ibba

Partnership started: 1998Leader of Global Partner: Bishop Bahati Sylvestre Bali-Busane

⏱ Recent Activity

Last CMS Ireland Staff visit: 2013Recent Financial Support: 2011/12 Є8399 (Emergency support)

14 country profile democratic republic of congo

Population: 75.5mLand Area: 2,344,858km2

Poverty Ranking: 1Main Religions: Christian 70% (Roman Catholic 50%, Protestant 20%); Kimbanguism 10%; Muslim 10%; Others 10%

Our current priorities are:• Evangelism and church building• Training of Pastors and

Evangelists• Social Development projects for

health and school education• Children, Youth and Women’s

activities for holistic progress

Our prayer requests:• Pray for the 11th ordinary

Synod planned in Bukavu for 20th-28th July

• Pray for peace in DR Congo and especially in Bukavu Diocese.


Bishop Bahati writes:Through the partnership, we have openly seen God at work by maintaining our partnership and responding to the prayers of both CMS Ireland and Bukavu Diocese as we pray for each other. Every time our prayer requests are submitted to CMSI we see good results.

The biggest challenge we have in our partnership with CMSI is the rarity of the visits between people from both Bukavu and CMSI.

🌎 Global Partner: Bukavu Diocese

Formerly known as Zaire, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) is the second largest country in Sub-Saharan Africa and has the third largest population. It has considerable mineral resources including gold, diamond and coltan and yet DR Congo is the poorest in the world, not least due to decades of misrule and an extended period of civil war. Ethnic conflict in the country was precipitated by a massive influx, in 1994, of refugees from the fighting in Rwanda and Burundi.

Political instability has marked the country to the present day and the civil war has resulted in the deaths of millions through fighting, starvation

and disease. Despite the signing of a peace accord in 2003, the conflict continues today, with indiscriminate killing, widespread sexual violence and the destruction of property being commonplace.

CMS Ireland has maintained strong connections with the Church in DR Congo over many years. Our Global Partners there do incredible work, offering rare signs of hope and help in the midst of the most desperate conditions. Of all our partner countries, DR Congo is probably the one in most need of our support and yet, finding parishes and individuals to commit to such a challenging partnership can be difficult.

DR Congo

spring 2014

In a recent edition of inMission, Rev Andrew Rawding (Brackaville, Donaghendry and Ballyclog) shared some reflections on his visit to Kindu Diocese. He clearly feels that we have much to learn from the Church in DR Congo.

In DR Congo, I was faced with big questions about what it means to be church, having left behind me large, strong church buildings with small congregations and found (in Kindu) large, strong congregations in church buildings without roofs, or with no church buildings at all.

I was also left with big questions about God’s gift of life, as I left behind me (in Ireland) some stressed and

anxious, but well educated, ‘rich’ people and found some seemingly happy and content ‘poor’ people, with no education, no electricity and no employment.

Visiting a country where millions have died in the last decade, I returned home even more challenged to explore questions about healing, forgiveness and Christian leadership there and here in our own situation. My visit to DR Congo has made me more determined to work for the peace which comes from recognising that we are all God’s children and that by honestly following the example and teaching of Jesus Christ, we should and could be united by God’s grace, compassion and love.

Partnership started: 1998Link Parishes (currently): 1Leader of Global Partner: Bishop Masimango Katanda

⏱ Recent Activity

Last CMS Ireland Staff visit: 2013Recent GP visits to Ireland: 2005Recent Link Parish Visit: Rev Andrew Rawding (2013)Recent Financial Support: 2011/12 Є1591 (Bicycles for Mothers’ Union and general diocesan support)

Partnership started: 1998Link Parishes (currently): 2Leader of Global Partner: Bishop Isesomo Muhindo

⏱ Recent Activity

Last CMS Ireland Staff visit: 2013Recent GP visits to Ireland: 2011Recent Link Parish Visit: Rev Gerard Macartney and Rev Robert Boyd (2013)Recent Financial Support: 2011/12 Є11,043 2012/13 Є1,888 (including support for orphanage).

🌎 Global Partner: Kindu Diocese

🌎 Global Partner: North Kivu Diocese

Bishop Isesomo writes:Through the partnership with CMS Ireland and the church in Ireland, the diocese of North-Kivu have seen God at work. God has united us by Jesus Christ. Even if we are from different skins and different nationalities, God has made us to be one in Him. And this unity is demonstrated by praying for one another, visiting one another when it is possible and the financial support from CMS Ireland to our diocese.

Our current priorities in terms of our mission in the diocese are the following: • Evangelising new areas, planting

new churches and training new believers in how to grow in their faith

• Training of people in the bible and theological college and also in other faculties

• Assisting the traumatised people like orphans, widows, women who have been raped, displaced people and older people

• Continuing with the project of building a diocesan guesthouse –

with the goal of helping different groups of people in need with the income from the project

When we think about our work and witness as a church we most want people in Ireland to pray for the following needs in the coming months.• Pray for peace in our country

and especially in our diocese where people from 21 parishes are displaced because of the war since September last year.

• Pray for the work of the spreading of the gospel in new areas where we have sent pastors to preach and plant new churches, so that God may raise many souls to Christ. Ask God to protect the pastors who have no means of transport and to provide food and bibles for new believers.

• Pray for the work of the construction of the diocesan guesthouse, which we have already started but which has stopped because of a lack of finances.

Recent META visits: 2011, 2009

Partnership started: 1990sLink Parishes (currently): 7Leader of Global Partner: Bishop Mouneer Anis

⏱ Recent Activity

Last CMS Ireland Staff visit: 2011Recent GP visits to Ireland: 2012, 2009?, 2007Most recent Mission Partners:David and Gillian Maganda (2002-2008)Recent STEP volunteer: Ryan Adams (2012)Recent Financial Support: 2011/12 Є3895; 2012/13 Є1393 (including support for community centres and work among refugees).

