After 14 years on the CMSI staff team, Finance Manager Brian Lavery is moving on to pastures new, to take up the role of Finance Officer with the Diocese of Down and Dromore.

Brian joined CMSI as Mission Development Coordinator in November 2002 (as pictured above!) and moved into the role of Finance Manager in 2007. He also served the society as Acting Mission Director in 2009-2010. In these roles, and in many other ways, Brian has made a hugely significant contribution to the organisation. He has worked closely with the Board of Trustees to develop the financial governance of the organisation; he has been responsible for overhauling and updating the financial accounting and reporting systems; he has helped ensure that CMSI staff, Trustees and members have a clearer understanding of society’s financial situation.

Brian’s legacy, however, is about much more than his many ‘achievements’. He has brought integrity, commitment and care to his work – characteristics that have brought blessings to colleagues, supporters and partners alike. In recent years, Brian’s voice has been a significant one in helping to shape many of the positive developments in CMSI’s work. He will be greatly missed!

In speaking about Brian’s departure, Mission Director Jenny Smyth had this to say:

Brian has made an enormous contribution to CMS Ireland over many years in the various roles he has undertaken. His personal faith and deep commitment to supporting our Global Partners is evidenced in the care and diligence with which he has carried out the ‘daily round, the common task’. Brian developed very clear, efficient and accountable financial systems within CMS Ireland which enable us to go forward with confidence. We know that he will be a wonderful asset to the Diocese of Down and Dromore. We will miss you, Brian!

As he prepares to make the move from Dargan Road to Church House, Brian would like to thank all within CMS Ireland, the staff (both current and former), our global partners, supporters, and trustees for their encouragement and help over many years.

It has been a real privilege over the past 14 years to play a small part in helping the Church in Ireland engage with the wider Church in the World and specifically through the CMS Ireland Global Partners. I look back with fond memories of leading teams to South Sudan, Rwanda and Burundi, and the visits I have made to nearly all our Global Partners. Seeing first hand the great work our Partners carry out in extremely difficult situations, as they help people come to faith and grow as disciples. Our Partners have much to teach us and I would like to thank each one who has challenged me personally over the years. As I move on I will miss the specific links with the CMS Ireland Global Partners however I will continue to keep in touch through the various CMS Ireland publications etc. My wife May and I look forward to developing our friendship with Bishop Justin in Maridi Diocese, through the Down & Dromore diocesan link with Maridi Diocese, South Sudan.

Brian will finish his work with CMSI on 2nd February and will begin in his new role the following week. We’d encourage you to pray for him as he embraces this new challenge and settles into the team at Down and Dromore. We’d also ask for your prayers for the CMSI Board and staff team in the coming days as they continue to make plans for Brian’s many roles and responsibilities.