Issue 41Autumn 2012

ripe for harvest the fruit that matters most

our peoplepartners and staff

Global Partners (by country)Burundi Dioceses of Gitega & Matana

DR Congo Dioceses of Bukavu, Kindu & N. Kivu

Egypt Diocese of Egypt

Ethiopia Gambella Project, Diocese of Egypt

Kenya Diocese of Kajiado; Urban DevelopmentProgramme, Nairobi

Nepal Human Development Community Services;SD Church

Rwanda Dioceses of Kibungo & Shyogwe

South Sudan Dioceses of Ibba, Kajokeji, Lainya, Maridi& Yei; Bishop Allison Theological College

Uganda Dioceses of Luwero, Ruwenzori & MadiWest Nile; Chilli Children

Zambia Diocese of Northern Zambia

Mission PartnersAart & Geesje den Breejen, with Anne-Fleur, Ruben,Jan Lucas & Lisa [Madi West Nile Diocese, Uganda]

Alison Gill [Province of Burundi]

Rory & Denise Wilson, with Gideon[Luwero Diocese, Uganda]

Paul & Tania Baker [Luwero Diocese, Uganda]

STEP VolunteersHelen Byers [Luwero Diocese, Uganda]

Mission AssociatesIsabelle Prondzynski [UDP, Kenya]

Deirdre & Mark Zimmerman, withZachary & Benjamin [Nepal]

Mark & Ali Gill [Nepal]

StaffRonnie Briggs Mission Director

Andrew Briggs Mission Resource Assistant

Rachel Brittain Mission Resource Coordinator

Anne Buckley Finance Assistant

Jenny Christie Administration Coordinator

Roger Cooke Mission Resource Manager

David Gough Partnership Coordinator

Brian Lavery Finance Manager

Gillian Maganda Personnel Coordinator

Andy McCormick Parish Development Worker

02

a harvest worthcelebrating

Seeds are sown with a purpose. Each tiny grain of possibility is planted in the hope that one day, it will be something else – something full of life, colour and energy, something remarkable.

Every flower, plant, vegetable or fruit that emerges from the soil testifies to this miracle of growth and transformation. That’s why Harvest is a Celebration – a Festival of Firstfruits, when we acknowledge God’s grace in breathing new life into the ordinariness of our world.

In our recent Summer Snippets update, we highlighted the importance of sowing seeds in mission – through our prayers, through our finances, through our active engagement with the world around us. Such seeds are sown in the hope that God would bring about growth and change, and that lives would be transformed. This is the fruit of mission.

In this Autumn edition of inMission, we want to celebrate the lives that God is changing through the faithful work and prayers of His people. We want to shine a light on the everyday miracles that take place when individuals experience God’s love and grace.

This is the work to which you and I are called. So as we celebrate the Harvest, may we be encouraged and inspired to keep sowing…

but also to seek and reap the fruit that matters most.

Roger CookeEditor

This summer has been a busy one for CMS Ireland and has seen some of us visiting our Global Partners with various METAs (Mission Experience Teams Abroad).

I could tell you that there have been three teams during the summer, with one more planned for the autumn, as well as four people involved in Short-term Experience Placements (STEPs). But there is more to it than these headline figures. What about the people behind the numbers? What has been the impact of these visits on their lives – and on their churches?

Being actively involved in mission is a sure way of being impacted by mission and in recent weeks, more than 40 people have come back with stories to tell. (See page 9). Seeds are sown early on when people begin to think and pray about going on a team or visiting one of our Global Partners in a STEP placement. Those seeds are well watered and tended during the trip and then on return, the fruit that is produced benefits all of us here in the Church throughout Ireland.

fruit that lasts

We cannot bear fruit by ourselves. We must ‘remain’ on the vine. Then God will lead, guide and equip us for His mission.

Visiting Global Partners – either on a META or individually on a STEP programme – ‘attaches’ us to mission and we put ourselves in a position to be influenced and impacted by Christians serving and working in other parts of the world. We then have an opportunity to impact those we come across here in our own churches.

Not everybody of course can go overseas, so part of our ministry involves bringing our Global Partners here to Ireland, allowing more people to be impacted by their witness and ministry!

In the coming months, we’ll be hosting a few events that offer personal insights into God’s work in other places and the fruit that is produced in many lives and communities. I would commend these events to you. See the back cover of this magazine for further details.

