In an earlier edition of the Methodist 'Mission Matters' magazine, Raheela John, a nurse by profession, tells of how having fled persecution in Pakistan with her minister husband, she visited a U.K. supermarket and witnessed a gathering led by a minister singing carols.
'When they had finished l said to their leader 'I'm new in this country, can I say something?'
He said 'Yes, you're welcome'. I started to cry and I told him this was a very new and good experience for me, because in my country we cannot express our faith in this way'.
Instead of nursing Raheela has now completed a degree in theology and supports her husband with culturally diverse congregations in Wales, a role that involves working with asylum seekers and refugees from different faiths. The Mission in Britain fund supports the work of mission and ministry projects like these across the U.K.
Our Mission in Britain fundraising event held in May raised £1,190. These funds are channelled by the Methodist Church House, to amongst other ventures, to support and provide recreation centres for the disadvantaged, disabled, the lonely, the less fortunate in our society and to hold high the concept of Christian values.
The event was well advertised in local libraries, and by banners and bunting outside the church.
Eight enthusiastic, if not excited, members of the congregation manned the stalls in the church entrance and lounge. Antiques, crafts, plants, bric a brac, etc. were on sale. Coffee, tea and cakes were provided with ample comfortable seating in the lounge.
A further event directed at World missions is planned for the third Saturday in October.
Edward Eldred.