CMS Ireland News

Kenya Calling...

2008-05-14T00:00:00Z

Two of CMS Ireland’s longest serving Mission Partners, Ronnie and Maggie Briggs, are preparing to return to Kajiado Diocese, Kenya at the end of May 2008.

Earlier this year Neil Brittain interviewed Ronnie to try and work out why he and Maggie were once again uprooting their lives to follow God’s call.

The beginning of 2008 saw Kenya gripped by tribal violence in the wake of disputed Presidential elections. At least nine hundred people were killed and more than a quarter of a million have been displaced by tribal rivalries and mistrust. Why would anyone choose to go and live there? “Well”, say CMS Ireland Mission Partners Ronnie and Maggie Briggs, “because it’s home.”

The Briggs first went to Kenya in 1980, only a few months after their marriage. “We went out for a twelve year stretch. We had our children in Kenya, we raised our family on Kenyan values”, explains Ronnie.

They returned to the UK in 1992. Ronnie worked as Development Coordinator for CMS Ireland but ten years after returning from East Africa, God called them back.

“We were at a meeting. We heard Bishop Jeremiah Taama share his vision for his diocese. We listened and became more and more excited as he went on and thought, ‘we could do that!’ It was a message that we had heard many times, but on this occasion something stirred in us. Once it started there was no stopping it. We believe that it was the Spirit prompting us. Maggie and I believed that being involved in what was going on in Kajiado was what God wanted us to do.”

They signed up for another six years. Ronnie took up a role as Planning and Development Coordinator in Kajiado, while Maggie worked as an Office Manager and administrator.

In conjunction with Bishop Jeremiah Taama and the local Church they helped to draw up a five-year strategic plan for the area. Evangelism, outreach, training, educational and development activities were at the heart of the new initiative.

But after two years into their work they had to come home. Their youngest daughter, Naomi, was diagnosed with Brucellosis, a condition that causes pain, fever and weakness.

With the effects of the illness leaving Naomi exhausted and without energy, they returned to Northern Ireland.

“The doctor recently told Naomi that she would need a period of treatment for about one year. That year finishes in May 2008. She is clinically improving but she still needs to build up her energy levels. She hopes to return to education soon.”

It was a message that we had heard many times, but on this occasion something stirred in us

With Naomi feeling much better the Briggs feel it’s time to go back. “As regards Kenya, we genuinely feel called to go back out and get involved again. Everything that we have been doing in the past three years has been great (Ronnie worked as CMS Ireland’s Regional Mission Partner for East and Southern Africa) but we have been waiting for the chance to return.”

For Ronnie and Maggie that means implementing the strategic plan for the area that they helped to draw up. “Our main task is to implement it and develop it and make sure the structures are in place to make it work.

“It is exciting. We feel that we have crossed a critical point – by giving up our jobs and now training as Mission Partners again. Preparations for us leaving in May have been positive and lots of things have fallen into place.”

“It is an amazing job. Out there you can see the difference straight away. Helping to supply water somewhere where it has never been before is a wonderful experience.”

It is an exciting time for both Ronnie and Maggie. The next few months will be a period of change – saying goodbye to Northern Ireland and hello to Kenya once again. But what does Ronnie hope will have been achieved three years from now?

“Well, I hope in those three years that Naomi will be fully recovered and leading a normal life. For Kenya I hope that the country will settle well and that a constitutional settlement will be put in place to end the ethnic divisions. For our job I hope we can implement the strategic plan, put a lot of staff in place and make progress on all fronts.”

“In addition, I want to see a stream of people from all over Ireland coming out to Kajiado to see the work that is going on – because seeing it for themselves makes a real difference to the support coming from all linked Churches. To achieve what we want to achieve we need help from Ireland. So come out and get involved…”

While in Kenya the Briggs will be in regular contact with Link Parishes and supporters in Ireland. They will have a blog on the CMS Ireland website and you can sign up for their mailing list which will keep you up to date with all their news.

Neil Brittain

This article was originally printed in the Spring 2008 edition of inMission magazine.

Ronnie and Maggie Briggs will be commissioned at 3pm on Sunday 18th May in Magherally Parish Church, all welcome.

CMS Ireland’s Partners in Burundi Appeal For Prayer.

2008-05-06T00:00:00Z

‘Instability’ has been the key word in Burundi in recent weeks and CMS Ireland’s partners are asking for prayer as the situation worsens.

“An upsurge in violence and recent heavy rains have left thousands of people fearful, homeless and without food,” says CMS Ireland’s Regional Mission Partner for Mid-Africa, Niall Manogue.

