The vision of Gillingham to Bangalore (India 2018) actually goes beyond 2018. It's long-term vision is for St Mark's Church to establish an on-going partnership with mission and ministry in India.
It is a partnership in the strict sense that we are not just about going to India in 2018. It is a two-way path. We are working towards making it possible to welcome back Indian Pastors and leaders to visit, serve and teach us here in the UK.
It's purpose is also to renew our missionary DNA of St Mark's and the blessing that past Exodus projects and such have been in the last century.
Deano's reading from the
First Book of Generosity
Chapter 3 verse 5 (Revised Standing Version)
'To the Church of St Mark's in Gillingham write:
There will be a might wind,
shouldst thou partake too much
of the soup of the lentil and I say unto you;
giveth this day most generously in your bidding
- especially for Lot 20 -
that I may bless you in your passage to India.
Search diligently into your hearts
and the darkness recesses of your wallets.
For it is written - to those that do dig deep
for a classic mini car ride or a three-course
Pakistani meal, to them I shall show favour
and decree there are no more hold ups
in thy quest for an accessible toilet
and that the Gills shall not suffer relegation.
This is possibly not the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Over the coming year we have a number of fundraising events planned, so that we can truly bless these ministries. Sunday, Feb 26th was the very first of our events ... an Auction of Gifts & Talents. There were so many wonderful things on offer, including:
Transport for that special night out, transport to Gatwick & Heathrow, or simply for that shopping trip ...
Drum lessons ...
A plethora of meals - Pakistani, Chinese, Sunday roast and so much more ...
And even ballroom dancing lessons, which several students took advantage of ...
I'd like to say a HUGE THANK YOU to all those who made soup and helped serve, to Pauline for her help with all things admin on the day, to Chris & Gary for helping keep me sane(ish) and, especially, to Deano for his amazing job as auctioneer :-)
In total we raised £2,006
How amazing is that!!!
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