16 country profile egypt

Population: 85.3mLand Area: 1,002,450km2Poverty Ranking: 76Main Religions: Muslim (mostly Sunni) 90%; Coptic Christian 9%; Other Christian 1%

Egypt


Ronnie Briggs writes:Many of the places that CMS Ireland currently work in have a significant history that can be traced back over many years. A young Dr Frank Harpur – from Moira – went out to Egypt at the end of the 19th century to begin his medical missionary service. The legacy of that service still stands today. Dr Harper started a small hospital in Menouf in 1910 and its work continues to this day in the renamed Harpur Memorial Hospital.

🌎 Global Partner: Diocese of Egypt

Situated at the meeting point of Africa and Asia, Egypt is the only country in the Arab World where CMS Ireland has Global Partners. It’s a country where ancient meets the modern, where pyramids intermingle with high-rise apartment blocks and where the ancient river Nile flows quietly through the bustling city of Cairo, one of the biggest and busiest cities in the world.

Although Egypt isn’t considered to be among the poorest countries in the world, the poverty gap (between rich and poor) is vast and there

The Diocese of Egypt covers a huge area, incorporating eight countries in the North of Africa and it continues to face enormous challenges. We, in CMS Ireland, can still stand alongside them to support them in their work and pray with them.

Partnership works – especially in the long term – and Egypt certainly demonstrates this.

are significant pressures on land and resources - 95% of Egyptians live on less than 5% of Egypt’s land, along the fertile floodplains of the Nile. The violence and political tension of recent years has exacted an enormous toll on ordinary people. It is in this context, and in spite of persecution, that the Christian Church works for peace and offers help and hope to the poor and marginalised.

Latest Annual Project: Sands of Time (2007)

country profile zambia

Link Parishes (currently): 4Leader of Global Partner: Archbishop Albert Chama

⏱ Recent Activity

Most recent Mission Partners: Keith and Lynn Scott (2002-2008)Recent STEP placements: Robert Ferris (2008)Last CMS Ireland Staff visit: 2008Recent GP visits to Ireland: 2007, 2005Recent Financial Support: 2011/12 Є2456; 2012/13 Є8486 (including a school’s project)

Population: Population: 14.2mLand Area: 752,612km2

Poverty Ranking: 21Main Religions: It is difficult to find accurate figures on religious adherence in Zambia. It is officially a Christian nation, but Christianity is often mixed with traditional belief systems.

Zambia


🌎 Global Partner: Diocese of Northern Zambia

Recent META visits:2012, 2007

Latest Annual Project: The Broken Butterfly (2006)

Much of CMS Ireland’s partnership with the Church in Zambia has focused on leadership training through the Anglican Seminary in Kitwe, where Keith and Lynn Scott were based and where Robert Ferris spent a few months on a STEP placement in 2008. However, recent years have seen the focus widen to support some of the other mission activities of the diocese, including the construction of a new secondary school.

Robert returned to Zambia in 2012 with a team from St Columba’s Parish, Knock, and in a recent edition of inMission magazine, he shared this reflection:

“One of the most amazing things I witnessed on our recent META to the Copperbelt region in Northern Zambia was the impact that a small number of people can have on a

whole community. It really does reflect the biblical model of sowing seeds and reaping a harvest and it’s something I witnessed across a whole range of activities.

It was inspiring to meet people such as Archbishop Chama, who has a huge vision for what the Church should be doing. Those who make up the Church in Northern Zambia are living out their faith, responding to the many difficulties and challenges that face local communities. But they also have a brilliant testimony in what happens Sunday by Sunday, as they unite in worship - Anglo-Catholic style, with praise and worship, African drums, evangelical preaching and a pastoral heart.

Zambia is a large landlocked country set in the heart of Southern Africa, bordered in the south by the Zambezi river (whose source is in Northern Zambia) and the Victoria Falls. It is sparsely populated – its 14 million inhabitants living in a country nine times the size of Ireland. Formerly Northern Rhodesia, the country was administered by the South Africa Company from 1891 until 1923, when it was taken over by the UK. The name changed to Zambia upon independence in 1964.

The past 20 years have seen significant economic growth in Zambia and a degree of political stability. However, the majority of its population, particularly in rural areas, remain poor and the population is still feeling the effects of a significant HIV/AIDS epidemic in the 1990s, which saw more than a million children being orphaned.

18 country profile kenya

Population: 44mLand Area: 530,367km2

Poverty Ranking: 30Main Religions: Christian 82.5% (Protestant 47.4%, Catholic 23.3%, Other 11.8%); Muslim 11.1%

Kenya is one of the countries were CMS Ireland has had a particularly long and active involvement. It takes its name from its highest mountain and is a popular destination for tourists. Drought and famine continue to have a significant impact on the people of Kenya and, despite a reputation as one of the most stable countries in the region, recent years have seen ethnic violence. Over 10% of Kenyans are members of the Anglican Church of Kenya, which has a strong presence throughout the country. CMS Ireland partners with two of the 33 dioceses – one in a very rural area and the other based in the capital city, Nairobi.

How does partnership with Ireland make a difference?This partnership has allowed us to spread a holistic gospel to all our people across the diocese and even into other regions. As our Church has grown we feel that we have grown together. Current priorities• Sustainability through income

generating projects • Plans to facilitate the preaching

of the good news to all across the diocese

• Social responsibility in terms of provision of food, water, and health

Prayer requests for the coming months• Please pray that God would help

us manage the growth of the church in a sensitive way.

• Pray for all the Lay Readers and Evangelists

• Pray too that all projects and programmes of the diocese may be completed as planned.

