Hilary Murphy

In the Name of Jesus

Hilary is a nurse by profession and came to a living faith in Jesus at St John’s. She has always had a heart for the marginalised and underprivileged and after serving God in our church and paying 5 visits to the orphanage at Bethany in Tanzania she felt called into full time ministry. Hilary trained at St John’s Nottingham and served a curacy at Holy Trinity Blackpool. In October 2008 she went out to South Africa to serve God in Bloemfontein, a link dioceses with Blackburn. She works at the Cathedral there but her main emphasis is on serving the people in the townships and trying to build links with the people who have so much and those in the townships who sometimes have no more than a tin shelter to live in. Hilary has found a massive divide there between cultures but she has found great faith amongst people who have so little. She has a close association with both a children’s and an adult hospice there

You will find Hilary’s prayer letters follow:

December 2011

What can I give Him poor as I am?
If I was a Shepherd I would bring a lamb
If I was a wise man I would do my part
Yet what I can I give – I give my heart

The time here in the UK has been filled with much support and love and I am truly blessed. I am very grateful to God for His outpouring heart through so many people

I have also had a trip to Northern Ireland, where I was received very warmly there by Drumcree Parish Church and where I stayed with Gary and Heather Galway and family. I was at St Johns College in Nottingham with Gary and so to have the gift of ministering with him there, was truly wonderful

Christmas is a time of great joy and happiness for many people but also a time of great pain and sadness for others. It can become a time of struggle as we wrestle with things in our lives which need the touch of God. The thought which has come to me strongly this Christmas, is that the God who made the Universe, left the comfort of the Throne room in heaven ,to come and dwell amongst us here on earth

The people of South Africa are always in my mind and as Christmas draws nearer I think of last year and the celebrations we had. It is very difficult being here, knowing that many children will not even know it is Christmas. When I think of the families in the townships I think of Jesus and the following scripture speaks of His humility for the sake of humanity

‘Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of Himself. He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of Himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, He stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, He lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion.’ Philippians 2:5-8 (The Message)

The thought of God making Himself so vulnerable – as a new born baby, and to be born in similar conditions, if not worse than the people in the township – because of His love for humanity is truly humbling. This Christmas please spare a thought for the people who work very hard to keep us in our comfortable ways of living. Those who are at the grassroots of society, and who earn very little, despite the long hours of working at menial tasks

When shopping here in the UK it has been hard to see shops full to bursting with clothes, made by people in foreign lands and shelves stocked with so much food, ready for Christmas. Restaurants serving food which spills off the plates, because there is so much, It really has been an eye opener, more so than before I went to S. Africa

MAY YOU KNOW THE PRESENCE OF JESUS THIS CHRISTMAS, CHERISH THE LOVE YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN FOR THAT IS GOD FOR GOD IS LOVE

MUCH LOVE
GOD BLESS
HILARY

September 2011

I am back in the UK and am speaking at various churches and venues. Last year someone asked if I could write where I was to speak, as they could not get to one of the venues and would have liked to attend another place. Please ring for further details Tel : 07758 688 574

• Sunday 23rd October … Holy Trinity South Shore, Blackpool
• Sunday 30th October … All Saints Church, Halifax
• Tuesday 8th November .. Mothers Union Holy Trinity Blackpool 2.30pm
• Friday 11th November … St Aidan’s School, Preesall 12 noon
• Wednesday 16th November… St James, Clitheroe, 10.30am
• Friday 18th November Mother’s Union, Bolton le Sands
• Sunday 20th November St John’s, Baxenden 10.15am

I am back for around 6 months as I am taking a month’s leave during December, following the speaking engagements. I then am to go to Loyola Hall in Liverpool for a retreat and to do some training in Spiritual Direction. This is for a further 3 months

Please pray for the people in Bloemfontein. I have laid the work down there whilst I am away as there is no vehicle available to continue the work, even though there are willing volunteers to help

I have now left the Cathedral and put my furniture in storage

During a prayer time in the township, where the people sang and spoke of their love for the people of the UK, giving thanks for you and for all you have done for them

The people are praying for the future and for help for me to gain a place to live and a vehicle. They are willing to help and want to help in the ministry

As one of the people said – you came to us, Jesus sent you, we needed guidance and now we know that Jesus is the way. Thank you

Beauty for brokenness
Hope for despair
Lord, in your suffering
This is our prayer

Bread for the children
Justice, joy, peace
Sunrise to sunset
Your kingdom increase!

The words of one of the ladies who spoke in the
township – ‘If God is for us, who then can be against us?’

