Lent text messages campaign

  THE ARCHBISHOPS' COUNCIL - which advises Christians belonging to the Church of England - has initiated an SMS (text) message campaign.
  For the 40 days covering the period of the Christian celebration of Lent, those signing up will get a daily text message encouraging them to behave in a more Christian manner.
  Some of the messages appear to be unremarkable - such as giving up your place in a queue to somebody who appears to be in a rush.  But, apparently, there are more ‘original’ messages including one that says you should leave money in a shopping trolley for somebody else to find.
  Presumably, the faithful shop at Waitrose and will correctly interpret this message as encouragement to go to Iceland and leave money for the needy.
  In order to join up, merely text the word 'Lent' to 64343.  If you don't like the messages, simply text the word ‘STOP’ to 64343.
  Participants are charged in ten day slots, receiving a premium rate message costing them £1 - equivalent to 10 pence a day.  Any money raised over and above that needed to cover running costs will be donated to Christian Aid.
  The service began on Monday 19th February. More details can be found on the ‘Love Life Live Lent’ website.

Spotted by Robert Little.

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Prime Minister opens Shkodra School

  Sali Berisha (pictured right), the current Albanian prime minister, has visited the school for Roma children in Shkodra that we are supporting.

  He officially opened the now complete but still-to-be-fully furnished school.

 By Helen Little.

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Munch it! Peel it! Wear it! Choose it!

  Fairtrade Fortnight is here again - 26th February to 11th March - when we are all asked to choose Fairtrade.  By changing to Fairtrade today, you can help to change the lives of farmers and producers across the developing world: this is the idea behind the theme for 2007: ‘Munch it! Peel it! Wear it! Choose it!’

  Even if you are not in the habit of buying Fairtrade, give it a try!  There are some delicious biscuits, snack and chocolate bars.  The tea and the coffee are good quality and there is now a growing range of greeting cards available.

  Fairtrade sales increase by around 40 per cent every year in the UK, giving hundreds of thousands of producers in developing countries the chance to support themselves and their families as well as the chance to compete in global markets.  According to the Fairtrade Foundation: ‘a small change in our shopping habits can mean that a community in Africa, Asia or Latin America can build classrooms, employ a nurse or invest in farming machinery.’

  There are now 210 ‘Fairtrade’ towns/villages in Britain, 50 Fairtrade universities and 3,000 Fairtrade churches.  Fairtrade bananas currently make up 7.9 per cent of the UK market, compared with 4.2 per cent in 2004; while Fairtrade roast and ground coffee accounts for 20 per cent of the market.

From the South Parade Baptist Church Magazine, Leeds, and supplied by Graham Clarke.

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Diptipur and Orissa update

  The visit of the Right Rev Dr Samson Das has come and gone.  He greatly appreciated all the kindness shown towards him on this, his first visit to England, and, I think, he left his mark on all those who met him.
  The friendship shown to him made a big impression.  As he said, when he came to England he knew no-one and, walking down the aeroplane steps on arrival at Heathrow, he prayed that God would lead him to some friends and that his ministry in England would be fruitful.  That prayer was fulfiled for him and he really appreciated the wonderful opportunity he was given.
  The work of the BMS missionaries in Orissa over many years - the subject of his doctoral thesis - has made a profound impression on him.  He has developed a deep admiration of William Carey - from his time of graduate study at Serampore College.  So he greatly appreciated his visit to Baptist World Mission Headquarters at Didcot and to Moulton to see the Carey memorabilia.  The Carey plate, showing scenes of William Carey’s life, will take a place of pride in the bishop’s office in Cuttack.
  Visits to meet the Rt Rev Christopher Herbert, Bishop of St Albans; to our cathedral and meet its staff; to our Baptist Regional Minister, the Rev Geoff Colmer; to other ministers in Milton Keynes; to the local schools; as well as giving a local radio interview, joining the church’s men’s group to go tenpin bowling; going London sightseeing, and having delicious meals in church members’ homes, all made for a busy but enjoyable and meaningful week.
  On his last day in St Albans - Sunday 4th February - Dr Das preached in this church in the morning and then at Evensong at St Albans’ Cathedral.
  So, a very big thanks you to everyone who helped in any way to make the week so varied and meaningful.  A special thanks to Graham for helping me to arrange the programme - and to both Julia and Graham for hosting Dr Das.
  So, what about Diptipur?
  Dr Das is planning to discuss the situation with Dr Jacuck in Cuttack before making the long journey to Diptipur for talks with Dr Rajnish Samal and other staff at the hospital as well as other significant people in the area.
  After seeing the determination that there is here to help this hospital, he is going to do his best, on our behalf, to stabilise the staffing position and to put in place some strong support from the Church of North India.
  I am optimistic. Watch this space.

By Aileen Hagen.