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The congregation of 2nd Comber Presbyterian church gather for a unique commissioning service this Sunday morning, as they prepare to send a team of 20 people to Malawi. The service, which begins at 11.30am, will be conducted by 2nd Comber minister Rev Roy McKay, along with special guest, Rev Terry McMullan from the Presbyterian Church Overseas Board.
Led by church members Tim Gaston, Rosemary Farling and Ron Laird, the group depart on 8th July heading straight for Ekwendeni Hospital which is situated in the Livingstonia Synod of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) in Malawi. Both Ekwendeni Hospital and the CCAP have strong ties with the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.
Most of the 2nd Comber team are members of the church youth organisations and primarily travel to construct new living accommodation for nurses in Ekwendeni Hospital. Many other tasks will also be undertaken including maintenance of Land Rover ambulances, upgrading of computer software and pharmaceutical training for staff. Vehicle, medical and computer supplies have been purchased in the UK and will be taken out by the group.
Many members of the travelling team intend to support local church work by holding services in Ekwendeni as well as organising Bible clubs for children and engaging in outreach around the Malawian countryside.
The project has been supported by 2nd Comber congregation who have raised over £37,000 since last October. Church member and Team leader Tim Gaston can expect to meet his brother Dr Andy Gaston in Malawi. Andy is a Church of Scotland missionary doctor at Ekwendeni.
Ron Laird is co-ordinating logistics for the three week trip:
"We may only be going out for a short time, but the work we 'll be doing will have long term implications for the development of proper medical care in this part of Africa. It will also give our younger members a chance to see what God can do in a very different part of the world."
Issued by Martin McNeely, Presbyterian Information Services. Info@PresbyterianIreland.org
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