Mission Work

Brikama Methodist Mission, The Gambia

In 2008 my wife and I visited the Gambia in West Africa for a holiday. From the guidebook we were given on arrival we read about The Methodist Jam Factory at Brikama!

We couldn't resist going there by tourist taxi, unannounced. We were greeted by the manager of the agricultural project who introduced us to the Mission compound and the jam factory lady, the Nurse in charge of 5 village clinics, the church and the primary school of nearly 300 children! On our return we showed the church a video of our trip. The Church Council agreed we should support the medical work for five years. This year is the sixth! We review our giving each year now.

After Harvest Festival we have sent £3000 each year and twice have been told that our gift has saved the medical fund from going into the red. We have also raised the £1000 to completely renovate the clinic buildings in the isolated village of Jiboro near the southern border with Senegal, and have sent to Jiboro nearly 400 mosquito nets. So far six members from church have visited the Mission. The photos below show Jiboro clinic with its new roof, windows and doors, and the patients and staff (just nurses, no doctor), all July 2015. It shows well where our money goes!

Peter

In 1869, a young Methodist minister, Thomas Bowman Stephenson, founded The Children's Home in London. Over time, the charity's work has shifted away from children's homes towards community-based projects like children's centres and intensive family support services to support vulnerable families and try to prevent potential problems. Previously known as the National Children's Home and as NCH, the charity has always been active in promoting the issues that young people and children face to policy and decision makers.

Some things don't change. Today, as Action for Children, the charity continues to support and speak out for children, young people and parents in tough circumstances, still guided by Stephenson's legacy, but facing the challenges of a very different society.

Action for Children Sunday is always celebrated on the second Sunday in July, when a special collection is taken, but anyone can donate at any time through the charity's website or by using Home Collecting Boxes, available from the church.

External Website: Action for Children

is an international development charity, working with people of all faiths and none in around 50 countries to eradicate poverty.

Christian Aid week is always held in May, but there are many other times of the year when you can make a donation, especially in times of special need.

Visit their website for more information, or contact Bob C. at church

External Website: Christian Aid

The charity's mission is to improve the quality of life for older people, inspired by Christian concern, nurturing each person's body, mind and spirit to promote a fulfilled life.

It aims to improve the lives of more older people across the UK, helping over 16,000 older people across the country to get more out of life.

Please visit their website for more details.

External Website: Methodist Homes for the Aged

Methodist Women in Britain is a movement within the Methodist Church, led by a group of volunteers and funded by donations, which aims to connect women with an interest in creative spirituality and a passion for global social justice. We hold day conferences and residential events, produce printed and online resources and engage in social justice campaigns. MWiB is about more than Methodism, more than women and more than Britain – we have strong links with the World Church, and are part of the World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women.

At Crownhill, we organise a coffee morning often on a Saturday to raise funds for various charities.

We support events for MwiB at circuit and district level. Please contact Barbara on 01752 396097 or 07392462471 for more details.

External Website: Methodist Women in Britain

Crownhill Methodist Church supports the Mission in Britain Fund in February each year and the World Mission Fund in October. Envelopes are placed in the church and boxes are collected. Occasional fund-raising events are also arranged. For further information, please contact Judith on 01752 702378.