Those of us who were able to come and listen to the Rev Dr Ken Jeffrey's account of his visits to Peru had the privilege of witnessing a man whose love for his fellow man is very real. Just as real is his anger at the way in which people, especially abandoned children, are treated. They are considered fit only for extermination and an example that shocked us was that of police leaving tempting-looking, but poisoned, sandwiches out for the children. Ken's drive and determination to do something to help these people, to give them hope, was inspiring. The Vine Trust deserves and needs our continuing support in prayer and maybe, just maybe, some-one from among us or close to us might feel moved to follow in the footsteps of those who have gone out to Peru to work with and for these children.
Ann Varley-Tipton
Needs are manifold and the number of charitable organisations seemingly endless. One can, understandably, feel swamped and powerless to make any difference. Yet we would like to do something, however small, and have put together a small project to support a Christian-based charity called The Vine Trust, focusing our efforts to do so on the month of June.
To quote from their website: "The Vine Trust is an international interdenominational charity with a vision to see communities transformed. We work to bring opportunity, health and hope to disadvantaged communities and marginalised people with a particular concern for vulnerable children."
Our proposal is to support the work of The Vine Trust through prayer and in other ways:
* By individual prayer and by offering The Vine Trust and our All Saints project in prayer at the Thursday Eucharist.
* On Tuesday 10th June the Rev Dr Ken Jeffrey, Minister of Cupar Old Parish Church, will give a talk on the work of The Vine Trust, in particular their work in Peru with which he has been personally involved, at 7.30pm in All Saints Church Hall. This also affords an opportunity for outreach and Fr Jonathan is inviting other local churches to attend.
* A sheet of "prompts" has been drawn up for each day in June and will be given out in church on 1st June. The idea is to invite us to consider just how much we have, and often take for granted, while in some parts of the world children live on the streets and people really have no guaranteed "daily bread". There is also the invitation to set some money aside for The Vine Trust as we "count our blessings", but there is no obligation to do so.
Please do support this small project. Who knows what may come from the sowing of these seeds about The Vine Trust in All Saints?
Ann Varley-Tipton
Christine Barclay