Wednesday 1st May welcomed Bishop Cherry, Revd. Bill Savage and his Wife Lynn to St Michael’s, Llanvihangel Crucorney to share stories of their time in South Africa. A group of clergy and laity visited the Diocese of the Highveld, forging more links with our own Diocese.
The evening’s talk focussed on the importance of the Church in South Africa and the many social programmes it runs. The presence of the Church is providing help and support in areas where corruption and violence is rife. It was explained the Church is acting as the social system, not the Government. Projects and programmes included nurseries and primary schools that are trying to provide positive change to children in particularly challenging social and economic circumstances. The Bishop’s team were humbled by the communities’ generosity, particularly the Mother’s Union who would pay for, prepare and hand out free hot meals to all those in need from their own funds. Their lack of finances is being supported by this year’s Diocesan Lent Appeal which will help these ongoing projects continue to support the people of the Highveld.
The Bishop talked of future return trips, possible clergy exchanges as well as forging links with Ministry Areas in coming years. The evening was accompanied by a wonderful wine and cheese selection (the red was a South African Pinotage of course!) Thank you to Jan and Tim for kindly arranging this. Thank you to Revd. David who invited Bishop Cherry to share her South African stories.