Returning home from Nairobi with a heart full of gratitude, Emma realised that her time in Kenya didn’t just change her perspective—it completely transformed how she understood community, faith, and what it truly means to live with joy. "As I reflect on my time in Kenya, I realise that I have come home having received far more than I could ever have given. The people I met have taught me lessons that I know will stay with me for the rest of my life. Their kindness, resilience

In the penultimate chapter of Emma Glenn's Kenyan journey, sitting down with two remarkable women whose lives were shaped by hardship and sustained by faith left her forever changed by their extraordinary resilience. One of the greatest honours of my trip was visiting two remarkable women who live in the Tujisaidie community. They welcomed me into their homes and shared stories that I know I will carry with me for the rest of my life. The first was Lucy Waikiki, who is 82 yea

Continuing her three-week journey in Kenya, Emma was deeply moved by the incredible work of the Tumaini African Foundation and the profound everyday moments that showed her faith in action. I was equally inspired by the adults I met throughout my time in Kenya. Antony Njoroge, his wife Nancy and their children showed me such genuine kindness and generosity throughout my stay. Antony was always happy to drive me to different places, explain the work being carried out in the Tu

Stepping off the plane in Nairobi with a heart full of hope, Emma had no idea that a three-week journey with CMS Ireland would completely reshape her worldview and forge bonds that would last a lifetime. She writes: Before travelling to Nairobi, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. I hoped to be useful, to serve where I was needed, and to experience a different culture, but I never imagined how much the trip would change me personally. One of the greatest privileges of m

During his five-week STEP placement at Cairo cathedral, Revd Mike Buchanan of Rathfarnham Parish wrote a daily blog. On June 5th, he shared a wonderful story of meeting two young women who had experienced a miraculous encounter of their own... “This morning marked my first time preaching—not a word I am particularly fond of—in the Cathedral at the 10:30 AM service. While I have celebrated alone here before, and even served alongside the bishop, today was my turn to go entirel

Following a fruitful week of fellowship and teaching at the New Wine Conference in Sligo, Andrew and Joanne share key updates on their home assignment, critical prayer requests for South Sudan, and upcoming travels in Scotland. From encouraging developments in local Community Health Empowerment (CHE) training to urgent updates regarding drought and economic challenges in Ibba, here is a look at what God is doing and how you can stand with the Quills in prayer. Hi everyone, W

After a stressful journey of delayed flights and lost luggage, the 3 medical students from QUB arrived safely at Kiwoko Hospital in Uganda. Immediately they were embraced by a remarkably warm and welcoming community. Join Holly, Carrie and Sophie as they reflect on the halfway mark of their elective placement, where they are witnessing first-hand how faith and world-class medicine seamlessly intersect. We thank God for our safe arrival to Kiwoko Hospital. It was a stressful

Stepping into Nairobi for the first time has been an incredible experience. It is a city full of energy and life. The streets are constantly buzzing with brightly painted matatus (privately owned minibuses), boda-bodas (motorcycle taxis) and tuk-tuks weaving their way through the traffic. At first, it feels wonderfully chaotic, but there is a rhythm to it all that quickly becomes part of the city’s charm. One of the things that has stood out to me most, however, is the people

Hi everyone, We are so grateful for your continued partnership, prayers, and support as we journey through a busy season of ministry and link visits. God is moving in so many different ways across the communities we serve, and we wanted to share a few key updates and prayer needs from overseas. Community Health and Fellowship in Ibba Down in Ibba, the Bishop has been heavily involved in a vital campaign to raise awareness about Ebola and Monkeypox, focusing on how communities

Joanne and Andrew send their thanks for everyone's continued prayers and support after a busy couple of weeks. They recently enjoyed encouraging link visits to Bangor Abbey, St. Columba's, and Christ Church Primacy. As a couple they also attended a New Wine Prayer Ministry Training in Dollingstown alongside CMSI’s Linda Abwa, where they were uplifted by stories of God’s work through prayer ministry in Ireland. Other recent highlights included a lovely visit to the Colebrooke

Rev Mike Buchanan: May 20th 2026 This morning after a light breakfast, I met with Bishop Mouneer in his office. Although retired now for several years, he is the author and the driving force behind the Centre of Christian-Muslim Understanding and Partnership, and it appears that he hasn't really slowed down at all. By its very nature, the Centre is built on friendships and trust, and this is very important to the Bishop. During his time as head of the Diocese, the Bishop buil

A short story from CMSI Local Mission Partner, Seme Peter. Here, during holidays, children usually go to the village to rest, to learn, and to feel at home. The day they finished their exams, my daughter and my younger siblings came to me with joy and one wish: “Take us to the village. We want to stay with grandmother.” They imagined a place full of stories—learning how to dig, laughing in the fields, living the life I once knew. I agreed, but deep inside, I knew the truth wo

As the conflict intensifies in eastern DR Congo, neighbouring Burundi has received a huge influx of refugees, with over 66,000 Congolese (mostly women and children) currently gathered in Busuma Camp (see map). Our Partners in the local Diocese of Gitega are already actively engaged, providing both pastoral and humanitarian support. This Appeal will strengthen that response by delivering urgently needed nutritious food to address malnutrition, together with blankets to improve

In the heart of Ibba, South Sudan, a community is proving that faith isn't just about the building you sit in—it’s about the resilience of the people inside it. On Sunday, April 19th, St. Luke’s Parish held a vibrant fundraiser with one singular, urgent goal: to finally put a roof on their new church building. The journey to this point has been a literal trial by wind and fire. A Series of Hardships The story of St. Luke’s over the last two years has been one of incredible pe

One of the main priorities that CMSI has is to be involved in supporting activities that strengthen the core ministry of our Global Partners, by resourcing communities, facilitating training and fostering deep, transformative partnerships. We are thrilled to highlight a beautiful example of this mission in action through our connection with Christ Church Lisburn. Currently, the parish is standing in the gap for the global church by supporting two dedicated students (Ordinand

In Northern Ireland, we know all too well that "tradition" isn't just about what we do—it’s about who we are. Sometimes, even crossing the road to engage with a different background can feel daunting. We often find it difficult to navigate the nuances of our own local cultures, let alone those from further afield. Our partners at All Nations Ministries are stepping into that gap with a beautiful model of mission, learning to love across every border. Crossing cultures isn't a

Reflections from Oriel Hosford’s placement in Province Of Alexandria - visiting a school for refugee children run by the Diocese. Notes compiled by Gillian Maganda - CMSI Personnel Manager. What does it look like to give your "second life" to others? After surviving a broken back, Rasha, the principal of Happy Child Nursery, made a promise: to spend her life serving. Today, in the heart of Maadi, she and her husband (a priest and engineer who fixes every broken desk and door)