Sunday 27 July 2014

Reflections from Conference 2014


A number of people have asked me for a copy of my addresses and sermon from the Methodist Conference.

This can now be downloaded from the Manchester and Stockport District website; click here and then on 'Reflections from Conference', under the heading 'Worship & Fellowship'.


Saturday 19 July 2014

Zambia visit 9th-16th July

As soon as Conference was finished, I was making preparations for a visit to Zambia, sponsored by World Church Relationships! I was privileged to meet many wonderful people and see some of the projects which are sponsored by the Methodist Church.

One of these, the mission at Kafue, near Lusaka, was originally a Primitive Methodist foundation, begun in 1919.

This is the headmaster of the boys' secondary school, showing me around with Bunmi Olayisade, from WCR.




The mission also operates a health centre. As a hospital pharmacist, I couldn't resist checking that their drugs trolley was in order. (It was)
Sadly though, the mission struggles to find the money for enough drugs and equipment to treat the many cases of TB, AIDS and malaria they are faced with.






Finally, we met the members of the women's self-help project. These women, all widows, raise pigs and chickens to sell. The small profit they have made in this way has enabled them to buy seeds and tools to grow maize. An amazing, courageous, joyful  group of women. I was humbled to meet them.

Monday 7 July 2014

Prayers and Reflections from Conference

Many, many thanks for all the messages of love and support given to me both by those attending Conference and those who sent cards or e-mails. being Vice President really is a great privilege!

For those who were kind enough to ask for copies of my reflections delivered at various Conference worship events, I am putting them together with the prayers and thoughts written by other members of the Manchester and Stockport District, which were given to me at my induction and they will all be available here soon! Watch this space!