He goes on to say, “At the moment things are not looking good. We are in close contact with our partners and more than anything we are aware that they want us to pray for them at this time.”

Burundi’s last remaining rebel group, the FNL, began a new wave of violence at the end of April, with the capital, Bujumbura, facing a number of days of shelling. Outside of the city sporadic attacks saw more than 30 people killed, as the violence spread.

In the weeks since, heavy rains in the northwest of the country have destroyed homes and crops – leaving approximately 5000 people without shelter or food.

Tensions remain high and compound the difficulties already faced by a country that is looking to build a peaceful future, while meeting the challenges presented by poverty and significant numbers of internally displaced people.

“Burundi is emerging from a pretty dark period in its history and these issues make that transition more difficult,” says Niall. “But the Church has a big part to play in that future – and I know that its leaders are hopeful.”

“I was speaking to Archbishop Bernard this week and he has asked us pray for a number of things. Specifically he would like us to pray for wisdom and guidance for the parties and individuals taking part in peace negotiations. It is vital that these people position themselves for peace – not just for upcoming elections. He has also asked us to pray for a regional meeting, taking place in Kampala (Uganda), that it would bring an end to the deadlock that has gripped the country.”

“As he looks at the country as a whole the Archbishop would value our prayer for the economic situation. The current instability means that prices are rising and putting further pressure on people who are struggling to survive.”

“And finally he asks us to pray for leaders of the Anglican Province who are meeting on the 7th and 8th May – particularly for safe transport to the meeting and a productive time together as they look to face the challenges presented by the current situation.”

Niall concludes, “Standing alongside our partners at this time of need is what it means to be part of the Body of Christ. I would urge our members and supporters to take the Archbishop’s requests seriously in the weeks ahead.”

If you would like to learn more about our work in Burundi please “contact Niall Manogue”:help/contact.

Member's Gathering Looks to the Future...

2008-05-06T00:00:00Z

“The more I learn about mission, the more I realise that it’s not what we do to people that’s important, it’s what God does to us,” said Rev. Prof Rab Mollan at the recent CMS Ireland AGM in Dublin.

During his annual address as President of the Society Rev. Prof Mollan talked about his growing conviction that mission was often about “witness and evangelism in the rough and tumble of life,” and that his prayer was for CMS Ireland members to hold, “God’s kingdom in their sights and His mission in their hearts.”

The AGM, held on Saturday 26th April, in Overseas House, Rathmines was preceded by an EGM that saw unanimous approval for a number of changes to CMS Ireland’s constitution.

Those changes, explained Director of Mission, Ian Smith, would see CMS Ireland better positioned to meet the requirements of upcoming charity legislation in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland and meant that the Society was “ahead of the game” in its planning for the future.

The changes also ensured that membership would be central as CMS Ireland looks to build a revitalised network in Ireland.

Ian explained that there had been times when, membership meant little more than receiving a magazine or having a vote but that there was a shared vision for CMS Ireland members to be “equipped, resourced and inspired about God’s mission,” by joining the Society. Being part of CMS Ireland should enhance people’s engagement in mission, it should provide “a sort of added value”, Ian said. He stressed that, “CMS Ireland is not just another good cause to support – it should be something that fires up your understanding of how to bring in the Kingdom of God where you are.”

He went on to talk about how the new CMS Ireland team were completing the task of “contacting every parish in the country” and stressed his absolute commitment to “an all-Ireland organisation.”

During his review of the past year Ian explained that CMS Ireland was trying to forge a dynamic new path that wasn’t about copying the successes of the past or those of any other agency. He talked about CMS Ireland’s “distinctive flavour in mission” and the sense of excitement created by the work of CMS Ireland amongst churches in Ireland and partners around the world.

Rab Mollan was keen to talk about the importance of CMS Ireland’s identity too, saying, “We are not a development agency. We’re about God’s mission changing lives.” He reminded the gathering that, “God’s mission is as much about the transformation of our lives as it is about the transformation of others.”

The Annual General Meeting also provided members with the opportunity to elect the Board of Directors for the upcoming year. Rev. Adrian Dorrain, Heather Talbot, Eddie Officer and James Riddell stepped down, while Beryl Stone, Rev Raymond Fox, Brian Beatty and Trevor Buchanan were all elected.

