The event will feature Rev Canon Dr John Senyonyi, a senior clergyman in the Anglican Church of Uganda, who is touring Australian towns and cities with his wife, Ruth, to share first-hand experiences from across Africa.
Dr Senyonyi has served as national director of African Enterprise Uganda for 13 years and spent a decade as vice-chancellor of Uganda Christian University. He also holds a PhD in mathematical statistics from the University of Melbourne.
Christ Church Anglican Church minister Rev Phil Zamagias said the presentation would offer unique insights into both the challenges and successes being experienced by communities across Africa.
“Dr John will be speaking about church growth in Africa and some of the challenges African people face, including hardship and persecution, particularly in Nigeria,” Rev Zamagias said.
“There are also some really encouraging stories about how church communities are overcoming difficulties, helping each other through persecution and bringing communities together.”
Rev Zamagias said the event was open to everyone, regardless of their background or beliefs.
“Anyone and everyone that has an interest in what is happening in Africa is most welcome,” he said.
“People of faith, no faith at all, or different religions, if they are interested, they’re welcome to come and meet Dr John.”
He said hearing directly from someone with lived experience would provide valuable perspective.
“It’s first-hand experience from Dr John, and it’s always better to hear from people who are from those places and can speak with lived experience,” he said.
Rev Zamagias hopes attendees will leave with a greater appreciation of the positive stories emerging from parts of the world that often make headlines for the wrong reasons.
“I hope people come away encouraged about what is happening in countries that we often only hear bad news from,” he said.
“And perhaps to be motivated to pray for the work that people like Dr John and Ruth are doing.”
The African Missions Briefing will be held at Christ Church Anglican Church, 500 High St, Echuca, on Saturday, June 20.
Morning tea will be available from 9.30am, with the main presentation beginning at 10am. Entry is free, although organisers ask people to RSVP for catering purposes to info@christchurchechuca.org or 03 5482 1105.
