Very Ordinary Men

From the May Bathford Parish Bulletin

Dear Friends,

I want to tell you one of my favourite true stories; it concerns a school inspection - not in Bathford but in India of a school for poor and orphaned children run by a Christian Charity.

When the inspection was announced the governors, Head, teachers and children all prepared very carefully for the two crucial days; nothing was left to chance, they had a reputation to keep up.

The Inspectors duly arrived on a lovely sunny day. As they entered they were greeted by a small boy with an infectious smile sitting on a wall welcoming them. They were touched but thought no more about it at the time. The inspection went very well - even the Inspectors seemed very pleased. They had observed all the classes being taught, interviewed all the teachers and discussed future plans for the school with the Head and Governors. On the final afternoon they all met for a wash - up and preliminary report. Just before the discussion ended, the Chief Inspector had a sudden last question; there was just one thing he could not understand and it concerned the small boy on the wall. It did not seem appropriate that he was there. The Head smiled and much to the Inspectors amazement advised that the little boy was the most important pupil in the school. "You see", he said, "although he is severely handicapped, including deaf and dumb, he is the 'Welcomer' who greets the children as they arrive, often sad and anxious. His smile and wave is infectious and makes us all happy". The chief inspector commended the little boy in his report.

What is so moving and true about the story is that it reminds us that we can easily fail to recognise the value of another person because we are looking with a limited perspective. Many in our communitymight be overlooked, but God knows them - and of course, so do their families (for example those caring for a sick or elderly relative).

We have recently been celebrating the Ascension when Jesus returned to Heaven and the Coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost to empower the disciples to carry on the work of the Gospel. On that first day some three thousand were baptised, the very beginning of the Church worldwide.

Those first disciples were just very ordinary men, not among the "great and good" but God knew what he was doing when he called them.

Best wishes,

Gerry Miller

Men’s Group

Burma Cyclone Appeal

We have all heard of the terrible news of the devastation in southern Burma, and reluctance of the military dictators to accept foreigners into the country to help. The more than 100,000 survivors have a desperate immediate need for clean water, shelter, food, medical help, and clothes. What is less publicised is that the local people are doing their best (with their limited resources) to provide assistance. In particular the Christian churches have mobilised relief teams. Some organisations (like TEAR Fund) are not dependent on foreign staff, so were able to initiate aid work immediately. TEAR Fund work through local partner church networks, and (provided the government allows) can work effectively in spite of the restrictions on outsiders. In the medium term, (once the immediate needs to keep people alive are met) the need is to restore the people’s homes, livelihood, and basic infrastructure. There will also be a need to replace or repair 40 severely damaged churches, and repair a damaged Christian hospital and an old people's home.Unlike some aid charities and much government promised aid, funds donated to agencies such as TEAR Fund can be spent quickly to fund immediate needs.

TEAR Fund would like our help in 2 ways:

1. To pray for those who have lost everything, and are traumatised by grief at the loss of loved ones. Pray that the network of local churches will receive the materials and support they need for their work. Pray that the government officials will assist in the task.
2. Donations to support the work, for both immediate relief, and for reconstruction of the local communities.

There are no current plans to make a collection in church, but anyone who would like to help with donations, should either send direct to "TEAR Fund" at 100 Church Road, Teddington, TW11 8QE, (indicating the donation is for Burma Appeal), or pass to Dennis. All UK taxpayers should enclose a signed declaration that you are a UK taxpayer and wish the gift to be Gift Aided.