Talking about the importance of these decisions Rev. Prof. Mollan emphasised that is was “critical that the Board is made up of committed, informed and passionate” members. He went on to say that it was his hope that the year ahead would provide as much blessing as the year past and that he had no doubt that under Ian’s leadership, CMS Ireland would play a role in ensuring that “the Kingdom of God would be advanced.”

Long Term Partnership is Vital Claims Archbishop of Burundi

2008-04-25T00:00:00Z

CMS Ireland’s Regional Mission Partner for Mid Africa, Niall Manogue, has recently returned from a visit to Burundi, where he spent time with CMS Ireland’s partners in Gitega and Matana Dioceses.

During his time he had the opportunity to meet Archbishop Bernard Ntahoturi and you can listen to an extract of their time together by clicking below or read on for Niall’s reflections on his visit.

[MP3:/downloads/Niall Manogue speaks to Archbishop Bernard Ntahoturi.mp3]

“It’s now two weeks since I returned from Burundi, and I was disappointed to see in the last week, that the country has made the headlines again – for all the wrong reasons.

The last remaining rebel movement in Burundi, the FNL, launched a series of attacks on Bujumbura, the capital city, at the end of last week. During the latest wave of violence it is estimated that more than 30 people have died and I can’t help thinking that it adds to the climate of fear and uncertainty, undermining efforts towards reconciliation and peace.

Sadly, Burundi’s story is not an isolated one – nations all over the world struggle as they make the transition from violence to peace. As we look at the surrounding countries of Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, DR Congo, we see that all have had deal with a violent past or present in order to secure a peaceful future – many are still dealing with it today.

He saw the chance to have partnerships that are mutually enriching, that build each other up, that help us each engage in mission more effectively.

So where does the church fit in with all this? How should the ‘Body of Christ’ respond? During my trip to Burundi a couple of weeks ago, I was fortunate enough to be able to spend time with Archbishop Bernard, the Archbishop of the Anglican Province of Burundi.

We had the opportunity to talk about Burundi and in particular in how the country is trying to move along the road towards peace and stability. Reconciliation lies at the heart of what the church is trying to do here. Archbishop Bernard pointed out that the key to peace and prosperity in the future lay in holistic transformation. This sounds rather jargony, but simply means dealing with the social, physical and spiritual needs of the country equally. All across Burundi the church is sharing the good news of Jesus in word and deed.

Treating the sick.

Taking care of the widow and orphan.

Reconciling people to each other and God.

Making disciples.

The church in Burundi knows that this work will take generations. This is not a quick fix solution that will be completed in 5 years. Archbishop Bernard spoke so positively about partnership between Burundi and Ireland, and about the potential to develop more, because he saw the value in CMS Ireland’s philosophy of long-term partnership. He saw something of a shared experience of history between the two places. He saw the chance to have partnerships that are mutually enriching, that build each other up, that help us each engage in mission more effectively.

That’s a vision that I want to be involved in. Wouldn’t it be amazing if, instead of a series of bombings, the news was able to carry stories of reconciliation and revival in Burundi? Wouldn’t it be amazing if we in Ireland could share our stories with Burundi, and could learn from their experience of conflict?

If we take partnership seriously, if we engage holistically, then we move towards a place where that vision becomes reality. It’s a slow process, difficult at times, but one with the potential to transform the world.”

If you want to know more about engaging with partnership in Burundi, please contact Niall Manogue

Surprise Results in Nepal Elections

2008-04-21T00:00:00Z

Despite the widespread security concerns in the run up to the recent elections in Nepal, the day itself passed reasonably peacefully and saw a huge turnout across the country. Whilst the relative success of the process came as a surprise to most observers, an even greater shock has been caused by the results of the polls.

Of the 240 seats available via the ‘first-past-the-post’ system, the vast majority have been declared, with the Maoist Party securing 120 seats so far. They have also secured around 30% of those seats assigned by proportional representation. This far exceeds the predictions made by analysts and even surpasses the expectations of the Maoists themselves. The former rebels, who waged war on government forces during ten years of conflict, now look set to win three times more seats than the next largest party in the new assembly. It looks unlikely, however, that they will gain sufficient seats to secure an absolute majority. The final results are expected to be declared in the coming days.

Despite the widespread suffering caused during the insurgency, the election results appear to represent a vote of confidence in the Maoist’s ability to bring much needed change in the country. As has been the case in many parts of the world, those who were once committed to violence as a means of bringing change are now being given a democratic mandate to lead peacefully. There are even whisperings that the US may soon lift their ‘terrorist tag’ on the Maoists.