My heart’s desire is to see as many people as possible impacted by mission. There is a place for you so please join with us. If we all remain in the true vine, then we will all produce fruit that will last for all eternity.

Ronnie BriggsMission Director

“Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”

(John 15:4)

heavenly harvestsa celebration of lives changed

When God’s people engage in God’s mission, lives are transformed. It’s a simple yet miraculous reality. But in the midst of church initiatives, development programmes and mission strategies, it can be easy to lose sight of these individual stories of hope and change. In recent months, we’ve been encouraging our partners to send us more of these stories. Here are three such stories to help you celebrate.

wilson south sudan

During his recent visit to South Sudan, Partnership Coordinator David Gough was introduced to Wilson Tetela, who David describes as one of the success stories from ‘Christ Church Development and Training Centre’, which is part of the ministry of Ibba Diocese.

“I am Mr. Wilson Tetela, South Sudanese, 36 years of age. I’m a resident of Ibba, a young leader and a businessman. Having been born in Ibba County at a time when war was rocking the country hard, I lost out absolutely on being in school. As a result, I went into exile in Congo and then came back in 1998. While in exile, I could not access any learning institution thus growing up as an illiterate. Wilson

04 the global church inmission

the global church inmission

“Being a married man with four children, I have a huge responsibility to provide food on the table. I started a small-scale business in order to take care of my family but I could not manage it appropriately because I always found it hard to deal with financial matters as a result of poor management. This led to a collapse of my business.

“In 2010, I decided to go for an English Course in Yambio, South Sudan to sharpen my understanding. In 2011, I again got enrolled in the Christ Church Development and Training Centre for an Intensive English Course to pursue my certificate in English Language and Leadership and Management.

“I now work closely with the Diocese of Ibba as an active Youth Co-ordinator. This is how God continues to open my mind and understanding. I have really learnt a lot from this training centre. When I reached here, I couldn’t pronounce words correctly, it was hard for me to understand my teachers. I had always negative feelings towards education. But now through regular training, I can sincerely say that I have learnt a lot. I am growing up knowing very well that it is only through education that many windows of opportunities would open to me. I am willing to go extra miles to effectively equip myself to boost my competence.”

Gehan

CMS Ireland has enjoyed a long and fruitful partnership with the Diocese of Egypt, who engage in a wide range of programmes and activities to help people experience the transforming love of Christ. One area of work that has been particularly effective is community development. The diocese’s development department, Episcocare, currently operates community development centres in poor areas of Cairo, Alexandria and Suez.

The following story is typical of the lives being impacted by the work of Episcocare.

“My name is Gehan. I live in Ain Shams, a very poor area in Cairo. I am married and have three children. Two years ago, my husband left us and travelled to Saudi Arabia to look for a job. Unfortunately, he never sent us any money and we didn’t hear from him.

gehan egypt

“At first, I asked my parents to help me but I knew that they didn’t have enough money to support four more people. I also tried to get a job but I didn’t succeed. I remembered the Ain Shams Community Development Centre. I went to the centre and shared my story with the staff. They welcomed me and asked me, “How can we help you?” I told them that I needed a loan to rent a small shop so that I could earn a living and support my children.

“After they discussed the idea with me and visited my home, they gave me the loan. Each week, they visited the shop and encouraged me to repay my installments back. I repaid the initial loan, and last week I got a new one so that I could expand my shop and add new products which customers often asked me for. Also, I started making sandwiches as next to their shop there are many small workshops, and the workers wanted to buy something to eat during the day.

“As well as supporting me to earn an income, something which I will never forget is that the staff promised me that they would pray that I would hear from my husband. Because they are good people, God answered their prayers and my husband called me two weeks ago. He has started to send me a small amount of money. I am very happy.”

06 the global church inmission

Roseline

CMS Ireland Mission Partner Geesje den Breejen helps to run the Arua Home Crafts project in Madi West Nile Diocese. The initiative provides support and a creative outlet for those affected – directly or via a family member – by chronic sickness, including HIV/AIDS. Geesje introduces one of the craft-makers, Roseline* who tells us how God has been transforming her life through the project. (*Not her real name.)

