Café Baptiste for Christian Aid

  In July 2008, Caroline Williams will be undertaking the London to Paris Bike Ride to raise funds for Christian Aid.

  The challenge involves cycling 300 miles in four days through beautiful valleys, rural villages and past historic sites.

  Caroline’s main purpose in taking part is to raise money for, and awareness of, the work of Christian Aid, a charity that seeks to eradicate poverty around the world, speak out against injustice and campaign for change.

  She needs to raise £1,100 to take part in the venture and, obviously, any additional money will be a real bonus.  So far she has raised £750.

  Over the next four months, Caroline is holding coffee mornings  - one a month on the third Saturday each month - with a distinct French flavour.

  You can support Caroline in her fundraising by:

* Baking some cakes or biscuits to sell.
* Providing things for the Bring ‘n’ Buy.
* Coming along and have a coffee.
* Encouraging others to come along too.
* Helping to organise the Bring ‘n’ Buy stall.
* Helping to sell the coffee.

  You can also give Caroline your used printer ink cartridges.  Each one can raise £1 for Christian Aid.

  Whatever you can do will help Christian Aid.

  Let Caroline know what you can do as soon as possible.

 By Caroline Williams.

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Diptipur update

  The main item of news this month is that the new vehicle, donated by Second Sight, has made its first long journey - from Cuttack to Diptipur.  Dr Lucy Mathen and her friend, Linda, made the journey with Dr Samal and his family, leaving Cuttack at 6pm and arriving at Diptipur at 4.30 am.

  The eye surgery is progressing well and Second Sight consultants are going regularly to help and teach new techniques.  They are setting a target of at least 100 operations each month.  The vehicle helps the staff to travel deep into the interior to screen and transport the patients to the hospital.

  We have now established a secure and speedy method of transferring funds from here to there so, thanks to the generosity of many members and friends of Marshalswick Baptist Free Church, money is being sent to cover the cost of three air conditioning units for the operating theatres (each will cost £350).  The surgeons will be glad to operate in cool theatres - especially now that the weather in Diptipur is getting extremely hot.  Money is also being sent for a good microscope for laboratory use (the cost will be some £350) and there is a separate gift to buy a new bed and mattress (£125).

   There will still be some money left in the bank account to accumulate towards other necessities.  Our church treasurer or myself will always be delighted to receive donations, which can be gift-aided.

 By Aileen Hagen.