The abolition of the monarchy is likely to be one of the first moves of the new assembly, paving the way for Nepal to become a democratic republic. Maoist leaders have made it clear that they expect King Gyanendra to stand down voluntarily, rather than waiting to be forced out of office.

Roger Cooke, CMS Ireland’s Regional Mission Partner for Asia, says that these elections represent a genuine opportunity for Nepal and our partners there to move forward with confidence and address the issues associated with widespread poverty.

“We continue to pray that the optimism associated with this new dawning will not be quashed by political realities, but that there will be hope for the people of Nepal as they look to a better future. Please join us in praying for our partners and for the ongoing political process.”

If you would like to learn more about our work in Asia please contact Roger Cooke.

A time for growth in Southern Sudan...

2008-04-18T00:00:00Z

“It’s no exaggeration to say that Yei Vocational Training Centre is transforming people’s lives,” claims David Gough, CMS Ireland’s Regional Mission Partner for Sudan and Egypt.

Returning from a two week visit, during March, David was reflecting on an opportunity to see, for himself, the life-changing work at the rapidly growing centre.

Occupying the site of an old army barracks, in the Southern Sudanese provincial town of Yei, the Vocational Training Centre (VTC) was established, in partnership with CMS Ireland, in 2003. It provides training in building, carpentry and vehicle mechanics, amongst other things, and supports a range of micro-enterprise programmes that help give people the chance to stand on their own two feet. This year the college has expanded its teaching programme – starting new courses in water and sanitation, electrical work and plumbing.

“What’s happening in Yei VTC is inspirational. This is the love of Christ lived out in word and deed and it’s a great example of how the church can find ways to authentically live out the gospel message,” says David. “Many of the students have lived through traumatic experiences and this is a chance to help them deal with their past and start to put down roots again.”

The VTC was started by CMS Ireland Mission Partners Billy and Jenny Smyth and in recent years has been managed by two of the Society’s short-term Mission Partners, John and Poppy Spens.

The first intake of students in 2004 saw 46 demobilised child soldiers and returning refugees benefit from the training and care shown to them. In recent years the college has continued to grow with more than 200 students graduating to date.

“The story of the college is of growth,” comments David. Thanks to a number of donors new dormitories, refurbished classrooms and bigger workshops have been built and bear testament to this claim. He goes on to explain, “It’s now recognised by the Ministry of Education as a centre of excellence in Southern Sudan with more than 100 students enrolled this year.”

The quality of the work undertaken by the college is acclaimed not only by the students but also by other organisations working in the area. David says, “While I was visiting John and Poppy in Yei, a representative from the Danish Refugee Council arrived onto the compound for one simple reason – to thank John for the quality of training that had been provided to his new driver. The work of the college is having a positive effect on the wider community and on other NGO’s working in the region. It’s like dropping a stone in a pond – the ripples spread out and gently impact the whole area.”

“But the most important thing is that the college has remained true to its mission calling. For the local church this is an opportunity to share the transforming message of Jesus – and that’s exactly what they are doing. The recently started Alpha course, for example, has seen 28 students exploring more about what it means to be a Christian, to have a living faith.”

Despite the enormous positives that mark the college’s development David is keen to stress that it still faces some significant challenges. “It’s difficult for students to afford the fees – even though they are kept to an absolute minimum,” he says. “That’s one of the areas that we’re working on at the moment – finding ways to supplement those costs, so that more people can access the training and support that the college offers. We’ll be launching a new initiative to help with this in the near future. By dealing with issues like this we are confident that we can help find ways to make the whole thing sustainable in the long-term.”

“The bottom line is that without the work of Yei VTC the lives of hundreds of families would be drastically different,” says David. “Their qualifications give the students the chance to find a job, the micro-enterprise scheme offers women an opportunity to start a small business, the craft programme provides a modest income and the encounter with Christian staff allows them to see Christ in their midst. This is what mission is all about”.

To learn more about CMS Ireland’s work in Southern Sudan contact David Gough.

Nepal Goes to the Polls

2008-04-09T00:00:00Z

With the world’s media still focused on the electoral circus in Zimbabwe, it would be easy to forget that another momentous election is about to take place, this time in Nepal. This Thursday, 10th April, sees the country going to the polls to elect an assembly that will take responsibility for rewriting the constitution.

These are the first elections in Nepal since 1999 and represent a significant chapter in the unfolding story of Nepal’s attempt to forge for itself a peaceful and secure future. It is expected that the new assembly will recast Nepal as a secular republic – Nepal is no longer able to refer to itself as the world’s only Hindu Kingdom.

