Ballyclare rector prepares to visit mission partners in Nairobi

Thursday May 18th 2023

CMSI Commissioning Service in St John’s, Ballyclare, with Parish Reader Kennedy Chiaji; Parish CMSI Co-ordinator Bert Rea and the Rev Jonny Campbell-Smyth.

The Rev Jonny Campbell-Smyth, rector of the United Parish of Ballynure & Ballyeaston, Ballyclare, travels to Nairobi in Kenya on May 19 where the parish has a new mission partnership.

Last weekend, Jonny was commissioned by CMS Ireland in preparation for his visit. He will be accompanied by Lynn Wilson and Linda Allen, parishioners of St Mark’s, Dundela, and the team will visit the Tumaini and Tujisaidie projects which support many people in the Kayole suburb.

This CMSI link was first established in 1991 following the displacement of many families by the government following the demolition of slums. The Tumaini and Tujisaidie programmes provide various outreach programmes including a feeding programme and supporting a local school.

During this visit, Jonny will have the opportunity to provide education to young married couples using resources that are available from the Church of Ireland Marriage Council.

Speaking before the trip, Jonny said: “I am so excited to see first hand the work which our partners are involved in. I am very open to see how the Holy Spirit will direct us as a church in our partnership with CMSI, and therefore I leave Northern Ireland ready for how God will use me and the team to support and encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ in Nairobi.”

The team will be providing regular updates via the CMSI blog.

The Rev Jonny Campbell-Smyth at a final team briefing in CMSI offices with Gillian Maganda (CMSI), and team members Linda Allen and Lynn Wilson from St Mark’s, Dundela.