bath & wells: mission

bishop andrew memorial fund

It is a year since Bishop Andrew was so tragically taken from us.  Please remember in your prayers at this time Christine and their daughters Joanne and Nicola.

For some time we have been thinking about how we might initiate some appropriate project that would commemorate Bishop Andrew’s ministry.  He loved being with children and young people; he was at ease in their company.  He did not talk down to them; he loved their curiosity and their energy, qualities which he himself possessed in large measure.  He had many opportunities to meet and share with young people on his trips to Zambia where he found great refreshment.

In talking with Christine and with the Zambian Bishops we wish to invite you to contribute to a special fund which will be used to support Christian work amongst young people in Zambia.  Sport is the universal language of the young and the Zambian Bishops have suggested that what they would really like to see is an inter-diocesan sports tournament.  Such a tournament would provide many opportunities for engagement with young people.  During Andrew’s visits to Zambia he would, for example, have witnessed many children playing football in bare feet using an inflated plastic carrier bag as a football.  Many of the great football clubs of our country began from a church base.  Victorian clergy working in inner city parishes recognised that football was a medium to engage with young people.  That remains true today and perhaps particularly throughout the continent of Africa where the football World Cup will be played in 2010.  Although we have used football as an example, we want to ensure that the inter-diocesan sports tournament includes activities for both girls and boys.

Current Bishop of Taunton, Peter Maurice, is planning to visit the church in Zambia in Octoberr.  As a lifelong supporter of West Ham he knows a thing or two about faith, hope and charity.  Wouldn’t it be good if Bishop Peter could take with him to Zambia news of our appeal to support, in Bishop Andrews’ name, the work amongst young people through this proposed inter-diocesan sports tournament?

This appeal comes with the full support of both our Bishops and with Christine Radford’s blessing.  Please give generously in support by sending a cheque made payable to the Bath and Wells Diocesan Board of Finance and send to The ‘Bishop Andrew Memorial Fund’, The Old Deanery, Wells, BA5 2UG.  If you are giving as an individual and you are a UK taxpayer, please consider completing and returning a Gift Aid Form.

Jenny Humphreys

Execurive Secretary Zambia Link

Nick Denison

Diocesan Secretary