‘Focus on Africa’ is an open invitation to hear first-hand from two of PCI’s global missions workers on their work in Kenya and Malawi. It is also an opportunity get an update on the South Sudan crisis, which was a factor leading to the launch earlier this year of the Moderator’s Special Appeal for East Africa.
Rev. Uel Marrs, secretary to the Presbyterian Church in Ireland’s Council for Global Mission met with representatives of Presbyterian Church of South Sudan’s (PCOSS) during a visit to Nairobi in the summer and will report on the situation.
The appeal has since raised over £600,000 for the relief effort in the region through partner development agencies Christian Aid, Tearfund and PCOSS’ Relief and Development Agency.
“Working with partners in more than 25 countries around the world PCI has a continuing heart for global mission. On Friday we have an opportunity to find out more about our sharing in God’s mission in Kenya and Malawi, where our global mission workers are serving alongside our partner churches and organisations. I look forward to giving an overview of developments in South Sudan and it will also be an opportunity to pray for our partners and global mission workers in the region.” Rev. Marrs said.
Stephen Cowan and his wife Angelina have been serving in Kenya with PCI’s partners, the Presbyterian Church of East Africa for the past 30 years, where they have worked among the Samburu and Turkana peoples of Northern Kenya.
Stephen will join Dr. Lyn Dowds, Acting Medical Officer in Charge at David Gordon Memorial Hospital in Livingstonia, in Northern Malawi, to talk about their work. Dr. Dowds has been in the country with her husband Johnny and their two children since 2011.
“As disciples of Jesus Christ we are called to be a blessing to others, not just at home in Ireland, but overseas as well. PCI has a long tradition of overseas mission, which is supported by the sacrificial giving of Presbyterians at home,” Rev. Marrs explained.
“In addition to our 30 global mission workers the Church supports around the world, approximately 140 PCI members from 70 congregations who are also serving with around 30 independent mission agencies in over 55 countries worldwide.
“If you support our work overseas, or are just interested in global mission and want to find out more, you are more than welcome to join us on Friday. We are looking forward to hearing from Stephen and Lyn as we focus on central and east Africa, where we have been sharing the gospel and bringing Christ’s love in practical ways for nearly 60 years.”
Rev. Marrs will also talk about PCI's 2017 World Development Appeal, which is entitled 'A beautiful Idea: Women's voices in fragile states' and focuses on another part of Africa, The Democratic Republic of Congo.
The meeting takes place on Friday, 10th November and starts at 7.30pm. The evening will also include light refreshments.