The PCC decided that we should increase our charitable giving in line with the biblical principles of tything, and a further portion of our wealth has been earmarked for supporting carefully chosen charities working with underprivileged and persecuted people abroad.

Kenward Trust
St Patrick’s Trust
Society of Martha & Mary
CDAFSW
St Luke’s Hospital
The Toy Box Charity
St George’s Church Baghdad
Restored Lives Programme
ACET Uganda

As you can imagine it is not easy for Christians in a Moslem country - especially in a country with as many problems as Iraq.  This church is supported through Coventry Cathedral.  They have a congregation of 300, but no full time rector, no pews, plumbing, and no money for repairs.  Their roof was damaged in 2003 by rocket fire!

The Church Times of July 21st reports: “The entire lay leadership team of St George's, the Anglican church in Baghdad, are believed to have been killed while returning from a conference in Jordan”.

“Let the children live”.  This is a Christian charity started in 1992.  It operates in Latin America, mainly Guatemala, Costa Rica and Bolivia.  Their aim is to rehabilitate the many street kids.  Slowly after gaining their trust this charity works towards moving these children off the streets into homes, and eventually if possible placing them with new families.

We have decided that this will be the charity sponsored by our Sunday school children, and hopefully the school will also become involved.

We will be helping to support a junior school in Nakulabye. 

Most of these children are orphans due to AIDS.  Many will go on to develop it themselves.  They are given a bowl of porridge every morning, and wear purple T’ shirt and shorts as uniform.  There are no proper classrooms and little equipment, but they are being given a good education.

This charity works all over the world, but we were especially touched by the plight of people in Afghanistan.  Due to terrible poverty, young children labour long hours weaving carpets.  Their working environment is hostile and many become ill or die as a result.  “World in Need” strives to educate and improve the quality of life of disadvantaged people wherever they live.

Web site links for new charities:

 The Toy Box Charity: www.toyboxcharity.org.uk

 St George’s Church Baghdad: www.stchcathedral.com.bh/st-georges/appeal.htm

 Restored Lives Programme: www.winint.org

 ACET Uganda: www.acet-international.org/kampala.htm