Cornerstone Oromo Christian Mission Centre is a fellowship of about 80 adults plus their children and teens that worship and serve in the Calgary area. Most of them are relatively new to Canada themselves, but the challenges they face in making this country their home has not dampened their desire to help others in need. Their passion for sponsoring refugees and helping them get established is inspiring.

On a Sunday afternoon in May 2018, I attended their weekly service and witnessed a vibrant congregation, earnest in their worship and who clearly loved to be together. All of their leaders serve on a volunteer basis and juggle many responsibilities between family, ministry and various jobs.

After the service, four of their leaders including Nuradin Surura, Mamo Midegdu, Wubshet Hailemichal and Mekonnen Gurmu graciously sat down with me to talk about their work with refugees while their wives waited patiently and the kids did what kids do.

The accompanying video is a compilation of highlights from our conversation.

If you would like a transcript of the full interview please contact gwark@emcc.ca.

The leaders of Cornerstone Oromo Christian Mission Centre are more than willing to give any assistance they can to churches who are interested in sponsoring refugees. You can reach them at cornerstone.ocmc@gmail.com