Kenya


Partnership started: 1980Link Parishes (currently): 17Leader of Global Partner: Bishop Gaddiel Lenini

⏱ Recent Activity

Most recent Mission Partners: Ronnie and Maggie Briggs (1983-2010)Recent STEP volunteers: Sam Johnston (2013); Jill & Natalie Wilcox (2013); Catherine McKnight (2011)Last CMS Ireland Staff visit: 2013Recent GP visits to Ireland: 2013, 2012, 2010Recent Financial Support: 2011/12 Є77,700, 2012/13 Є129,257 (including support for building of training centre and dorm at girls’ school, food recovery programme and theological education).

🌎 Global Partner: Kajiado Diocese

Recent META visits:2011, 2012, 2013

Latest Annual Project: Footsteps (2008)

What matters most to you about your link with CMS Ireland and the Church in Ireland?Our partnership with CMS Ireland and the Church in Ireland has enabled us to go further than we would have done alone. We value the fact that we appreciate, understand and support each other as we serve God and His people.

What can you offer the Church in Ireland?We as a diocese will support you in prayer and in your mission programmes. We are willing to partner and support you in helping to spread an understanding of what partnership can mean.

spring 2014

What matters most to you about your link with CMS Ireland and the Church in Ireland?We really value the personal relationships between the communities, the Cathedral staff, the CMS Ireland staff, the link churches and other supporters in Ireland – and we hope for the continuation of these relationships in the future. We also value help from CMS Ireland in submitting applications to donors and the people exchanges between Kenya and Ireland in both directions.

How have you seen God at work, changing lives?The members of the communities we support have gained self-worth, belief in themselves, dignity and hope. Many of them have moved from nominal Christianity to a committed faith. They built the Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord for themselves and the Anglican Church

Partnership started: 1992Link Parishes (currently): 5Leader of Global Partner: Louise Githiere (UDP Coordinator)

🌎 Global Partner: Urban Development Programme (UDP), All Saints’ Cathedral

provided the clergy and the care. They have become a community and take care of each other. They have become a role model for other communities. They provide quality education for their children and have worked hard to provide them with schools for all ages.

Current priorities• Education for all the children• Economic empowerment for

community members• Taking care of the elderly

community members • Evangelism

Prayer requests for the coming months• Pray for good education and

opportunities for all the young community members at UDP.

• Pray for the relationship between UDP and CMS Ireland during the next few years when there will be a number of changes in key personnel.

What can you offer the Church in Ireland?Prayers for Ireland, for the link churches, for CMS Ireland and the people we have come to know. Welcoming visitors when they come and giving them an experience of Kenya and helping them to become useful to our work here.

⏱ Recent Activity

Mission Associate:Isabelle Prondzynski Recent STEP volunteers: Rev. Roger Thompson (2013); Emma Dunwoody, Kirsten Brown (2011)Last CMS Ireland Staff visit: 2013Recent GP visits to Ireland: 2007Recent Financial Support: 2011/12 Є22,290; 2012/13 Є8035 (including support for Education, Water projects and Nursery School latrines).

20 country profile nepal

Population: 30.4mLand Area: 147,181km2

Poverty Ranking: 19 Main Religions: Hindu 81.3%, Buddhist 9%, Muslim 4.4%, Kirant/Yumaist 3%; Christian 1.4%

Best known as the home of Mt. Everest and the Himalayas, Nepal is currently the only country outside of Africa where CMS Ireland has Global Partners. As recently as 1950, there were no known Christians, let alone churches, in Nepal. Christian missionaries only started to work there from the late 1940s. Among them were Drs. Trevor and Patricia Strong from Ireland, who initially worked with ‘Regions Beyond’ but many years later, returned to Nepal with CMS. More recently, Mark and Ali Gill served with UMN and then with HDCS from 1985 to 2010.

What matters most to you about your link with CMS Ireland and the Church in Ireland?We love being part of a bigger, international family of God’s people. You listen, you respond and you share in our ministry here. It’s also great to hear about other parts of the world through the CMS Ireland magazine and website. You are our only link with Africa and we value the stories from the partners there – they are an inspiration and encouragement to us.

What can you offer the Church in Ireland?We want to involve you in what God is doing here! We have stories to share and encouragement to bring from our work. Nepal is still a lot like the Early Church, we want to tell you what it’s like – to give you the ‘Acts Experience’ so you can be part of it too.

Nepal


How does partnership with Ireland make a difference?Without prayer our efforts to bring God’s healing and good news are futile, so being able to give our prayer requests to you is important. Not only that, but your practical support makes it possible for us to show God’s love…We’re particularly amazed at the healing and transformation we see in the sick and destitute people who can receive our ‘charity care’ through support from CMS Ireland. Current priorities• Building leaders• Supporting those with

disabilities• Youth and teens• Care for the sick

Prayer requests for the coming monthsPlease pray that we can be spiritually fruitful in our ministry, that we will continue to look to God for direction and wisdom and that we can continue to keep God involved in our priorities, that they are His priorities for us too.

Partnership started: 2008 (strong links prior to this) Link Parishes (currently): 10Leader of Global Partner: Pastor BK

⏱ Recent Activity

Last CMS Ireland Staff visit: 2013 Recent GP visits to Ireland: 2007 Recent Financial Support: 2011/12 Є9,700, 2012/13 Є39,000 (including support for charity care, a multipurpose vehicle, a water filtration system for new project centre).

🌎 Global Partner: SD Church

Recent META visits: 2008, 2009 (2) and 2011

Latest Annual Projects: The Beautiful Gate (2012); Fingerprints of Hope (2005)

Mission Associates: Mark and Deirdre Zimmerman

spring 2014

Partnership started: 2003Link Parishes (currently):6Leader of Global Partner: Dr Tirtha Thapa (Executive Director)

Recent Activity Recent Mission Partners: Mark and Ali Gill (2003-2008; 2010-2011); Recent STEP volunteers: Sarah Hutchinson 2009 Last CMS Ireland Staff visit: 2011 Recent GP visits to Ireland: 2007, 2009 Recent Financial Support: 2011/12-€1000; 2012/13-€2000 (including support for ABBS centre and for leadership development).

