Wednesday 6th May 2020

On Sunday 10th May 2020, it is the start of Christian Aid week. The week runs from the 10th to the 16th May. I know Christian Aid week is normally quite quiet here in this parish, but in many areas it is a week of activities, great and small, door to door collections and a focus away from ourselves. Some of the best plant sales I have ever been to are Christian Aid ones!

This year though it is different. Covid-19 has placed its mark upon all the planned activities. Things will again be different, but it will still happen and we are again challenged to look outside the box.The Archbishop of Wales is encouraging people to still support Christian Aid Week, to ensure our help reaches those in poorer countries who are struggling to survive. This year with Covid-19 that comes with added oomph, surely.

The Archbishop of Wales, John Davies states,

, “At a time that continues, with every justification, to be called unprecedented, it is easy to overlook or even forget the pressing and long-term needs of countless millions in the world who rely on the generosity and love of others to sustain a very basic level of existence. For many it is a question of existence, survival – no more, no less. This means that the work of Christian Aid must continue to be remembered and supported, even at the most challenging of times, because without it, our needy brothers and sisters go hungry, go thirsty, lack justice. They lose out and lose out badly.

Could Covid-19 be the exact challenge that we can rise too? Yes, of course the virus has had - and continues to have - all manner of challenges to us in our daily lives, but we are able to call for support and are not starving. We know there are many displaced and disadvantaged people out there in the UK, but we are told that there are in place, agencies to care and offer protection and housing, throughout this time. We do not know fully whether this does address the needs, and certainly access to the Food banks' are not as easy. But what exactly is happening other countries which are not as affluent and not as able as many of the European countries?

So for us the challenge is to think beyond ourselves to the needy of this world to hear Christ's voice and to see Him in his people everywhere. We can be creative and raise some funds for Christian Aid. Who is up for a Christian Aid Zoom coffee morning, perhaps inviting people to donate a £1 or two? Or who will ask their family to sponsor you in something out of your normal remit, eg read a challenging book, live meat free for a week, bake a cake for a neighbour etc and for each, give a small donation to the work of Christian Aid. I know we are limited presently in what we can do and where we can go, but we can think and be creative in that thinking, and by doing that have a bit of fun, brighten someone's day and help our brothers and sisters in their needs. We can all care.

Archbishop John Davies says again:

"As you meet you own challenges during these difficult times at home, as you give thanks for the countless people around who keep the wheels of life turning, albeit in ways that are unusual and strange, I urge you not to forget those elsewhere who have so very much less on which to rely. You will find plenty of information on the Christian Aid website, including information about how to donate." “Thank-you for your generosity.”

Recorded prior to the Coronavirus outbreak.

Christian Aid Week starts on Sunday, May 10, with a live-streamed service at 1pm with Dr Rowan Williams, Chair of Christian Aid. To donate by telephone, please call 020 7523 2269