Roseline came after a heavy shower to our compound, just as she had promised. Typically, most people would have skipped the appointment, as rain is a perfect excuse not to show up for any work or to follow through on a previous arrangement. Roseline came to tell her story about how ‘card making’ here in Arua has had an impact on her life. We sat on the veranda together and it didn’t take much questioning from me to keep her going as she knit together her life story.

“I am 35 years old and the mother of two sons - aged 14 and 10. My husband died three years ago from cancer of the liver with HIV infection. There I was, alone to care for my two children. The boys are bright, they went to school from a young age as we were keen to have good education for them. How could I continue without the income we were used to? It made me pray hard and I begged God for help.

“As the father of the boys was the only male born in his family, my in-laws, the aunts of the children, offered to send the children to a good boarding school. It broke my heart to be separated from them but I felt I did not have the choice to refuse this offer. I simply did not have the means to educate my sons at such a level. I stayed near my boys till they were settled in their schools and I could go back home to Arua to also re-settle and start my life without the support of my husband. Again it brought me to my knees - I was in need

roselineuganda

the global church inmission

Why not arrange for marketplace to visit

your church with a craft stall or

presentation? We are currently taking

bookings for October-March.

To find out more, phone our Belfast office, or

e-mail: marketplace@cmsireland.org

By supporting CMS Ireland’s Global Partners through prayer, friendship and finance, you can help make a signifcant difference in the lives of people like Wilson, Gehan and Roseline. To read more stories of transformation or to learn more about our Global Partners, visit our website: www.cmsireland.org

of daily food and survival was tough. I had to plan for the times that the boys were coming home during holidays.

“God has always been good to me in the sense that he gave me creativity. He is faithful. Through my sister I heard about Arua Home Crafts. I had never worked with paper before but knew I could do it.”

Roseline turned out to be a natural! The finest designs are the best for her and she turns each handmade card into a small piece of art. Through this work, Roaseline was not only able to earn some income to buy food but also to make some savings. Roseline clearly invests her money wisely. She bought and kept goats and sold two to pay her first installment for a knitting course.

“What really helped me was the lump sum that is given to each member of the craft group at the end of the year. Last December, I bought myself a solar light - the most expensive one that also charges mobile phones. It has helped me so much.

“God takes care of me and my family. He enabled me to start a knitting course. It was four months of hard work, but after those months I was able to knit sweaters and as soon as I had completed the course myself, they promoted me as a teacher.”

It came as no surprise to me that Roseline did so well. She now teaches four other mothers how to work with a knitting machine. Roseline can relate to these mothers, speaks their language, shares their experiences, encourages them in hardship and is a blessing to those around her. She has been blessed by God and is now being used to bless others. In Roseline’s life I see God at work in West Nile.

Please pray for Roseline and for the other craftmakers in Arua Home Crafts, which is just one of the groups that are supported by CMS Ireland’s marketplace initiative.

Arua Home Crafts Cards

Four years after taking part in a CMS Ireland STEP placement in Zambia, Robert Ferris recently returned to the country, this time, taking with him a team from St. Columba’s, Knock and his inMission reporter’s notebook.

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…

• A group from a local community getting together to ensure HIV/AIDS victims are cared for with dignity and to provide for their physical needs.

• A diocesan-wide malaria preventative project to help stop the spread of the mosquito-borne illness.

• The development of a Primary, Secondary and skills-based Education Centre on a site at the edge of a city.

• An Anglican seminary actively reaching out to lay readers and educating them in how to preach and lead churches in areas where there are very few priests.

• A Diocesan Youth Executive actively preparing a big vision of health education, vocational studies and discipleship training in a church where 75% of congregations are under 30.

To witness such things is challenging and deeply humbling and 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 with evangelical preaching and a pastoral heart.

“Seeds of faith are being planted in lives across Zambia”Despite the challenges, seeds of faith are being planted in lives across Zambia. At this harvest time, one of the great things that we can learn from the Church in Zambia is that when we bring what we have and place it in the hands of God, he might just do something amazing with it.

Please do pray for parishes and leaders across Northern Zambia as they go about their daily lives, planting seeds and reaping harvests of lives transformed.