How does partnership with Ireland make a difference?HDCS’s partnership with CMS Ireland is a reminder of how we are all His children. Having volunteers from Ireland come to work with our children at ABBS has been a blessing in so many ways. Those who come and share their time with us are examples of what it means to love all of His children regardless of the differences. What better testimony of God’s love could there be than that? Current prioritiesAs we develop our Strategic Plan and look into the next 10 years, HDCS is considering making some significant changes in our work.

• More focus on EducationIncluding the establishment of the Transformational Educational College (TEC) which would begin with a focus on training teachers and would be a first step toward fulfilling our long term hope of one day establishing Nepal’s first Christian university• Organisational transformationWe’re currently spending a lot of time in prayer and fellowship to learn more about ourselves, our project, and the mission that we are being called to.

Prayer requests for the coming monthsThough Nepal is no longer a Hindu country, Christians and Christianity are still not always viewed in the best light. As a Nepali Christian organisation we are often attacked for our faith-based services. We ask for prayers to soften the hearts of those people who are still resistant to the love of Christ. We pray for better understanding with the communities that we work with, and we ask for prayers so that HDCS can be a true witness of Christ.

Partnership started: 2003Link Parishes (currently): 6Leader of Global Partner: Dr Tirtha Thapa (Executive Director)

⏱ Recent Activity

Most recent Mission Partners: Mark and Ali Gill (2003-2010) Recent STEP volunteers: Sarah Caughey/Hutchinson (2009)Last CMS Ireland Staff visit: 2011Recent GP visits to Ireland: 2007, 2009Recent Financial Support: 2011/12 Є1000; 2012/13 Є2000 (including support for ABBS centre and for leadership development).

🌎 Global Partner: Human Development Community Services (HDCS)

Partnership started: 2002Link Parishes (currently): 4Leader of Global Partner: Bishop John Nduwayo

⏱ Recent Activity

Last CMS Ireland Staff visit: 2013Recent GP visits to Ireland: 2007Recent Financial Support: 2011/12 Є14,964; 2012/13 Є3,592 (including support for church building and theological education).

22 country profile burundi


Poverty Ranking: 3Main Religions: Christian 82.8% (Roman Catholic 61.4%, Protestant 21.4%); Muslim 2.5%; Adventist 2.3%

Burundi


🌎 Global Partner: Gitega Diocese


Latest Annual Project: Living Stones: Building Church in Burundi (2011)

Mission Associate: Alison Gill

Bishop John writes:We have seen God at work as the partnership with the Church of Ireland came to cement and support our commitment to evangelism and to the wellbeing of the people we serve. As our Lord said, He came to give life to his sheep so that they may have it in its fullness. In the same way, our partnership with Ireland has contributed a great deal through prayers to one another, training, information sharing, exchange visits and the enhancement of God’s kingdom in Gitega Diocese.

What matters most about our link with CMS Ireland is: praying for one another, training for the future leadership of the Church, information sharing and mutual concern towards the mission of the church.

In terms of mission, our current priorities include:• The creation of Buhiga Diocese• The Church planting in Ruyigi

Province which borders with Tanzania and thus has a lot

of returnee refugees, some of whom have already formed new congregations from their time in the Refugee Camps in Tanzania.

• The training of church workers, both pastors and lay evangelists, especially in that Province of Ruyigi where we have only trained ten deacons who are now caring for those congregations.

• To nurture spiritually those new believers and to assist them materially.

We would most want the people in Ireland to pray for the above mentioned priorities and to pray for us so that we may be given wisdom, strength and means to implement these things together with our regular activities related to pastoral ministry.

Sometimes referred to as ‘the heart of Africa’, due to its distinctive shape and central location, Burundi is geographically isolated, with few resources and mounting population pressures. In 1993, the country’s first democratically elected president was assassinated, after only 100 days in office. The event triggered widespread ethnic violence between Hutu and Tutsi factions and the conflict, which lasted for over 10 years, claimed the lives of more than 200,000 Burundians and saw hundreds of thousands people flee their homes. A peace agreement in 2003 and a new constitution in 2005 paved the way for a new beginning. Throughout the conflict, the Church has sought to be a source of peace and reconciliation.

⏱ Recent Activity

Last CMS Ireland Staff visit: 2013Recent GP visits to Ireland: 2011, 2009, 2007Recent Financial Support: 2011/12 Є16,873, 2012/13 Є1102 (including support for clergy training, church building and sewing project).

spring 2014

Partnership started: 2002Link Parishes (currently): 3Leader of Global Partner: Archbishop Bernard Ntahoturi

🌎 Global Partner: Matana Diocese

A prayer for GitegaGracious Lord we thank you for what you have done through your Church in Ireland for the last 200 Years. We ask you to bless each and everyone as they celebrate their achievements, which include outreach mission to other nations in the world, from which we have also benefited. May your Holy Spirit continue to guide your Church in our countries as we all plan for the future how we can better glorify your Holy Name. Amen.

Canon Seth (Diocesan Secretary) writes...The Church of Ireland has been strengthening the existing partnership with Matana and creating new ones through CMS Ireland, so God has been really at work by enabling and empowering His great work in 200 years of mission and ministry through CMS Ireland. It is high time to rejoice and be glad in what God has done.

Under the umbrella of CMSI, we would like regular exchange visits to be organised for both sides in order to share experiences, understand the needs, and strengthen the links.