Thursday’s polls come at the end of a long and difficult period in Nepal’s history. Between 1996 and 2006, the civil war in Nepal claimed around 13000 lives, with at least 100,000 people being internally displaced as a result of the conflict. Although a ceasefire was declared by the Maoist rebels in 2006, it has been a somewhat fragile peace in recent times. Strikes and roadblocks have continued to disrupt daily life and severe fuel shortages have been a persistant problem in Kathmandu.

Throughout this protracted period of political turmoil, development activities have been greatly compromised and many of the national initiatives in health, education and industry have simply collapsed. The hope is that the election will herald in a new era of peace, security and hope for the people of Nepal. However, if the Maoists are unsuccessful in securing at least some seats on the new assembly, there is every possibility that the turmoil will continue.

The stakes are high in this election, and there have been widespread concerns about an upsurge in violence ahead of polling day. In the run-up to the election, a five day holiday was declared and there is a national ban on the production and sale of alcohol this week. On election day, all transport will be banned. Despite these measures, there have been reports of a number of pipe bomb attacks and various disturbances. Already, two people have been killed.

Please pray for Nepal in the coming days, that the election will pass peacefully and fairly and that the various political leaders will act responsibly. Pray also for those engaged in mission work in the country, including our Mission Partners, Mark and Ali Gill and our Global partners, HDCS. The outcome of the elections are likely to have siginificant implications on ongoing negotatiations regarding the management of the five hospitals that are under HDCS’s care.

If you would like to learn more about our work in Nepal please contact Roger Cooke.

Partnership on the Menu...

2008-04-04T00:00:00Z

Sudan supporters, representing 18 parishes across Connor and Down and Dromore Dioceses, welcomed Bishop Hilary and his wife Mama Joyce from the Diocese of Yei, Southern Sudan to an African lunch in the CMS Ireland Belfast Offices.

Bishop Hilary was visiting Ireland as a practical expression of the ongoing partnership between Ireland and Sudan, through CMS Ireland. He thanked CMS Ireland for their “unique attitude to partnership” and highlighted some of the programmes that are making a real impact in the Diocese.

David Gough, Regional Mission Partner for Sudan commented, “It is so encouraging to see so many parishes represented at this event – the continuing support of Churches in Ireland is vital to establishing and enhancing our partnership with Yei Diocese. Our partnerships are based on relationships and the visit by Bishop Hilary and his wife to Ireland makes this partnership become real to people in the pews.”

The Diocese of Yei is the same size as Northern Ireland and is made up of 6 Archdeaconries. The Diocese has recently implemented a strategy which focuses on education and healthcare. CMS Ireland has been working in partnership with parishes in Ireland to support the implementation of their strategic objectives in the diocese.

CMS Ireland has been involved with churches in Ireland to build 3 Primary Schools across Yei Diocese. In 2007 Kill’ O the Grange and Delgany parishes supported the building of Payawa Primary School which has just been completed in Longamere Archdeaconry. Connor Diocese are supporting the building of Mongo Primary School and in 2006 CMS Ireland built Emmanuel Primary School in Yei town. Standards are high at these schools and in 2007 Emmanuel Primary School was the best performing primary school in Yei district.

Healthcare is another area where CMS Ireland have been workign in partnership with Yei Diocese – the new Martha Health Clinic has recently opened and provides vital medical care for many communities. In 2007 only 100 patients could be seen per week in the old clinic due to the limited facilities and resources but now with the new Martha Clinic they are able to see 1000 patients.

_If you would like to know more about our work in Sudan, please contact David Gough

Burundi Schools Programme Builds on Solid Foundations

2008-03-12T00:00:00Z

It’s been claimed that, “The only person who is educated is the one who has learned how to learn… and change”.

That’s certainly something that CMS Ireland’s partners in Burundi believe as they celebrate a new €500,000 education initiative that will enable them to rehabilitate 7 schools and make a massive impact on the future of this troubled country.

After decades of civil war in Burundi, the education infrastructure lies in ruins. Many schools have been damaged and destroyed, while trained teachers are in short supply. As in many majority world situations the significance of education in Burundi can’t be underestimated – it is a vital tool if its people are to rebuild a nation. Quality education brings development, stability and the lasting transformation that Burundi requires if it is to avoid slipping back to the conflicts of the past.

With the advent of peace and the arrival of a new president in 2005, the Burundian government recognised the scale of the challenge that lay before them and approached the Christian churches to see if there was any way in which they could help. Specifically they wanted to know if the churches could once again take over the running of the community schools that had been taken away from them in the past.

