Nowadays there is much in the news which takes our attention; the Brexit situation, demands for the NHS, the effects of taxation.
This often means that news across the world is not always in our media. The most desperate of these issues concern West Africa and the Middle East. I am referring to the worst drought suffered for at least 60 years. This was described by Stephen O’Brien of the United Nations as “the worst humanitarian catastrophe since 1945.”
There are possibly as many as twenty million men, women and children facing starvation. Christian Aid and all the other charities involved face an enormous challenge and collectively their efforts have to be spread around all areas of the world affected.
So many people have amazing stories of Christian Aid week here is one story of Theodor Davidovic.
Theodor is 91 now and a dedicated Christian Aid week volunteer. Orphaned aged eight he was a teenager during the Second World War and fought in the resistance movement in Serbia against Germany. But in the political chaos after the end of the war he had to flee his country.
He lived in refugee camps in Europe for two and a half years and says he owes his life to organisations like Christian Aid.
“It was the Christians who sent the parcels then just as they do now. It was the big organisations that were feeding us and I never forgot it. That is why I volunteer for Christian Aid.
“The people then who were contributing through Christian Aid Week helped me to survive. I feel I owe my life to the cause. To Christian Aid I promise that I will do my best as long as I live and I am still doing it.”
Thank you all for everything you do for Christian Aid Week. You have demonstrated that you won’t stand by whilst our neighbours are suffering, that you share Jesus’ outrage over injustice and you are prepared to do something about it.
It means so much to people like Theodor.
The most effective way of raising money is the House to House Collection during Christian Aid Week. We have to overcome our reluctance to knock on doors and collect for Aid but this is a good cause and we can make a difference. If you are already helping, thank you, if you are willing to help but not yet involved – if YOU can cover a street near you, please ring Peter Townsend on 01572 759286. Thank You.
Results May 2017
You will notice that only six churches have contributed this year. It is a reasonable total considering this situation.
| All Saints Oakham | £648.52 |
| All Saints Braunston | £371.50 |
| St Peter Brooke | £154.19 |
| St Edmunds Egleton | £268.20 |
| Methodist Church | £604.28 |
| Baptist Church | £126.92 |
| Total | £2,173.61 |
The churches not participating were asked by their PCC’ s to raise money for other worthwhile objectives.
Christian Aid are glad to have money raising ideas to supplement the door to door collections. All Saints Braunston had a “Big Brekkie” and Christian Aid also approved of our Lent Lunches which were described in the June magazine.
Thanks to all who helped in any way
Peter Townsend