Pray too for Robert as he takes up his new role as Associate Minister of Blarney Parish (part of Carrigrohane Union)

many seeds... plentiful harvestsa snapshot of the church in zambia

Ipalo team members play with children at Kitwe

08 the global church inmission

going and growingthe blessings of STEPs and METAs

individuals inmission

south sudan team From St John’s, Moira to Ibba Diocese

“I have been shoved out of my comfort zone doing things I never thought possible; with God’s strength everyday I have faced the challenges and been inspired by so many including the other members of the META team.” (Diane)

“…we experienced weather like none of us have seen or heard before…in thunder and lightning and rain – so loud and amazing to watch and hear, really reminds me of how powerful God is, lighting up the sky and rain battering off the tin roof – really mad stuff!” (Simon)

zambia team From St Columba’s, Knock to Diocese of Northern Zambia

Team leader, Robert Ferris writes:

Our team of 10 people was made up of 17 year-olds to retirees and included a rich diversity of gifts and skills. Our team name ‘Ipalo’, means ‘blessing’ in the local language of Bemba. Over the course of the 14 days we tried in our small way to be a blessing to those we encountered but we received so much more of a blessing from them. Now we have a responsibility to share that blessing with others. As two team members reflected:

“During the past two weeks I have been amazed at the extent to which prayer features in the daily lives of the Zambian people. Compared to us they have so little and face such extreme hardship. It is very humbling to witness first hand the extent to which they rely on prayer.”

“As a team we had some incredible highs but also some devastating lows - I’ve come back from this changed and for that I am eternally grateful to everyone who made that possible.”

It is very much our hope that STEPs and METAs have at least as much an impact on those who ‘go’ as those whom they go to serve. Why not consider signing-up? Visit our website for more details.

Over the past few months, over 40 people from Ireland have taken part in Short-Term Experience Placements (STEPs) and Mission Experience Teams Abroad (METAs) with CMS Ireland. They’ve spent time visiting and working alongside our Global Partners in Egypt, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan and Zambia. Many of them went hoping to give - to encourage, bless and help – but as is often the case, they found that they had even more to receive.

The Ibba Team - ready to take to the skies

Members of the Ipalo Team in Zambia

10 individuals inmission

called to be fruitful sharing god’s love in uganda

Any visitor to Uganda is immediately struck by the Christian, or at least ‘religious’, presence in the country. The motto of Uganda is ‘For God and My Country’. Taxis will announce “Glory to God” (or often, due to local language pronunciation, “Groly to God”). Chapatti stalls proclaim “Praise the Lord”. This is visibly a very Christian country.

Indeed even business meetings will often start and close with prayer. So when we first arrived in Uganda in early 2006, we often questioned why we felt God had called us there. Yes, there were obvious roles to be covered at the hospital and needs we could meet, but we wondered would we not be better being in a less Christian country or indeed back in the UK, where to stand out as a Christian is increasingly difficult.

However as in many things all is not what it seems on the surface and Uganda can be quite a contradiction. Uganda is ranked very poorly on the Transparency International Corruption Index, scoring only 2.4 out of 10!

This in a country in which 80% of the population claim to be Christians. Growth in the large churches in Kampala and around the country is usually on the back of an unashamed proclamation of a ‘prosperity gospel’, which doesn’t demand a true change of self when we come to Christ. As a result, it seems we have ended up with a population of Christians many of whom proclaim Christ with their tongues but not with their lives.

September sees Ken and Judith Finch move on from their roles as CMS Ireland Mission Partners at Kiwoko Hospital, Uganda to take up fresh challenges in Kampala and open a new chapter in their lives. Here, they reflect over the past six years of life and work at Kiwoko.

Ken and Judith in 2005, before setting out off for Uganda

individuals inmission

“We want to thank God for the faithful service and commitment of Ken and Judith over the past six and a half years and to thank them for being true to their calling in mission. Please join us in praying for them as they continue to serve God in this new phase of their mission service.”

Ronnie Briggs – Mission Director

It wasn’t long before we realised that in Uganda there is a huge need for people to proclaim a truly Biblical Christianity. At Kiwoko we are enormously blessed with many people who reflect Christ to others in both word and deed and who are actively involved in ministries which honour God. People like Shadrach Lukwago.

Shadrach heads the hospital Mission Team, which has been running for well over 10 years now. In the early years the Mission Team would go out into villages preaching the gospel, often in door-to-door outreaches. As a result of this many churches were planted both near to Kiwoko and further afield. However, as this work continued, it became clear that the bigger need was not to evangelise, but to disciple. Indeed isn’t this the command our Lord has given to us all?

