Moderator's Project
Some Moderators of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland choose to invite people across the Church to support a particular cause during their year in office.
These challenges often reflect the Moderator's theme, experiences or areas of interest, and offer a practical way for congregations, members and supporters to help.
Rt Rev Gordon Kennedy's support for Tearfund
During his time as Moderator, Rt Rev Gordon Kennedy has asked Church members to consider supporting the Christian charity Tearfund, which helps tackle poverty in more than 50 countries.
Tearfund equips local churches to drive change, mobilise resources and empower communities to lift themselves out of poverty.
How a visit to Burundi inspired the Moderator
Mr Kennedy visited Burundi in East Africa with Tearfund Scotland and saw how local churches were not only gathering on Sundays, but helping communities move from extreme poverty and despair to hope and opportunity.
The charity works with partners to tackle poverty in three main ways: responding quickly to disasters and conflicts, supporting local churches in community development, and helping individuals and churches speak out on issues of poverty and injustice.
Practical examples of Tearfund's work include supporting communities to form savings groups, helping people start small businesses, providing training so families can produce nutritious food for their children, and helping communities address deeper challenges such as broken relationships and violence.
Churches can be centres of transformation
The work Mr Kennedy witnessed is part of Tearfund's wider vision to equip 250,000 churches to become centres of transformation.
When churches are supported, their members can live out their faith in practical ways, restoring dignity, strengthening families and bringing lasting hope.
The Moderator believes churches in Scotland can play a vital role in making this vision a reality.
How you can help
Mr Kennedy said: "For £600, a church can receive the training to begin transforming its whole community. Imagine if congregations across Scotland raised that amount. How many communities and lives could be changed?
"I have seen for myself the difference Tearfund's approach makes and how, when the church steps forward in faith, entire communities can be transformed."
Church members and congregations are invited to support Tearfund's work with churches and communities around the world.
Visit Tearfund's website to find out more or make a donation.