Our current priorities include:• Preaching the Word of God,

focusing on the five marks of mission of the Anglican Church

• Train church leaders who will continue mission work

• Raise people’s awareness on peace and reconciliation as we approach the next elections in 2015 Building churches and schools

Our prayer requests:• Pray for the coming period of

Lent, that church leaders will be inspired and refreshed so that they will be able to bless many others

• Pray for the ordination of eight pastors and two deacons and for God’s guidance at the diocesan synod that will take place in early March

• Pray that as partners we will be able to meet together at CMS Ireland’s 200 Years celebrations and share face-to-face experience in order to plan together for the future.

Partnership started: 2002Link Parishes (currently): 3Leader of Global Partner: Bishop Emmanuel Ntazinda

⏱ Recent Activity

Last CMS Ireland Staff visit: 2013Recent GP visits to Ireland: 2007, 2012Recent Financial Support: 2011/12 Є6137 2012/13 Є16,779 (including support for Diocesan Youth Camp, training of pastors and school refurbishment).

24 country profile rwanda

Population: 12mLand Area: 26,338 km2

Poverty Ranking: 25Main Religions: Christian 82.6% (Roman Catholic 56.6%, Protestant 26%); Adventist 11.1%; Muslim 4.6%

Rwanda


🌎 Global Partner: Kibungo Diocese


Latest Annual Project: Start Small, Grow Tall (2009)

How is God changing lives through your work and the partnership with Ireland? Maize growing projects have boosted the nutritional and economic standards in various women’s self help groups. Today the groups are very empowered in terms of supporting their families and starting small businesses as a result of the money earned after the sale of maize harvest. All this has come true as a result of your support in the form of prayer and financial support to the diocese.

Through your help, we’ve also seen infrastructural development with key results like the construction of a classroom at Itetero Christian School, which is aimed at helping share Christian values for sustainable development in the diocese and in Rwanda.

Our work in evangelism has been supported and we’ve also seen the spiritual transformation of children in communities especially youth and young children through youth conferences which you have equally supported so much in our diocese. This has helped to nurture youth and children who look at building a nation that understands the values of spiritual lifestyles. Current priorities• We hope to build a multipurpose

hall for hosting annual conferences to provide parenting guidance to youth. Most of them lack parenting ethics as they are orphans as a result of Genocide. The hall would also be used for community awareness raising, drama, weddings, church meetings and other things to generate income for the diocese.

• We want to ensure we have well trained and therefore qualified pastors to lead our parishes

• Adequate means of training girls and boys about the dangers of premarital sex,

Often referred to as the ‘land of a thousand hills’, Rwanda has a lush climate, fertile soils and is the most densely populated country in Africa. A former Belgian colony, Rwanda gained independence in 1959 but endured significant ethnic strife and civil conflict for the next 35 years – culminating in the 1994 Genocide, which saw around 800,000 people massacred in just 100 days. Reconciliation continues to be a national priority and one in which the church in Rwanda is playing an active role.

⏱ Recent Activity

Recent STEP volunteers: Trudi-Ann Burnside (2012); Rhonda Moroney (2012); Hazel White (2011) Recent visit by Link Parish: Rev Diane Matchett (2013)Last CMS Ireland Staff visit: 2013Recent GP visits to Ireland: 2007, 2010, 2012Recent Financial Support: 2011/12 Є2606; 2012/13 Є38,750 (including support for agriculture projects, nursery education and for the diocesan Bible and Development School).

spring 2014

Partnership started: 2008Link Parishes (currently): 6Leader of Global Partner: Bishop Jered Kalimba

🌎 Global Partner: Shyogwe Diocese

A prayer for KibungoOur father in Heaven, look down on all our needs and heart desires for both Kibungo Diocese and churches in Ireland, provide, guide, give us patience to endure all challenges and give us understanding of how best to respond to all the challenges for the glory of your name. Amen

How does your partnership with Ireland make a difference?We have seen God at work though CMS Ireland in different ways. In terms of evangelisation, CMS Ireland provided the motorcycles to our Archdeacons to enable them to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ over long distances. With CMS Ireland funds, Shyogwe Diocese has been able to support the training of lay and church leaders as well as offer vocational and agricultural training. CMS Ireland has also helped us to train 78 saving and credit groups.

Current priorities (for mission projects)• Saving and Credit program• Mbayaya Nursery School• Bible and Development school• The Archdeacon’s motorcyle

project

What matters most to you about your link with CMS Ireland and the Church in Ireland?What matters is your love towards our holistic development and good communication which is enabling us to extend the Kingdom of God.

Prayer requests for the coming monthsPlease pray for our departments namely: Evangelism, Development, Education, Mothers’ Union, Youth and Sunday school and for all their initiatives aimed at bringing about holistic transformation. Pray also for our project of opening an Institution of High Learning to teach technical skills and for the second part of the construction of our training centre at Zion Hill.

early marriages, early pregnancies and HIV/AIDS

• A girls-only Christian secondary school also to prevent our daughters form attending Muslim girls’ secondary school which is the only one available in Kibungo Diocese.

Prayer requests for the coming monthsAs a diocese we would wish you pray for God’s guidance in what we intend to do and are doing and for continued peace in Rwanda that supports our ministry. Pray that we can do the things we have planned through our hard work and the cooperation of various friends, to see God’s work change conditions in the communities.

What matters most to you about your link with CMS Ireland and the Church in Ireland?The love, cooperation, brotherhood in God’s ministry and above all mission to change the world through the different support you offer to us.

Leader of Global Partner: Bishop Reuben Kisembo

⏱ Recent Activity

Most recent Mission Partners: Norman and Isobel Jackson (1998-2005)Last CMS Ireland Staff visit: 2013Recent GP visits to Ireland: 2005

🌎 Global Partner: Ruwenzori Diocese

The partnership with Ruwenzori began more than 25 years ago, supporting the church in a wide range of activities - with the help of CMS Mission Partners such as the Watsons and the Jacksons.