“...in Uganda there is a huge need for people to proclaim a truly Biblical Christianity”. So the strategy changed with a new focus on Church Leaders’ conferences and Bible Studies. About 900 pastors now attend the annual conference in Kiwoko and the Christianity Explored course has been translated into three languages for use in Uganda. Literally thousands have gone through the course. We continue to pray that these ministries will bear fruit in people’s lives and will lead to the extension of God’s Kingdom.

We can think of many other individuals at Kiwoko who simply demonstrate Christ-likeness.Many of our staff could have left Kiwoko years ago and earned significantly more money elsewhere and yet this is where God has called them to be and they have remained faithful to that call.

Justine nursed her sick husband until he died. For years, he had abused and beaten her until they were separated. Yet she put any hint of revenge aside to tenderly care for him in his last days.

Despite only earning the equivalent of about £100 per week, David decided to cover a friend’s school fees for fear that he may not be able to complete his course of study and therefore be unable to provide his wife and family.

These and many like them are shining lights in Kiwoko and demonstrate the true Fruits of the Spirit in their lives. It has been a privilege to be at Kiwoko for these few years and we have been truly humbled by many people who seek to serve the Lord in this place.

As we leave Kiwoko we would like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to all of you who have supported us in many different ways. We hope that we too have been faithful to God for this period of our lives and we will continue to seek opportunities to serve Him wherever we find ourselves in the future.

That is our calling – to make Christ known to those around us whether in Belfast, Dublin, Uganda or anywhere else. God bless you as you live out your calling.

With our love, Ken and Judith.

Team members preparing to distribute Christianity Explored study books to church leaders

12 the church in Ireland inmission

planning for fruitfulnessmaking the most of partnerships

Of course, the danger with such vision statements is that they fail to go beyond the theory and don’t address the key questions. For anyone with more than a passing interest in mission, partnership or indeed the Church Mission Society, Ireland, one of the questions that matters most is:

How do CMS Ireland make Partnership Links work?

The honest answer is that we don’t.

An organisation like ours can’t bring about effective partnerships any more than a church minister can orchestrate a successful marriage. Healthy relationships can’t be contrived or controlled by third parties. Anyone expecting a Mission agency to deliver partnership on behalf of their church is likely to be disappointed.

That said, there are many things that CMS Ireland does to help partnerships begin strongly, grow well and bear fruit that will last.

When speaking with church groups throughout Ireland, we often describe CMS Ireland as having two roles in developing Partnership Links. Firstly, we act as ‘matchmaker’, helping to identify a suitable fit between a parish and one of our 20+ Global Partners, then bringing the two together. Our role then becomes that of ‘chaperone’, offering support and guidance to help the partnership flourish. The relationship is not ours, but we have a part to play in its inception and its growth.

Over the past year, CMS Ireland’s staff team has been developing a new approach to help churches enhance and broaden their own Partnership Link. Partnership Coordinator Niall

As is often highlighted in the pages of inMission, a core part of CMS Ireland’s work, perhaps the core part, involves helping to develop Partnership Links – dynamic two-way relationships – between churches in Ireland and our Global Partners in Africa or South Asia. That’s what we’re about, that’s what makes us distinctive.

Situated in North Western Uganda, the

Diocese of Madi West Nile runs along the

border of Southern Sudan.

The effects of the long running conflict in

Southern Sudan often spilled over into Madi West

Ni le, and have resul ted in a devastated

infrastructure and a people scarred by conflict.

The current Bishop, Dr. Joel Obetia, has made

training and holistic development a priority for the

diocese.

Historically, there has been an emphasis on

supporting practical training. Formerly, this has

been crucial in helping refugees from Sudan,

sheltering in Northern Uganda,

r e bu i l d c ommun i t i e s and

infrastructures after years of

conflict. Today, the diocese

continues to provide training to

the many Ugandan young

people whose life chances have

been blighted by that war.

The West Nile Ecumenical

Vocational Training Centre,

based in Arua, has been central

to this vision of practically

training Christians for the task of transformation.

The centre runs 3, one year, courses; building and

construction; mechanics and driving; carpentry.

Under the leadership of Richard and Aart, they

provide students with skills - to allow them to find

work, and provide for themselves and their

families.

What’s this about?

