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Presbyterian Moderator Dr Alastair Dunlop has embarked on a month long series of visits abroad, which will take in two continents and several different church based organizations. Departing last Wednesday, Dr Dunlop is heading initially for New Zealand, where he represents Ireland at an international conference of Interserve, a mission organization of which the Moderator is Irish chairman. It will be the first visit to New Zealand by the Presbyterian Moderator for some years.
From there Dr Dunlop will travel to Gujarat, Northern India, where he will meet with Rev Vinod Malaviya, Bishop of the Church of North India. Presbyterian Missionary interest in India started in 1840 and many practical ministry links have been developed over the years.
Over the last 12 months the relationship with the CNI in Gujarat has been considerably strengthened as a result of the earthquake disaster appeal by Presbyterians throughout Ireland. More than £715,000 was raised in reponse to the huge humanitarian crisis affecting large areas of the northern Indian region. The Moderator, accompanied by Bishop Malaviya, will get to see first hand how work has progressed with funds raised in Ireland, as the Church of North India seek to re-build physical as well as spiritual structures. Last year's moderator Dr Trevor Morrow also spent time with the partner church, encouraging them as they sought to minister amidst the destruction.
From India, Dr Dunlop will proceed into Nepal where he hopes to meet with Presbyterian missionaries, most of whom are attached to the United Mission to Nepal (UMN) organization. A total number of eleven personnel are currently working as missionaries in Nepal, a country which has suffered from internal violence in recent months. Commenting on his visit Dr Dunlop said, "I consider it a privilege to represent the Presbyterian Church in these places. It will be a particular privilege to share with Indian Christians as they endeavour to re-build after the earthquake last year. I hope my time away will convince me more than ever that all people matter to God, both in Ireland and further a field."
Issued by Martin McNeely, Presbyterian Information Services. Info@PresbyterianIreland.org
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