Lent day 27

 Apologies for late blog today.  Yesterday I had a migraine most of the day and felt pretty dreadful until teatime. And at teatime I had to go and help lead worship in Dromore so by the time I got home.... well, lets just say I didnt feel massively inspired.  And I still dont.

So all Im going to tell you today is what I learned in church last night.  The service was live-linked to South Sudan to an area called Maridi parish which is twinned with Dromore County Down.  Bishop Moses was on the screen talking about the friendship which has been building between the two parishes over the years and the blessings on both sides which are experienced when the Holy Spirit joins hearts.  One of the questions he was asked was about the immediate needs of the clergy working across the 75 parishes the bishop oversees.

His response was to say that most clergy need transport. They often spend three or four hours walking in 45 degree heat just to visit one or two parishioners in outlying villages.  No cars, not much in the way of road networks. Not even motorbikes or pedal bikes . Just walking for miles and miles.  When was the last time your minister came to visit you and how much effort did it cost him/her?

I immediately thought that I should be buying bikes for pastors in Africa. I   mean its not rocket science is it?  If I can afford to put petrol in my car I can certainly afford to buy a bike in Africa ( Im thinking the bikes should be bought there not shipped there) and a few puncture repair kits thrown in too.  Maybe I should start a just giving page for the rest of Lent so others could contribute.  Theres a team going from Dromore in October which could take out any money raised.

Anyone up for it.?

Some bikes purchased by the Anglican Communion Fund during Covid. Many more are needed


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