This isn’t a simple case of just building a few schools – it’s the outworking of years of relationship building and partnership which will continue when this programme is finished

It was this request that led the Anglican Church in Burundi to approach its partners in the UK and Ireland for assistance.

CMS Ireland, in conjunction with Lambeth Palace International Development Department, has recently secured €500,000 from Irish Aid, for a three year programme that will rebuild primary and secondary schools devastated as a result of the civil war. CMS Ireland recognises that physically rebuilding schools is only part of the solution – building the capacity of teachers, headteachers and church education officers is also crucial if the programme is to succeed.

“We’re delighted to be able to access this funding and we want to thank Irish Aid for their support”, said Mid-Africa Regional Mission Partner, Niall Manogue. “This isn’t a simple case of just building a few schools – it’s the outworking of years of relationship building and partnership which will continue when this programme is finished. The fact that the Church has been asked to take this on is testament to its faithful witness throughout the conflict that has torn Burundi apart and it has been a privilege to stand alongside God’s people in that place. We’re looking forward to developing our relationships even further as this programme unfolds”.

As education has assumed a central role in planning for Burundi’s future an ‘education roundtable meeting’ was held at the end of January. At this meeting, representatives from Churches, Government and NGOs met to discuss ways to develop the education sector. One of the most exciting aspects of the meeting was the presence of individuals, from other countries in the region (particularly Rwanda and DR Congo), who have also been working through the challenges of education in post-conflict environments. Their contribution meant the meeting quickly developed a regional emphasis, with different countries and CMS Ireland Partners, sharing experiences and ideas together.

Niall Manogue commented: “This whole thing is a ‘big picture’ look at how the Church can impact and change society. It’s exactly the sort of process that CMS Ireland want to be involved with – education providers in Burundi learning and sharing their experiences with other providers from neighbouring countries. It’s partnership in action”.

As Burundi continues to move out of a dark period in its history, CMS Ireland’s journey with the church continues – demonstrating how global partnerships can help empower local Christians for God’s work.

Niall Manogue will be visiting Burundi in April 2008 and will be meeting with a range of partners throughout the country.He will be keeping us up to date with his progress through his blog .

If you would like to learn more about CMS Ireland’s work in Burundi please contact Niall through CMS Ireland’s Belfast or Dublin offices.

Showers of Blessing for Yei Opening

2008-03-05T00:00:00Z

In Southern Sudan it is said that if it rains before a special event it is a sign that God is blessing the occasion. On the morning of Friday 29th February, untypical during the dry season, it rained just hours before the official opening ceremony of the new Diocese of Yei Primary Health Care Centre, the Martha Clinic.

Funded by CMS Ireland, with generous support from Irish Aid and others, the new facility was officially opened by the Irish Ambassador to Sudan, Gerard Corr, who had flown in for the event. CMS Ireland was represented by Director of Mission, Ian Smith, and David Gough, Regional Mission Partner for the area. A number of other dignitaries attended, including the state minister of health and local government officials, and the new Archbishop-elect, Rt Rev Daniel Deng Bul.

The new clinic will help the local church address one of Southern Sudan’s most pressing needs – healthcare. Decades of civil war, which claimed more than 2 million lives and displaced over 3 million people, devastated Sudan’s infrastructure, including its healthcare provision. Functioning hospitals, clinics and trained personnel have remained in short supply since the peace agreement in 2005 and as the Church looks to help people rebuild their lives again it has embraced a profound concern for both physical and spiritual health.

In her speech, during the opening ceremony, Poppy Spens of CMS Ireland (Martha Clinic Co-ordinator) thanked Irish Aid and CMS Ireland for their generous support. Poppy paid special tribute to the staff saying, “In terms of commitment they are the best team I have ever worked with”.

Mr Corr praised CMS Ireland and the Diocese of Yei for their partnership and for their commitment to provide improved curative and preventative health services, “I am really impressed with what has been achieved here and truly grateful for the invitation to attend.”

Ian Smith paid tribute to the vision of his predecessor, Cecil Wilson, in working with the Diocese in developing this and other schemes. He also praised the work of International Medical Group and its Chief Executive, Dr Ian Clarke, for delivering such a high quality Clinic and staff training, which provide a beacon of professional standards to be copied across Southern Sudan.

If you would like to learn more about our work in Southern Sudan please contact our Regional Mission Partner, David Gough.