Parish Mission

OVERVIEW OF THE MISSION SOCIETIES WE SUPPORT

We want to emphasise that we are not ‘giving money to charities’ but seeking to support, learn about, learn from, and above all, pray for the work represented by the societies we support.  We aim to provide a speaker for each charity to bring their work at home or abroad to the notice of both congregations.

Bethany

Not a society as such, but as a parish we are committed to pray for the work led by Samar Sahhar in the two homes in Bethany (Lazarus Home for Boys and Lazarus Home for Girls).  We would want to strengthen those links already established by encouraging more people to visit and work in the homes, and by providing links for the children with young people here.

Christian Aid

Christian Aid

One of the leading aid agencies, which works in partnership with Oxfam, Cafod, TEARFund and similar agencies, to bring relief in the developing world.  In addition, Christian Aid responds to international emergencies and is part of the Disasters Emergency Relief organisation.

Romania

We support the Biggin Hill Romania Project initiative by annually providing Christmas Boxes for the support of disadvantaged families.

Biblelands

Biblelands

Works for the growth of the church in the Middle East and supports a number of projects for disadvantaged communities in Israel, Egypt and Gaza amongst other places.

Bromley Welcare

Bromley Welcare

Provides social care and support for disadvantaged families in the Bromley, Penge and Orpington area.  As an Anglican Church we are committed to supporting this work.  We do this by giving and often providing gifts at Christmas.

 Church Army

Church Army

The twin emphases of the CA today are to train evangelists and Christian youth workers, a number of who work in other parts of the world.  Much of the training for ‘pioneer’ ministry and ‘fresh expressions’ is via the Church Army.

CMS – Church Mission Society

Works in 35 countries in Latin America, Africa, Europe and Asia, is committed to evangelistic mission, resourcing leaders and training, and transforming communities.  We have a link with the Rev Ronni and Nicky Irene in Paraguay – a link which All Souls is seeking to strengthen.

Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East

http://www.frrme.com/

Canon Andrew White now works in Iraq at St George’s Church which ministers to over 550 local Iraqi Christian families, mostly women and children, his work takes him outside the safety of the International Green Zone.  He has faced threats personally and repeated bombings to his church.  FRRME works with some of the most influential political and religious leaders of the Middle East.

ICARE

This is only local support centre for victims of strokes and other debilitating conditions.

Mission to Seafarers

Mission to Seafarers

Toybox

Toybox

 While much of the society’s work is in Central America and Brazil, it has a worldwide network of care for street children, providing Christian care and support. At All Souls there is a growing link (especially with the families) that they would want to continue. They had a speaker from Toybox at the last Breakfast Praise and there was a big commitment from all present.  Pratts Bottom School is expected to take on support for Toybox.

Orpington Food Bank

This is a bi-monthly collection of food for families in need in Orpington.

The flow of information about each area of work is important and to get this information, and keep it up-to-date, has been a challenge.  We have a number of people in the congregation who have natural links with some of the societies we are recommending, and who can therefore provide regular information.  (None of those who are directly involved in the work of one of the societies recommended or even encouraged support of ‘their’ society)