During the past year we were allocated a budget of £31,500 to invest in mission and evangelistic activities.

We had continuing “commitments” to organizations both home and abroad of about £19000, although this figure included a special gift to B@titude of £3500 towards a trip to Zambia made by a group of Mums and Daughters from Leatherhead. Several of these were from victimized backgrounds and it was believed the visit would help them greatly in their healing. This proved a tremendous success and Jackie and I attended an evening on their return where we saw just how profoundly their own lives had been impacted by the trip.

A number of new initiatives were considered and funds distributed to the following;

*Sahaara Charitable Trust    (Gospel mission to children in Mumbai)       £500

*FRRME (Andrew White’s ministry in Iraq)                                                    £500

*Lambeth Conference                                                                                        £500

*GAFCOM Conference in Jerusalem                                                                £500

*Doctor Ernest Nwaigbo attending World Health Conferences                 £1000 

During the summer months we enjoyed visits from two of our Missionary partner

families. The Hickey’s (Interserve) from Katmandu in June and the Finnie’s based in

South Africa with Crosslinks attended the First Sunday service in July.

Dr Ernest successfully completed his dissertation and gained a Merit award and I was delighted to be able to attend the Graduation ceremony prior to their return to Owerri in January. Many of our congregation was able to meet with Ernest & Glory at the Harvest Supper and Festival celebration, and it is hoped that we might go on this year to help him with the provision of an improved Medical Centre and equipment facilities to encourage continue him as he makes a significant impact both medically and spiritually back in Owerri.

 We purchased 400 copies of an excellent hard back book to be used at the Crib services called “The Camel who found Christmas” and this was given as a gift to all the young people who went to the two services at Christmas 2008.

 Outreach at St Andrew’s is our collective activity, and the Committee believes it is important that everyone in the Church feels able to make suggestions as to where we might direct some of our giving in the future, so if you have any ideas or suggestions, or indeed if you would like to participate on the Committee, please contact either myself as Chairman or the Vicar.

We want to thank everyone at St Andrew’s whose generosity in their stewardship and individual giving to the Church makes these gifts possible. We pray that God will bless each of the beneficiaries as they serve in His name. Thank you for your continued support in these difficult times. We ARE making a difference to many lives.