News Release

Coleraine hosts Malawi Interfaith evening

The Coleraine congregation in Northern Ireland of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, supported by the Coleraine Borough Churches Forum, hosted an interfaith event in October to learn more about the work being done in Malawi by the Presbyterian Church. 

A cross section attended from the community staff at the Altnagelvin Hospitals Trust, Western Health and Social Care Trust, paramedic staff from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, chairperson and members of the Churches' Forum and Minister and members from the Church of Christ in Coleraine. The mix of faiths were Presbyterian, Church of Ireland, Methodist, Baptist, Brethren, Roman Catholic, Church of Christ and Latter-day Saints (Mormons).

For the past four years, the members of Coleraine congregation have been supporting this charity and supplied medical supplies to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, clothing and toiletries to the adults of the area, toys and clothing to the Chifundo orphanage and educational supplies to the two schools. This has amounted to several boxes being sent from the congregation. It also included over 100 individual schoolbags made by the women in the congregation and members of the Holywood Road congregation who have also been involved by donating clothing, toiletries, toys, and money raised from a car boot sale.

The Speakers at the event were, Mrs Christine Nsona, President of the Women's Guild in Ndirande Church, Blantyre, Malawi and Mrs. Heather Clements, head of the Missionary Committee in First Limavady Presbyterian Church which provides aid to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Blantyre, the Chifundo Orphanage and two schools.

The evening ended with Branch President, Adrian Culbertson, presenting Mrs Nsona with a King James Version of the Bible for her church in Malawi. He commented that "all present have been humbled and inspired by what we have heard – humbled by the great need in Malawi but inspired by the commitment of the two speakers to improve conditions for those living there, we leave tonight with a renewed commitment from all here to help this great cause in every way we can."

Members of the community in Coleraine, Portstewart, Belfast and Londonderry have also contributed to this great cause. One man bought 400 pairs of children's trousers which he donated through the Coleraine congregation. Heather commented that all the contributions really are making a difference to the people of Malawi and are greatly appreciated.

 

Pictured - Adrian Cultertson presenting Mrs Nsona with a copy of the KJV of the Bible

Pic 2 - From L to R - Mrs Christine Nsona and Dr Heather Clements, head of the Missionary Committee in First Limavady Presbyterian Church

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