Building relationships.

No part of the body of Christ should be isolated. No

individual Christian man or woman or child should feel

that they are alone or alienated. By building

relationships, we are ensuring that everyone is drawn

closer together in fellowship – that they know they

belong.

Our involvement in this programme will help us to

know that we belong to the Body of Christ in the

world, and particularly in Uganda. The students and

staff at the training college in Uganda will know that

they belong to, and share in, the ministry of our

church in Mullavilly.

The other parishes that are involved will be

encouraged by our enthusiasm and we will equally be

encouraged by their efforts and activities. As our

relationships strengthen, each participant, whether

they be a student in Arua or a parishioner in Mullavilly,

will also be strengthened in spirit because we know

that we belong to something that is bigger than our

own community.

We belong to the Kingdom of God. That is what this

project is about.

This three year plan has been pulled together by

volunteers from our congregation, with the help of

CMS Ireland. The next stage in the process requires

wider involvement from the Mullavilly community.

If there are any elements of the plan in which you

would like to get involved or discuss further please do

get in touch.

Contact:

A plan for partnership

Building

relationships

Mullavilly Parish &

Madi-West Nile Diocese,

Uganda

RichardAart

the church in Ireland inmission

Whatʼs this about?

We are part of something bigger.

Our parish in East Belfast is part of a global church -

a worldwide body made up of many different parts.

We want to play our part in that body and grow our

relationship with the church in another part of the

world. St. Donardʼs has a strong historical legacy

with global mission and we want to see that legacy

continue today.

It is our hope, that through this relationship with the

church in Rwanda we will be able to offer our

b ro thers and s is te rs in Chr is t , suppor t ,

encouragement and help, just as we are open to

receive those things from them. But for that to

happen we have to grow our relationship with them.

Through this three year plan, we hope that you will

be able to see how we plan to do that. Simple,

straightforward activities aimed at deepening our

knowledge of, and partnership with, Shyogwe

Diocese.

We hope, that by sowing these seeds for

partnership, we will bear fruit - both in Rwanda, but

also here in Belfast.

We invite you to join us in whatever way you can.

St. Donardʼs CMS Ireland Committee

For more information please contact:

Betty King, 14 Clara Park, BT5 6FD

028 9028 4482

www.stdonards.com

sowing the seeds for partnership

Growing relationships

Shyogwe Diocese is situated in the

South - West area of Rwanda is a

member of the Eglise Anglican du

Rwanda. Under the leadership of

Bishop Jered Kalimba, the diocese

has a strong focus on holistic

mission. “Thy Kingdom come” is the

diocesan motto, reflecting

their desire to be involved

in usher ing in God ʼs

Kingdom.

The holistic approach

adopted by the diocese to

ministry and mission is

reflected in the range of

activities carried out by the

church.

Education - the diocese has a number of primary and

secondary schools providing quality education.

Additionally there is the “Bible and Development” school,

which provides training in theology and development for

church leaders and a programme of vocational training

for vulnerable young people.

Healthcare - there are a number of dispensaries, some

of which have been upgraded to clinics.

Community Development - an extensive ministry within

the diocese, this programme covers a range of activities

including fruit processing, agricultural improvement and

local small scale income generation.

Discipleship - a recent innovation within the church has

been the creation of village-level cell groups. These

groups meet in each otherʼs houses to study the Bible

and share together.

For more info: search for ʻShyogwe Dioceseʼ online

Shyogwe Diocese, Rwanda

St. Donardʼs, Belfast

& Shyogwe Diocese, Rwanda

Whatʼs this about?Turi Bamwe. We are one.Turi Bamwe is a Kinyarwanda phrase - it means “Together - we are one”. In a country with a history of genocide and violence it takes on a certain interpretation - that although there has been division in the past, reconciliation is possible.But maybe Turi Bamwe has another interpretation?As Christians, we are part of a diverse body that is

spread across the world. The Global Church has many parts, yet it is one body.Therefore, we believe that we are part of something bigger than ourselves; bigger than our parish; bigger than our city and our country. And as such, we want to share ourselves with that which is bigger than us. We want to connect with the Global Church through our relationship with the church in Rwanda, a country so different, yet so similar to our own. We want to walk together in faith - giving, sharing, learning and receiving.We want to share with them but we want to learn from them. We want to give to them but we want to receive from them. But for that to happen we need to have a strong partnership with them. Through this three year plan, we hope that you will be able to see how we plan to do that. Simple, straightforward activities aimed at deepening our knowledge of, and partnership with, Shyogwe Diocese.

