A visit from Archbishop Mbanda

There was a wonderful buzz about the CMSI office on Tuesday this week as we welcomed some very special visitors from Rwanda - Archbishop Laurent and Madame Chantal Mbanda. Visiting Northern Ireland at the invitation of Tearfund, they kindly took time out of their busy programme to meet CMSI staff together with clergy and friends from Rwanda-linked parishes.

We enjoyed fellowship over coffee and then had the privilege of listening to the Archbishop speak about the wonderful things God is doing in Rwanda - mentioning the many encouraging ways the country has moved forward since the dark days of the genocide in 1994. The church has been at the forefront of this progress - facilitating reconciliation, unity and hope through the transforming love of Jesus.

Madame Chantal then spoke very warmly about the strategic impact of the Mothers' Union in Rwanda asking us to pray for a major conference they are planning this summer. We also heard about the work of Tearfund from Rwanda Country Director Rev Emmanuel Murangira. Roger and Gillian shared about the role of CMS Ireland in Mission, with special reference to our two Global Partners in Rwanda - the dioceses of Kibungo and Shyogwe.

Finally Hudson Kaunda explained about the role of CMSI's partner, All Nations Ministries, who supports refugees and asylum seekers when they arrive in Northern Ireland. After a time of prayer the whole group enjoyed a delicious feast of African fare prepared and served by CMSI staff.