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Lubumbashi, Democratic
Republic of Congo, via Longhorsley to the
Philippines. This is the long journey -
indeed, removal of home - being made this
year by our CMS Mission Partners, Eric and
Sandra Read and their children, Peter and
Atiyyah.
Having
completed their work of 4 years in Congo
and successfully handed their main
programme over to Joseph and the team to
continue the work, Eric and Sandra will
not be returning to Congo: they will be
transferring to the Philippines after
their leave period in the UK.
During
their time in Congo, Eric and Sandra came
to understand the centrality of the Church
in God's plan for the transformation of
communities and nations. Although their
work in Congo is finished, they wish to
continue with this same vision in the
Philippines.
Strategically located in East
Asia, the Philippines is the only country
in Asia with a chiefly Christian
population. Although the people are well
educated, the country is beset by
socio-political problems, deep divisions
(including those between different
religious communities) and a struggling
economy. Many of the best-trained people
leave to work in other
countries.
The
plan is for Eric and Sandra to work in the
southern part of the country, with those
of similar vision, to enable the local
churches to become instrumental in the
transformation of their communities -
particularly in the context of barriers
between different peoples. Eric will use
his agricultural and water engineering
expertise to support local community
projects. The Reads will also explore
working with the student
community.
As well
as supporting them with our prayers, our
parish has a commitment to provide
£3000 each year, via CMS, towards the
support of the Reads in their important
Christian work. This sum is largely
contributed by a faithful and generous
group through personal contributions. New
supporters will be very welcome. If you
would like to know more, or feel that you
can help, please contact Neil Brockbank
(tel. 821683) or Rosemary Rhodes (tel.
825139).
Eric
and Sandra will be joining us at St Mary's
for our Harvest Festival Communion Service
on Sunday 10th October. They are always
interesting and inspiring speakers. Please
do your best to be with us that day. We
are planning to have a luncheon in the
Church Hall after the morning
service.
Email:
esread@smallburn.co.uk
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