The Bishop of Swansea and Brecon is urging parishioners to raise money during Lent for three charities which help people in extreme poverty.
The Rt Revd John Davies is hoping his Lent Appeal will raise thousands of pounds for homeless people in Wales, the poorest communities in Nicaragua and women struggling in Kenyan universities.
He is suggesting people save money by missing a meal a week or giving up something they enjoy as part of their Lenten fast. In his pastoral letter to all parishes (see below) he says, “Through self-sacrifice and almsgiving, we can, as a Diocesan family help to alleviate some of the burdens which others bear. Although in our own country economic factors bear down upon many, and the reality of cuts in funding and services will have a marked effect upon many, we still remain, as a nation, wealthy when compared with many others.
“Some individuals may have the best of intentions to do something positive in Lent but, come the time, the opportunity passes by. Our Lent Appeal provides a chance for as many of us as possible to focus upon doing something to bring light and hope to brothers and sisters in dark times and dark places.”
The three charities all have a link with the Diocese of Swansea and Brecon. They are:
The Peace and Hope Trust – a Christian charity working with the poorest communities of Nicaragua, one of the neediest in the world, frequently affected by hurricanes, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods and landslides. For more information visit: www.peaceandhope.org.uk or contact the Reverend Nick Finlay at Llanbister Vicarage. E-mail: [email protected]
Phase 2 of the Daystar University Hostel Project sponsored by the Diocese of Machakos with which the Diocesan Mothers Union has close links. In a climate of extreme poverty, Kenyans highly value education and scrimp and save to send a child to University. However, when these girls arrive from isolated rural areas, they quickly find that they cannot survive day to day living and often fall into prostitution to eat and buy books. The diocese has seen an increasing need for the services of the hostel so that the girls can be properly accommodated, protected and cared for. Further information is available from the Reverend Phillip Gwynn, Ty Coch. E-mail: [email protected]
Shelter Cymru – Shelter Cymru is active in our own City of Swansea where it has its Head Office and works for people in housing need without fear or favour. A home is something which we will take for granted and supporting those who would find it something for which they can only hope is always worthwhile.
Bishop John will be cleaning shoes in Swansea Market on Maunday Thursday (April 21st) in order to raise money for the Charities.
