Manisha Cornelius reports on three unforgettable days of worship, fellowship and renewal at Christ Church Jebel Ali:
Dusty Sandals. Deep Faith. Following Jesus in Uncertain Times.
Christ Church Jebel Ali, was blessed to host Anglicans Ablaze Middle East from 23-25 October 2026, welcoming bishops, clergy and the wider Anglican and non-Anglican community, all while celebrating 50 years of the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf.
The event kicked off on Friday with Praise and worship, followed by a warm welcome from the Rt Revd Sean Semple, Bishop of Cyprus and the Gulf, drawing on the theme of dusty sandals and inviting the conference to ponder on its meaning. The Rt Revd Dr Dalcy Dlamini, Bishop of Eswatini, introduced the Anglicans Ablaze vision, with the Very Revd Canon Dr Sammy Wainaina, who is Advisor to the Archbishop of Canterbury on Anglican Communion Affairs, wrapping up the day with a moving testimony.
Day 2 opened with the Morning Eucharist led by Bishop Sean, with a sermon on the theme of “Dusty Sandals. Deep Faith” from the Rt Revd Prof Julius Wanyoike, Bishop of Thika.
Thought-provoking and inspiring addresses drew enthusiastic participation from the audience, including an interactive session moderated by the Revd Jim Young on the topic of “Dusty Questions. Honest Conversation,” exploring questions around faith and everyday Christian life. The evening closed with music from The Joyful Singers Choir and a sermon by the Very Revd Bulelwa Sihlali-Woolley, Dean of Christ Church Cathedral, Polokwane.
Day 3 started with the Morning Eucharist, and a sermon from Canon Sammy, followed by a time of fellowship. The event concluded in the evening with a beautiful Choral Evensong with the combined choir of Christ Church Jebel Ali. Fr Jim preached, and Bishop Sean gave the final blessing.
Heartfelt thanks go to Fr Jim, whose leadership and tireless effort made this gathering possible; to our Church Wardens for their support and coordination; and to our AMAZING VOLUNTEERS for the hospitality, logistics, music and countless behind-the-scenes tasks.
We are also deeply grateful to Bishop Sean for being part of this special gathering and for his unwavering support, and to all our visiting bishops, clergy, speakers, musicians and choirs. Your presence, dedication and contributions made it all possible!
Above all, thanks and glory to Almighty God for His abundant blessings.
The conference has ended, but the flame keeps burning! Let’s carry this renewal into our daily lives, walking faithfully with Jesus wherever He leads.
“Jesus has a way of disrupting your plans. Come and see where He leads.”
❤️ Sunday was never the finish line! ❤️
To God be the glory!
