From 20th to 24th May, Daniel Magagnin, the Trust’s Chief Development Officer, took part in the GSFA II Economic Empowerment Conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The conference brought together representatives from member Provinces of the Global South Fellowship of Anglican Churches (GSFA), alongside observers and specialists working in the field of economic empowerment. Together, they gathered to reflect on how the Church can support sustainable development, encourage resilience, and help communities flourish across the Global South.
Daniel attended the conference on behalf of Relay Trust, continuing our long standing relationship with the GSFA. As a Mission Partner, Relay Trust is pleased to support the GSFA’s work in Economic Empowerment, Missions, and Ministerial Formation. These areas closely complement the Trust’s own focus on equipping grassroots leaders through theological education and practical ministry training, and continuing with our partner churches to build increasingly flourishing African Anglican churches through strong, faithful, and well equipped local leadership.
Daniel has also previously supported the GSFA in helping to develop key programme tracks within the organisation. This conference provided an opportunity not only to strengthen these partnerships, but also to share practical examples of work already underway.
One important contribution was Daniel’s presentation on the Up Negócios project, an entrepreneur development initiative supported by Relay Trust in partnership with the Anglican Church in Brazil and Estímulo. The project combines practical entrepreneurship training with biblical teaching on stewardship, helping participants build businesses while grounding economic growth in Christian values.
At its heart, the programme recognises that economic stability can strengthen families, support churches, and allow communities to flourish. When people are equipped with practical skills, wise financial habits, and a strong sense of responsibility before God, new opportunities begin to emerge.
The Up Negócios project is already underway in Brazil, where early progress has been encouraging. Looking ahead, Relay Trust is exploring how the programme might one day be adapted for African contexts, supporting communities where unemployment, poverty, and economic instability remain daily challenges.
Across the conference, discussions focused on themes of sustainability, entrepreneurship, poverty alleviation, leadership, and the role of the Church in nurturing long term resilience. There was a shared conviction that the Gospel speaks not only to spiritual life, but also to the practical realities people face every day.
As conversations continue and new ideas are explored, we are encouraged by what lies ahead. Partnerships like these remind us that strong churches are often built through faithful leadership, practical support, and communities equipped to care for one another.
Please do pray for the ongoing work of the GSFA and for the relationships strengthened during this gathering. Pray for wisdom as plans develop, particularly around the future of Up Negócios, and that churches across the Global South would continue to grow in faith, resilience, and hope.