We announced this Diocese of Down & Dromore appeal in church yesterday – the Select Vestry have already agreed to donate the cost of 1 bicycle, but we would love to be able to donate more! – there will be a collection bucket in church over the next few weeks. If you are able, please donate whatever you can.
Thank you 
Bishop David has launched a diocesan appeal for 100 bicycles for clergy in Maridi Diocese, South Sudan.
The diocese has 92 priests and 5 deacons plus lay readers, evangelists and Mothers’ Union workers serving 75 parishes. These are scattered across a wide area, largely inaccessible by car, meaning that to reach their congregations clergy must walk long distances for many hours.
On his recent visit to Maridi, the bishop was able to meet, spend quality time, pray and worship with the faith filled clergy and lay people of the diocese.
“The Diocese of Maridi has the same number of parishes as Down and Dromore but each parish will often have many worshipping communities with new ones being birthed continually as the diocese grows.
“Most of the clergy do not receive a stipend having to exist by growing their own crops and perhaps keeping a few chickens and goats. In this way they resource their ministries and provide for their families. I was impressed by the biblical literacy; prayer lives and the costly commitment of these wonderful clergy who lack any form of transport and carry out their ministerial duties on foot.
“Strong, suitable bicycles for pastors are urgently needed and can be purchased for £200 each. I am appealing to all parishes to help us reach our target of 100 bicycles.”
