Ethiopian Pastor to inspire local church leaders
Former Presbyterian Moderator, Rev Stafford Carson is hosting a workshop on Thursday 2 February to explore what Northern Irish churches can learn from Ethiopian churches who are flourishing despite challenging economic circumstances.
During the interactive workshop, Stafford will interview Simon Haile from the Kale Heywet Church in Ethiopia which has supported hundreds of churches to bring help and hope to more than 70,000 people living in poor communities.
“What Kale Heywet has achieved with support from Tearfund is inspirational,” says Stafford Carson. “We need to believe in what church communities locally and globally can achieve together. Through this workshop we can share ideas, learning and vision about community and how we develop further the already strong partnerships. We can expect to be challenged, but I think church leaders joining us here will be equally inspired and motivated.”
The Presbyterian Church in Ireland has supported a succession of Kale Heywet Development projects and has recently funded relief programmes for families affected by the drought in East Africa. Stafford Carson visited Simon’s project when he was Presbyterian Moderator, seeing for himself how the programme has transformed local communities and churches.
“The transformation we have seen happen in Ethiopia has astounded us all over the years, but we shall never own it as unique,” says Simon. “These community initiatives often start very small, but it’s when we come together and share our insights that we can really see exciting change.”
Tearfund’s ten year vision is to lift 50 million people out of material and spiritual poverty through a worldwide network of 100,000 local churches.
“We’re delighted to bring church leaders from Ethiopia and Northern Ireland together to explore how to outwork this inspiring vision to transform communities locally and globally,” says Tim Magowan, Director of Tearfund Northern Ireland.
The Mission Planning Master–class workshop is for leaders interested in seeing community transformation through the local church. The event at Ballyhenry Presbyterian Church is on Thursday 2 February from 12.30pm.
Tickets for the event are £5 and this includes lunch. To book a place call 028 9068 2828 or email: ir@tearfund.org