These activities included leadership training, education, youth and children’s ministry, health care, vocational training and income generation programmes. In particular, CMS Ireland’s ‘Growing in Grace’ project worked with more than 1,000 church leaders and over 3,500 Sunday school teachers. It had a direct impact on around 200,000 children in the diocese, an impact the continues today.

In light of this strong historical link, CMS Ireland is currently exploring the possibility of working together again in the future. As such, Ruwenzori will be represented at the upcoming Changing Times Conference.

26 country profile uganda


Poverty Ranking: 21

Uganda


Recent META visits: 2013 (Madi West Nile; Kiwoko Hospital), 2011 (Madi West Nile), 2010 (Kiwoko Hospital) Latest Annual Project: Hands on Kiwoko (2010)

Sometimes referred to as the ‘Pearl of Africa’ (after a reference by Sir Winston Churchill), Uganda lies at the core of the Great lakes region of East Africa. It has one of the fastest growing populations in the world and consequently has 50% of its people under the age of 18. Though Kampala, the capital city, is home to more than one million people, Uganda is largely a rural country with most of the people engaging in subsistence agriculture.

The Church of Uganda is the second largest Anglican province in the world, with over 9 million members, but as with the Church here in Ireland, this numerical ‘membership’ does not necessarily translate to people living out an active faith. CMS Ireland has enjoyed long and active partnerships with Uganda over many years and it remains a country with a particular affinity for many parishes and people in Ireland. It is also the place where all of our current Mission Partners are based.

Main Religions: Christian 83.9% (Protestant 42%, inc. Anglican 35.9%, Roman Catholic 41.9%); Muslim 12.1%

Recent GP visits to Ireland: 2007Recent Financial Support: 2011/12 Є60,142; 2012/13 Є72,662 (including support for lab refurbishment and children’s healthcare at Kiwoko Hospital).

Link Parishes (currently): 28Leader of Global Partner: Bishop Evans Kisekka (diocese); Dr Rory Wilson (Kiwoko Hospital)

⏱ Recent Activity

Current Mission Partners: Rory and Denise Wilson (Rory since 2006, Denise since 2008); Paul and Tania Baker (since 2011)Current STEP placement: Mairead McGuckin (Aug 2013 – Mar 2014)Other recent Mission Partners: Ken and Judith Finch (2006-2012); Andrew and Joanne Quill (2003-2006)Recent STEP placements: Helen Byers (2012) Last CMS Ireland Staff visit: 2013

Health Empowerment (CHE), were in their initial stage supported through CMS Ireland. This project has integrated a spiritual component in its services, resulting in people’s lives being transformed for Christ to the glory of God.

What matters most to us about our link with CMS Ireland and the church in Ireland is upholding each other in prayer, through exchange of mission partners/visits and through, where possible, bearing each others’ burdens.

spring 2014

Through the partnership with the Church in Ireland through CMS Ireland, Luwero Diocese has seen God at work in the following ways:

• We have continued to receive Mission Partners whose services have made a huge impact to the people of our society, especially at Kiwoko Hospital.

• Some of our diocesan projects, which have also impacted our people, such as The Community

Bishop Joel writes…The Church in Ireland has been a great partner with the Diocese of Madi West. We have had very cordial and intimate relations in mission and CMS Ireland has been the oil and the vessel that has caused this development of relations. The missionaries like the Smyths and den Brejeens have further endeared the diocese to the Church of Ireland by their selfless services to the Lord in this area.

Our Current priorities• Community empowerment and

development • Community Health Services • Communications• Youth Ministry

What matters most to you about your link with CMS Ireland and the Church in Ireland?The people to people connection matters most to me. Partnership is not about things to people but people to people. When God wanted to redeem us he sent to us a person: Jesus Christ. Let’s keep this partnership as a people to people partnership. Let us be Christ to you and you Christ to us.

🌎 Global Partner: Luwero Diocese/Kiwoko Hospital

Partnership started: 2002Link Parishes (currently): 4Leader of Global Partner: Bishop Joel Obetia

⏱ Recent Activity

Outgoing Mission Partners: Aart and Geesje den Breejen (2007-2014)Recent STEP placement: Rachel McCartney (2008)Last CMS Ireland Staff visit: 2013Recent GP visits to Ireland: 2010, 2007Recent Financial Support: 2011/12 Є2254, 2012/13 Є3386 (support for the Ecumenical Vocational Training Centre).

🌎 Global Partner: Madi West Nile Diocese

A prayer from LuweroAlmighty God, Thank you for the work in Luwero Diocese and for her partnership with churches in Ireland, and CMS Ireland. Help us to cherish and nourish the link, that it may draw more people to you, and see you at work in their lives. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

A prayer from Madi West NileLord help us to be Christ to the churches and people in Ireland and help them to be Christ to us the people and churches of Madi and West Nile diocese. Amen.

Living Story


As far back as I can remember I have been aware of CMS.

Growing up as I did in All Saints’ Church, Tullylish, in the Diocese of Dromore, mission was an important part of church life. There was a missionary class where women met and did various handiworks etc. Missionaries often came to speak and during Lent there was a Lenten Service devoted to mission. And of course in many homes there was a little wooden missionary box. My mother was a member of the missionary class and when I was young I often accompanied her to the class and made myself useful by handing out leaflets and if there was a collection – I counted the money.

Our rector was Dean Myles, a venerable and much respected man who was our rector for 55 years. In the 1930s and 1940s, I attended Sunday school twice on a Sunday. Morning Sunday school was held in the church gallery and in the afternoons we met in Clare School, a church school in an outlying end of the parish. Since I lived halfway between the two it was inevitable that I should attend both. The Dean was always in attendance and taught the senior class.