We invite you to join us in whatever way you can.

Turi Bamwe. We are one.

Contact: Sandra Wallace: 07733 100 972

Walking together in faith

Turi Bamwe ‘We are one’

Shyogwe Diocese is situated in the South - West area of Rwanda is a member of the Eglise Anglican du Rwanda. Under the leadership of Bishop Jered Kalimba, the diocese has a strong focus on holistic mission. The holistic approach adopted by the diocese to ministry and mission is reflected in the range of activities carried out by the church.

Education - the diocese has a number of primary and secondary schools p r o v i d i n g q u a l i t y education. Additionally there is the “Bible and Development” school, which provides training in theology and development for church leaders.Peacebuilding & Reconciliation - after violence and

genocide, the church is attempting to reconcile communities to each other. Healthcare - there are a number of dispensaries, some of which have been upgraded to clinics. Community Development - an extensive ministry within

the diocese, this programme covers a range of activities including fruit processing, agricultural improvement and local small scale income generation.Discipleship - a recent innovation within the church has been the creation of village-level cell groups. These groups meet in each otherʼs houses to study the Bible and share together.For more info: search for ʻShyogwe Dioceseʼ online

Shyogwe Diocese, Rwanda

St. Augustineʼs, Londonderry& Shyogwe Diocese, Rwanda

Manogue has been instrumental in shaping this approach and he shares something about it here.Planning for Partnership is a way of helping both new and ‘experienced’ Link Parishes maximise the potential benefits of their Partnership Links and ensure that the link is more fully integrated into the life of the parish. The approach involves a CMS Ireland staff member working with a small group from the church to produce their own Partnership Plan.

While the focus of each of the three sessions is consistent, the process is different for each participating parish and the resulting plan is unique to them – tailored to fit the context of the local parish and their Global Partner overseas. No two Partnership Plans look the same. Here’s just a selection of those churches I’ve been working with this year:

St. Donard’s Parish, Belfast – a church with a long history of support for CMS Ireland, who have recently embarked on a new partnership with Shyogwe Diocese in Rwanda and wanted to invest time in ensuring that the relationship is as personal and effective as possible.

Drumcree Parish, Portadown – a church with a long connection with Burundi, recently reinvigorated through the sending and receiving of people, plotting a course for how that relationship can develop over the coming years. Mullavilly Parish, Armagh – Having sent a team to visit their partners in Uganda, a small group met to decide how they could encourage others in the parish to take an interest. With the rector moving on to another church in the coming months, the planning group have taken it upon themselves to continue the relationship and seek its ongoing development. Castlerock, Dunboe and Fermoyle – a new link parish, embarking on a new relationship with the Church in Rwanda, using a Partnership Plan as a way to inform and educate others in the church about the partnership.

Four different churches, four different links. Each of them with a different history, a different experience of mission. With some groups, the ideas and conversations flowed naturally, for others, it took more time. But as I met with each group, it was clear they shared common ground: a desire for relationship; a desire to get to know their partners – to share with them, to learn from them; a desire to go deeper, to experience God at work both at home and abroad.

That’s something that’s worth planning for. That’s where we can help.

For more information on Planning for Partnership, contact either of our offices.

“...a three-year outline of simple activities that the church can do to help their mission relationship grow”.

snippets from supporters and staff

Moving On

August saw the departure of a much valued member of the CMS Ireland staff team. Niall Manogue joined the staff as a Partnership Coordinator in

September 2007, after serving for a term as a Mission Partner at Kiwoko Hospital, Uganda. Over the past five years, Niall has been responsible for developing the partnerships with Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda and, for some of that time, managing the links with Kenya. He has been instrumental in shaping the Partnership Coordinator role and in helping the Society engage more effectively with churches in Ireland. Niall has returned to the classroom, having taken up a teaching job at a Primary School in East Belfast. Commenting on Niall’s departure, Mission Director, Ronnie Briggs said:

“I first met Niall in 1997 during interviews for a META team visit to the Diocese of Ruwenzori in Southwest Uganda the following year. I led that team and it was during our time in Uganda together that we began a long friendship that has grown stronger over the years with many shared experiences in mission. I have had the privilege of helping Niall through his own mission journey and then finally working alongside him on the CMS Ireland staff team.

