Bishop Moses makes a virtual visit to Holywood
Bishop Moses Zungo was the special guest at the Holywood Parish Zoom Prayer Meeting on Wednesday 21 April. The prayer meeting has continued weekly throughout lockdown and Bishop Moses’ virtual visit follows that of partners from Uganda, Peru and India.
The parish has supported Maridi Diocese since the earliest days of the link with Down and Dromore and was able to welcome Moses and Mama Rejoice in person during their last trip in 2019.
“It was such a joy to hear from Bishop Moses in person and to pray for him,” said Revd Ken McGrath, Associate Vicar. “The story in Maridi is one of incredible faith and resilience and even growth in the face of unrelenting hardship. The local church is so determined to serve their neighbours and to share the gospel at every opportunity. We were humbled by what we heard.”
Some areas are still feeling the effects of the floods at the end of last year with the devastation of the cassava crop. Added to this, many grain stores were destroyed by the wildfires in March, not to mention the hardship caused by coronavirus and a weak economy.
Last weekend, however, the diocese experienced yet another blow when unusually strong winds hit the Chaima Christian Institute and caused some structural damage (pictured below). Holywood Parish was closely involved with the building project in Chaima’s early days, so this was particularly sad to see.
Despite all of these difficulties, there is good news to report. The diocese is growing, with 9 new parishes created at the last diocesan synod. In March, Bishop Moses ordained 20 deacons, 6 priests and commissioned 6 new lay readers. Around 100 evangelists in their distinctive red shirts have also been released to serve around the diocese.
The Mothers’ Union held a conference in February and continue their amazing work with women and families across the diocese. Some of the elderly women from remote areas were unable to make the trip so a small group of leaders plan to travel to stay with them and offer fellowship and encouragement.
Churches will soon reopen followed by schools, and plans are underway to celebrate the Maridi Centenary in January 2022. It is very much hoped that representatives from Down and Dromore will be able to join those celebrations in person.
Thanks to CMSI’s Linda Abwa who facilitated Moses participation and also joined the meeting. Parishes in Down and Dromore have given generously to Maridi Diocese as it has responded to the needs both inside and outside the church. £13,000 was raised through our Advent Gift Day.