On the last Sunday of the month the Dean would distribute a

missionary magazine called The Round World - one to each family. This accomplished, he would announce, “Now today you have got your magazine and that means that next Sunday is…” while he held his hand to his ear we would holler back “Missionary box Sunday”. Sure enough, on the following Sunday, the boxes were distributed, one to each class, and into these we deposited our pennies or sixpences as the case may be.

On Advent Sunday the missionary boxes were opened and counted and the money was taken to the appropriate authority. On occasions I was taken out of class to help count the money; my importance knew no bounds! Another bonus for me was when, at the beginning of the year, the church treasurer gave me a number of empty boxes to return to their respective owners who lived in the same district as I did. Those were the days when a 10-year-old girl could cycle alone on country roads.

In the Autumn edition of inMission, we invited people to send us their ‘Living Stories’. Here, long-time CMS Ireland supporter,

Isabel Whiteside, shares her story.

I like to think it was from these humble beginnings that my interest in CMS was born. I read The Round World magazine, which gave me great pleasure. I loved to read about India and the countries Africa and learn a little bit about the missionaries and who did what, where.

The years have passed and I still find myself counting missionary box money, distributing missionary boxes and attending missionary meetings. Becoming a member of the Diocesan Support group opened doors for me where I met like-mind people who became friends. I attend functions in the CMS Ireland office in Belfast and have got to know the staff there. I receive a quarterly inMission magazine and prayer letters, which I find interesting and informative.

My interest in CMS Ireland has stood the test of time since my Sunday school days. Now in this 200th Anniversary year, I feel very privileged to have been a small part in such a worthwhile organisation.

When I was young and full of my own importance, I was asked, “would you like to be a missionary?” I was highly indignant. “Of course not” I replied, “I am more important that than. I count the missionary box money!”

Small Change, Big Impact

Now in this 200th Anniversary year, I

feel very privileged to have been a small part in such a worthwhile

organisation.

✋ Pray Please keep praying for CMS Ireland and our partners and make use of the regular prayer diary. We’d also love to see more local prayer groups established – where CMS Ireland supporters, whatever or wherever their particular interests – can meet together for fellowship and prayer.

CMS Ireland staff can support you to do this, but it will only work if it’s initiated, organised and hosted by enthusiastic members.

Award Join CMS Ireland is a members’ organisation – that’s central to how we work and who we are.

We’d love to see our 200th Anniversary being a time when people choose to stand with us and be counted as one of our members. We’ll be sharing more about this in the coming months – but please do join us.

Heartuser Engage We would love to see more people engaging with CMS Ireland and with one another at our various events throughout the year.

These events provide great opportunities to be encouraged, informed and inspired by stories of God at work, but more than that, they provide a place to make connections and deepen relationships. Please make a note of the dates and events listed over the page – we’d love to see you at one or more of them!

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💰 Give Financial support continues to be a key way of supporting CMS Ireland, both for the work of our partners overseas and for all that we do to engage, equip and inspire churches here in Ireland.

This year, we’re asking those who don’t already do so to consider supporting our General Fund through small, regular donations (by Standing Order).

Looking Forward

spring 2014

Change Makers

While much of CMS Ireland’s work focuses on our engagement with Global Partners and with parishes in Ireland – it’s the committed engagement and dedicated support of

individuals that makes us who we are today.

Four key ways to make a difference....

In the early years, the Hibernian Church Mission Society (as it was then) was made up of many ‘Associations’ – local members’ groups who met together to pray, to encourage one another, to hear stories of God at work throughout the world and to raise money to support such work. Our 200-year story owes itself to God’s grace and the commitment of such members and supporters.

Some of these people met and worked in groups, just like those early Associations. Until recently and for more than 50 years, the

Women’s Committee in Dublin met together, prayed together, organised sales, wrote to Mission Partners, supported International Students and much more. Regional Support Groups around the country have played their part too, and the groups in Clogher and Dromore are still active. Other supporters have faithfully ‘done their bit’, whether counting money boxes, or distributing magazines and updates in parishes, or praying regularly, or volunteering. Though often ‘unnoticed’, these contributions are every bit as important as the work done by our Mission Partners and staff.

As a staff team, we’re very aware that CMS Ireland’s future is dependent on people like Isabel – people like you. We’ll not be ‘around’ in five years, let alone 200 years, unless committed and passionate individuals continue to stand with us and play an active role in their Society. And this isn’t just a matter of relying on younger generations – this is about our people, today, helping us to plan for tomorrow.

So, here are four key ways in which you can help us to look ahead with confidence.

Our future in your hands

1 2 3 4

Snippets


Snippets

God’s Big Family

CMS Ireland Annual Project 2014

The den Breejens prepare for new chapter

In the next couple of months, Aart, Geesje and their children will be completing their term of service in Arua (Diocese of Madi West Nile) and will begin the transition to life back in the Netherlands. Geesje writes…

We are working and living our last couple of months here in Arua. It’s a natural thing to look back at this point. What impact have we had in the end? It would be easy to despair when we look at ourselves. The relief is that we can look at what Christ has done during these six years and what we know his Father will fulfil in the time to come.

At the same time of writing a few lines for this edition of inMission, I am preparing a bible study on the third petition of the Lord’s Prayer, about the will of the Father. How often have I prayed for something to be accomplished during our term of service here in Arua and adding with a sigh, “Your will be done”, as if God’s will would not be far better than my possible answer to the petition. Thank God He is so much bigger than me - His will is full of purpose and pleasure.

The den Breejens will be spending 5 weeks in Ireland in May – and will be sharing at a special Uganda Focus Event in Saintfield Parish on 13th May (7:30pm). They’ll also be at the Changing Times events in Armagh on 15th and 16th May.

Update on Mission Partners in Training

In the last edition of inMission, we introduced two new Mission Partners in training – Tony Moffett and Caroline Fitzgerald.