“Niall has been central to the current working-out of CMS Ireland’s vision and especially in helping churches across Ireland come to a meaningful understanding of how partnership with the Global Church can transform their ministry. His sensitive and respectful approach to our Global Partners in the mid-Africa region is an example for all of us to follow, and has resulted in some very strong relationships being developed in mutual respect. He will be greatly missed!”

Parish Reps’ Brunches

Following a very succesful Parish Reps’ Event in Belfast in March, we will be hosting two similar events in the coming months. These brunches provide an opportunity to find out more about what’s involved in being a CMS Ireland Parish Rep and to meet with others who fulfil the role in their own church. There’s a chance to share ideas and ask questions over a cuppa and a croissant.

If you are a Parish Rep who lives within reach of Enniskerry or Enniskillen, or even if you just want to find out more about this role, we’d love to see you. We’ll be sending out an invitation to all current Reps in the coming weeks, but for now…put the date in your diary!

Saturday 29th September: 10:30am – 1pmPowerscourt National School, Enniskerry

Saturday 10th October: 10:30am – 1pmSt McCartin’s Cathedral Halls, Enniskillen

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STEP to Uganda

September sees the start of a new Short-Term Experience Placement in Uganda, as Helen Byers, a parishioner of St. Patrick’s, Broughshane, begins work in the

Pharmacy Department at Kiwoko Hospital.

Helen will be spending just over three months at Kiwoko and is very much looking forward to using her skills alongside the staff at the hospital.

Before departing for Uganda, Helen will be at the Mid-Africa Conference in Newcastle on Saturday 15th September and during her time in Uganda, she will also be writing a blog on CMS Ireland’s website. Please remember Helen in your prayers over the coming months and follow her news.

the church in Ireland inmission

All I want for Christmas…

We know (and we hope) that you won’t have started planning for Christmas yet – but our next magazine isn’t out until December, so here’s something to help ensure your gift-giving makes a difference.

Last year, CMS Ireland piloted an ‘Alternative Christmas Gifts’ scheme called More Than Gifts. Such initiatives may be familiar to many of you – it seems that more and more people now buy goats, chickens and schoolbooks as Christmas presents. More Than Gifts uses a similar approach, but as a CMS Ireland supporter, you are able to support people and programmes with which you will be familiar, making it all the more meaningful.

Here’s how it works. As an alternative (or in addition) to buying a traditional gift for someone, you make a small donation to one of the More Than Gifts funds. For every donation, we give you a special Christmas Card that relates to the project you’re supporting. You then send this card to your friend or family

member with a personal message. The money you give goes directly to the fund you choose – with no admin fees and no hidden charges.

The six More Than Gifts projects support work in the following areas:

Healthcare in UgandaChurch Leadership in KenyaEducation in South SudanFamily Work in NepalAgriculture in RwandaChurch Work in Ireland

An order form is included with this edition of inMission, but you can find information on our website or by contacting our offices.

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Church Mission Society Ireland is registered in Dublin, Ireland - Reg No. 269005 - 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 belfastoffice@cmsireland.org

DublinChurch of Ireland House, Church Avenue, Rathmines, Dublin 6Tel +353 (0) 1497 0931 Email dublinoffice@cmsireland.org

www.cmsireland.org

‘Journeys’Mid-Africa Partnership Conference

Including Bishop Emmanuel (Kibungo Diocsese, Rwanda), The Wilsons, Alison Gill, and Rev. Bobbie Moore.Glenada Conference Centre, Newcastle14th-16th September

cms ireland autumn events

‘A New Kind of Kingdom’Nepal Focus Evening With guests from SD Church in NepalSt Brigid’s, Glengormley27th September; 7:30pm

‘Impact’CMS Ireland’s Annual Celebration

An evening of looking back with thanksgiving, looking up in worship and looking forward in hope. Knockbreda Parish Hall, Belfast 16th November; 7:30pm

‘What the Future Holds’South Sudan Focus Evening With Bishop Hilary Adeba (Yei Diocese)CMS Ireland Office, Belfast25th September; 7:30pm

For more information on any of our events, visit our website, or contact our offices