Moderator on a mission to help churches restore communities

When Gordon Kennedy, Moderator of the General Assembly of The Church of Scotland, visited Burundi with Tearfund Scotland, he saw something remarkable. In every village, the local church wasn’t just gathering on Sundays – it was helping communities move from extreme poverty and despair to hope and opportunity.

How transformation begins

Tearfund equips local churches to drive change. Through Bible-based training, churches discover the gifts and resources God has already placed among them, and take practical steps to transform their communities.

Communities form savings groups, help people start small businesses, learn to provide nutritious food for their children, and tackle deeper challenges like broken relationships and violence. Because this change is led locally, it lasts. People are not just receiving help – they are discovering their God-given capacity to rebuild and flourish together.

A vision for churches worldwide

The transformation Gordon witnessed is part of Tearfund’s bigger vision: 250,000 churches equipped to become centres of transformation. When churches are supported, their members live out their faith practically, restoring dignity, strengthening families and bringing lasting hope.

Gordon believes churches in Scotland can play a vital role in making this vision a reality.

A gift of £600 from your church could equip a church across the world to transform its community. In fact, every gift, big or small, makes a difference.

Gordon saw the impact of this training firsthand. Children who were once malnourished are now thriving. Women’s lives have been renewed as communities address violence and restore families. People are creating livelihoods that strengthen entire villages. Each story began when a local church was equipped to lead change.

Be part of transforming communities

Gordon said, ‘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.

‘I’d love to encourage you to give what you can to support Tearfund. Could you fundraise as a church, lift an offering, or sign up to give monthly what you would have spent on a coffee?’

Your gift could spark change that begins in the local church and spreads through entire villages.