Tony continues with his course in Belfast Bible College as he prepares for service in the Diocese of Madi West Nile in Uganda. He spent four weeks there in January to meet with our Mission Partners – the den Breejens – as well as Bishop Joel and those involved in the Vocational Training Centre. We will continue our discussions with Tony to discern when is the best time for him to consider travelling out to Uganda. In the meantime, we invite your prayers for Tony that he may know clearly what the Lord is saying to him.

Caroline has just returned from a short visit to the Diocese of Kajiado in Kenya to see for herself what the expectations would be if she joined the Health for All Clinic. After discussions with the Bishop of Kajiado and with further discussions with CMS Ireland staff, Caroline has indicated that she does not see herself as having the necessary skills to fulfill the role that the diocese is offering. Reluctantly, we have therefore had to bring an end to her status as a Mission Partner in Training.

This has not been an easy decision and so we would ask for you to pray for Caroline as she seeks God’s will for her next move and to remember the Diocese of Kajiado as they are still looking for a suitable doctor to run and manage the Health for All Clinic.

Changing Times Conference and Survey

In mid-May, we hope to welcome 33 Global Delegates for a two-week visit to Ireland, where they will spend time together with CMS Ireland staff and with some of their Link Parishes. They will also be joining invited delegates from parishes throughout Ireland for the Changing Times Conference – a two-day event in Armagh on 15th and 16th May, when we hope to look ahead and plan for the future.

You can contribute to the preparations for this event, by completing our Changing Times Survey. You may have already received an e-mail link about this, but if not – and if you would like to complete a survey – do please get in touch.

Our new Annual Project is now available from our offices or the website.

An ideal resource for Sunday Schools!

200 Year Anniversary

200th AnniversaryProgramme

spring 2014

Time Team (at the Belfast City Marathon)

We want 200 people to be part of our Time Team – and to enter the Belfast City Marathon as walkers and runners on Monday 5th May 2014. You can enter as an individual marathon runner or a solo walker (8 miles), or you can get involved as part of a relay team or walking team.

We’ll cover your entrance fee and provide you with a t-shirt and fundraising pack. You’ll also be invited to our post race BIG 200 BARBECUE.

We have made it so simple to raise your £200 sponsorship by setting up a BT mydonate fundraising page where family and friends can pledge their donations.

There will be an opportunity for those who take part in the TIME Team to meet the Global Delegates when they are in Ireland in May! They’ll want to thank you for helping to bring them to Ireland.

So dust off your trainers and get in touch – come and be part of our TIME Team!

Our Anniversary Programme is already having a big impact, through sharing worship and stories with our supporters in Belfast at our Impact event (November 2013), encouraging prayer gatherings across Ireland and further afield for our Marking Time Together Advent Prayer Focus (December 2013) and supporting Parishes across Ireland as they explore and engage their children and young people with the biblical story of mission through our new Annual Project, God’s Big Family (February 2014).

Time for Tea CMS Chai Resource pack

With most people in Ireland consuming on average 4 cups of tea a day – we in CMS Ireland are no strangers to a decent cuppa! It’s the same for our Global Partners. They too enjoying gathering over a brewing pot. Whether it’s in Nepal, Zambia or Uganda – tea, or chai, is a big hit!

CMS Ireland invites you to host your own CMS Chai event – in your home or your church – by gathering your family and friends together over a cuppa. It’s an opportunity to share stories, learn about mission, hear news from CMS Ireland and raise funds to support our work.

We will provide you with a resource pack, full of ideas on how to host your own CMS Chai coffee morning or afternoon tea. There’s recipe cards, sample invitations, CMS Chai story postcards and much much more – all you have to do is select your guest list!

As an added bonus, there will be an opportunity for those who host a CMS Chai event to meet some of our Global Delegates in May for your own, exclusive tea party!

As we look forward to our Changing Times Conference and Celebration in May 2014, there is still time to get involved in more of our special Anniversary activities.

We have two big fundraising opportunities aimed at helping to raise funds to bring our Global Partners to Ireland in May - Time for Tea and Time Team! Please consider how you could support one, or both, of the these initiatives.

Changing Times CelebrationLooking back, Looking up, Looking forward

Armagh City HotelFriday 16th May, 7:30pm

Dates for your diaries

29th March (11am-3:30pm) Annual Review and AGM; Church of Ireland Theological Institute, Dublin

3rd May (7:30pm) Nepal Focus Evening with team from SD Church; St Brigid’s, Glengormley

8th June (6:30pm) The Wilson Family Commissioning Service;Ballyholme Parish, Bangor

12th-14th September Mid-Africa Conference; Glenada Centre Newcastle

28th November (7:45pm)IMPACT Annual Celebration event; Belfast Bible College, Dunmurry

Changing Times Celebration

spring 2014

Church Mission Society Ireland is registered in Dublin, Ireland - Reg No. 26905 - as a Company Limited by Guarantee, with permission to omit the word ‘Limited’. Charity Ref No: CHY 910 Recognised in the UK as a Charity by the Inland Revenue - Ref No. XN 48809. CMS Ireland is a registered business name - Registered Office: Dublin Office, as above.

Belfast33 Dargan Road, Belfast, BT3 9JUTel +44 (0) 28 9077 5020 Email [email protected]

DublinChurch of Ireland House, Church Avenue, Rathmines, Dublin 6Tel +353 (0) 1497 0931 Email [email protected]

www.cmsireland.org

facebook.com/cmsireland@cmsireland

An evening of worship and sharing to celebrate 200 years of CMS in Ireland.

Keynote Speaker: Archbishop Bernard Ntahoturi (Burundi)The evening will also include contributions from our Global Partners and Mission Partners. All are welcome to this special event.

Documents

inMission 46 (Spring 2014)