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Hosting global visitors
In genuine, two-way partnerships, it's just as important to host as it is to visit.
Since 2017, CMSI has facilitated over 100 visits from our Global Partners to Ireland. Our global guests participate in CMSI events, they spend time in link churches and help to strengthen relationships.
Churches that host global visitors regularly report how fruitful these visits are - not just for their mission link, but for the life of the parish. Our guests have lots to offer!
From Zambia to Cork
Carrigrohane Union of Parishes (Cork Diocese) recently played host to an ordinand from the Anglican Church in Zambia – the latest chapter in a strong and growing partnership link between the union and the Diocese of Northern Zambia. Geoffrey Banda spent ten weeks in Ireland on a placement facilitated by CMSI and Carrigrohane Union and supported by the Harman Scholarship of the Church of Ireland Bishops’ Appeal.
During his placement, Geoffrey contributed to the breadth of parish life and ministry and enjoyed a short retreat at Glenstal Abbey in Co. Limerick. He also spent a week at the Church of Ireland Theological Institute, where he was able to sit on classes.
Reflecting on his visit, Geoffrey commented:
“Being in training for ordained ministry, my trip to Ireland gave me an opportunity to learn about the diversity of the Anglican Church worldwide. It has been my prayer to be a good ambassador for my country, representing my fellow students and representing myself equally. I have been inspired to build and treasure relationships above all other responsibilities that ministry requires. This is a personal lesson learnt and I pray that by God’s Grace I can live to practise it.“
Rev Robert Ferris, Curate of Carrigrohane Union - and someone with a long-history of partnership with the Church in Zambia – had this to say:
“It has been a pleasure hosting Geoffrey who very quickly settled into parish ministry in Blarney and each of his interactions with parishioners and the wider Blarney community has been very natural. I have been very impressed with what Geoffrey has brought to us in the parish in terms of his personality, his teaching and his faith. I look forward to our continuing relationship with both Geoffrey and the Seminary in Zambia through our partnership with Keith and Lyn Scott.”
This story featured in a recent edition of inMission magazine