'Lovely morning!' It sounded really incongruous in the sand and heat of the pyramids on Thursday morning. Tourists from far and wide with mobile phones in hand were attempting to get the best camera angle on the huge structures. Meanwhile, locals touting for trade were using clever ruses to get their attention. What got mine was when the 'Lovely morning' greeting was spoken in an English accent by one of the Egyptians. I'm sure he'd never been anywhere near the UK or Ireland

CMSI FAMILY - CMSI Stars - CMSI has a wonderful, faithful and committed membership. Ask the Lord to bless and inspire each one as they engage with the mission work of the local and global church

UGANDA - Luweero Diocese - Pray for Bishop Eridard and Mama Jane, as they prepare for retirement. Pray for God’s provision so that their house can be finished and made comfortable and ready for their new phase of ministry.

During our time with the church in Cairo we noticed that in the Diocesan offices are pictures of some previous bishops going back over 100 years. They have very British sounding names. The world they knew has changed enormously. At the English speaking service at All Saints' Cathedral on Sunday morning, Bertie and I had the privilege of meeting Bishop Mouneer Anis, recently retired Bishop of Jerusalem and the Middle East. We also came across a young English lay reader, James

UGANDA - Luweero Diocese - At the Diocesan Synod in February 2022 15 people were selected and tasked with forwarding the names of 2 candidates to the Church of Uganda House of Bishops to succeed Bishop Eridard Nsubuga when he retires in July 2023. Pray for God’s leading and wisdom.

BURUNDI - Matana Diocese - Pray for the preparation of a CMSI Team visit to Burundi, planned for early 2023, involving clergy from a number of link parishes in Ireland. Ask the Lord to guide those who are considering joining the team and that the visit may be a blessing to all.

BURUNDI - Matana Diocese - Pray for Bishop Seth Ndayirukiye and Mama Yvette as they travel to Canterbury this August for the Lambeth Conference, and then on to Belfast for the CMSI Kingdom Voices events. Ask the Lord to give them travelling mercies, and that their time in Ireland would be a blessing.

SOUTH SUDAN - Yei Diocese - Pray for a new parish inaugurated in May and for each parish in the Diocese to flourish and grow.

SOUTH SUDAN - Yei Diocese - Bishop Levi asks us to ‘Continue to pray for the coffee project, may God bless it and provide resources for it.’ This is a long-term plan to provide sustainable income for parishes and their pastors.

PROVINCE OF ALEXANDRIA - Pray for the new administration appointments in the Diocese of Egypt and for the synod as they put together the strategy for the next 10 years.

PROVINCE OF ALEXANDRIA - Today we pray for Gambella Diocese in Ethiopia where there are often inter-communal tensions. Pray for harmony in the Diocese of Gambella.

PROVINCE OF ALEXANDRIA - Archbishop Samy asks us to pray for the nation of Egypt - for the economy and better and strong relationships with the Islamic community.

Archdeacon Patrick Bamber (CMSI Trustee) is currently taking part of his planned sabbatical in the Province of Alexandria, and reflects upon his time at Anafora, just outside Cairo: "It's hard to imagine a thirsty wilderness in lush green Ireland. Yet two nights at Anafora, a Coptic retreat centre in the Egyptian desert was a memorable experience for us. In the late 90s Bishop Thomas of the Coptic church had the vision for establishing a place of spiritual and emotional refre

SUNDAY PRAYER - Give thanks for the gift of new life in Christ! Remember particularly baby Aurora born to Ricky and Megan currently on maternity leave.

DR CONGO - Goma Diocese - Thank God for the redevelopment of Diocesan schools destroyed by the volcano last year.

I have been kicking about in Alexandria for four weeks now. It is certainly quite a change from quiet north Armagh! Alexandria is a busy place, filled with bustling, tooting traffic rushing past posh looking clothes shops (which are many) while a multitude of street traders sell everything from y-fronts to cactus fruit on the pavements in front. At first glance Egypt seems like a very competitive place, as everyone tries to eek out their living. But this is also a place of h

CMSI FAMILY - Staff - Please pray for Roger who has recently extended his responsibilities to include Burundi links. Ask for God’s blessing on the forthcoming visits of Bishop Aimé Jospeh & Mama Yvette Kimararungu from Gitega and Bishop Seth Ndayirukiye & Mama Yvette from Matana for the Kingdom Voices week.