Jerusalem
and the Middle East
Church Association

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Treasurer's notes

News

Area Bishop Andrew Proud explains...

Ethiopia is one of the poorest countries in the world. Everyday survival is a huge challenge here, yet our churches are growing. We are privileged to be here in Ethiopia as co-workers with our brothers and sisters for the sake of the Gospel. As such, our aim is to create missionary structures to equip, send and resource others in their own missionary tasks. As Mission companions we can never be a Church on behalf of others. We can, however, seek to support and enable them to be their own church. God’s plan for mission is always greater than we can imagine and always exceeds the results of our human plans and actions. It is His harvest we are working for. Our fundamental task is to build churches. Through this, we seek to serve God’s mission and fulfil our own: Living, acting, missional churches in every country of the Horn

Thanks to CMS-Ireland…… But a big challenge remains!

Bishop Muneer writes:

Bishop Andrew Proud shared with us the good news of receiving a generous grant from CMS-Ireland and Irish Aid. Bishop Andrew writes the following: “During the Lambeth Conference, we learnt that we have been awarded a substantial grant of $725,266, over three years, from Irish Aid (through CMS Ireland) to develop the new land in Gambella (as shown on map) and run the programmes there. Under the terms of the grant, we have an obligation to raise 15% of the total amount, which is $145,053 over 3 years. CMS Ireland are obligated to raise 10% of the total project cost.” Do pray for all our efforts to raise this amount from different organizations. CMS-Ireland also donated £29,273 for the development work of the Diocese in Egypt. I thank God for the partnership of CMS Ireland and Irish Aid for their great support in the Horn of Africa

Bishop Andrew adds:

I’m afraid the Irish Aid grant does not mean that our financial problems are solved. The grant is indeed very good news. The money, whilst carefully ear-marked for development work, means that we can press on with developing the two hectares of land we were given in Gambella town, by the President of the Regional State eighteen months ago. Work on the land is to start fairly soon: an office, community library, seminar rooms, priest’s house (no church, I’m afraid, under the terms of this grant), dormitories and canteen. During the first phase of the build, we shall engage a local Project Director, to oversee the work, equip the library and set up the systems and procedures necessary to employ two programme staff. This project will focus on Education (libraries and literacy) and Peace Development in the region. The Irish Aid grant will cover 75% of the overall project cost (buildings, equipment and staff).

We are required, under the terms of the grant, to find 15% and CMS Ireland 10% of the overall cost. Please pray for us as we seek to raise £30,000 this year; the same next year and £10,000 in the final year.