Autumn 2009
PERSECUTION IN VIETNAM
In Vietnam we knew we would be meeting believers from the underground Church, but we were not quite sure what to expect. Usually they have to meet in homes, for fear of being persecuted. On special occasions, they all meet together, using the music school as a cover. Just perfect, considering our gifts to them were guitars! How delighted they were to receive the new instruments! It’s hard for me to describe the sheer joy as they sang of their love for Jesus. It made us realize the cost involved, when we were informed that the young girl who interpreted for us, had been arrested seven times, just because she is a Christian!
POVERTY IN THE PHILIPPINES
The island of Sipaway is one of the furthest places from home we have ever taken guitars! Four flights to get to Illo illo, followed by a dozen different means of transport, getting us to Negros, across the mountains and finally, Sipaway island was in sight. The last leg of our journey was by outrigger boat. This was a very special place. Arriving at the school of 350 children, we were surprised to be told that we were the first visitors from England to visit them. Later that day we were privileged to visit the feeding programme at the local church. We woke the next morning to the most glorious sunrise you could ever imagine. Returning the long journey back to illo illo was an incredible contrast, as we took an outreach service outside the worst slums I’ve seen.
SEFTON VILLAGE, SANTIAGO CITY
Having lived in Scotland for 10 years, John and I had no problem instantly connecting with Mark Richie, and his wife Mary, Scottish missionaries working in The Philippines. The mission work there is the most complete I’ve seen anywhere! First stop was the
prison ministry. What a thrill to take part in a service attended by dozens of prisoners. After the service, seeing the conditions in the cells was quite a shock. I’ve been involved in prison ministry for over 20 years, but I haven’t seen conditions like this before.
Our time in Sefton Village was action packed! During our time there we had a chance to see the diversity of the work that Mark Richie and his wife are involved in. one day will stick out in my mind, we started the day at a prayer meeting in the Bible College in the grounds of Sefton Village, then went on to a feeding programme where 600 children were given a meal. Straight after this we went to the hospital where we split into teams to pray for the sick, something that would be difficult to do here in England. Later that afternoon we spent time with the Street Pastors, sharing the love of Jesus.
Earlier this year, Liz, Becky and I had the privilege of spending 10 days in Romania with the children from the Haven of Hope Orphanage. The children were delighted that each day we had different activities for them.
Thank you very much for your support with Guitar Aid. We are now planning our next trip to Romania, Hungary, Slovakia and Croatia. Your sponsorship and support is very much appreciated.
Thanks once again,