In the economic climate it is the poor who suffer, even more than they are suffering already. The gap between the rich and the poor is widening

In the west the richest 10% earn 9 times that of the poorest

It is time to step up our solidarity with those who have less, to give until it hurts as Mother Theresa said. If we do not stand in solidarity with the poor who will ? It was one of the things which Jesus asked us to do: I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me. I was in prison and you came to visit me. Matthew 25:35-39

Eunice and Meiki – support each other and are to pray and read the bible with others who are neighbours. Meiki had just given her life to Jesus and asked the Holy Spirit to fill her and help her

Prayer points:

• For clarity for the future
• To encourage the church in South Africa to serve the poor
• Thanks to all the churches, and groups here in the UK, for their support
• Strength for the people in the township, that they will continue to support each other and pray together
• For compassionate hearts in the world, amongst the rich

August 2011

I am still awaiting the reply as to whether my residents/work permit has been accepted. It can take many months. It expired on the 1st September, but I am allowed to stay whilst the decision is pending

I was approached to teach a group of Health Professionals about Aspects of Spirituality in Paediatric Palliative Care. It was a great opportunity and we enjoyed the session. Part of the teaching was to re capture the child within themselves, to enable them to connect to the children they care for. So I gave them some plasticine, bubbles and crayons to play with. It was a special time and they were also able to be open about the pressures they face in their work, which are enormous, due to shortage of staff and the huge needs due to poverty and HIV/AIDS

Blowing bubbles – experiential learning !!!

Working creatively with the staff and children from Tsepo House Hospice

I have also been back to help the Nuns in Lesotho on a special task for them, and to celebrate, one of the sisters 50th year of her life profession

I am now preparing to return back to the UK for a visit , expecting to arrive on 20th October. I am looking forward to seeing everyone, and already have some Sundays booked at some churches. It has been a challenging year, and also very special having both of my sons coming out to stay for a while. I am looking forward very much to seeing them and my grandson. Now I have much to do, packing up the whole of my possessions and put them in storage, as I have to leave the accommodation at the cathedral. It will be a busy time

Pamela, a new volunteer (on the left) with Matsadisho

Pamela is hoping to continue the work whilst I am away. We have approached some people to see if they also can help. Pamela can drive but unfortunately we don’t have a car once I leave for the UK, as it has to be returned to the cathedral

Prayer Requests

• Thanks for prayers answered re New Opportunities – please continue
• Thank you for Pamela a new volunteer
• For direction for the Nuns in Lesotho
• For development of the teaching opportunities
• Thank you for time to be with God and for His still small voice
• For discernment and wisdom for God’s will
• Thank you for God’s provision and faithfulness
• For the approval of the work permit
• Thanks for the continuing and faithful support from the UK
• For increasing support and awareness in SA
• For more encouragement
• For protection spiritually and emotionally
• For good supportive and trusting relationships here
• For help in order to continue the work whilst I am away

July 2011

News following on from the last prayer letter

We arranged for James to see a psychologist and he now is receiving treatment

Masabaka lost her fight for life. During a prayer and art session she drew a cross and a coffin, and said she knew she was dying. We took her baby to see her and she feasted her eyes on her child, holding her hand. I prayed and anointed both mother and child and they became so peaceful they fell asleep together. Masabaka remained peaceful as we took her baby back home. She passed away the following morning. During the art session she chose a picture which shows the hands of a child and an adult. The words above it said In His Hands… She knew she and her child were in the hands of her Lord

Masabaka’s child being cared for by the community where she lived in the township. The decision has yet to be made as to where the child will go now

Rea another lady at the hospice paints during the art and prayer sessions which I have started at Tsepo House

Both staff and patients enjoy the art and prayer. They are proving a valuable time together for us all, where there is sharing, praying and creativity

I have also been approached by a Christian lady who owns a Lavender Farm and wants to use her skills to help uplift the community. I was asked to speak to 24 people who are training to grow lavender. She wants to develop her farm into a new expression of church. This is exciting but also very misunderstood here in conservative Free State and she has faced much criticism. She is an Afrikaaner lady and she has visited the township with me to see how people live

We now have a regular donation of food and bread each week, which is a great help as it means more food can be given to the people

The 3rd July was my birthday ! I had a wonderful present – my son Dominic was able to come for a visit and to help in the township. It has been a great blessing to have him stay for a while

Prayer Points

• For the healing of James’ mind
• Thanks for the life of Masabaka and that her suffering is no more
• For her baby’s future
• Thanks for the provision of regular food
• For the art and prayer sessions – for God to work through them
• For the ministry at the Lavender Farm
• Thanks for a wonderful birthday and time with Dominic
• For the work permit application
• Thanks for the continuing and faithful support from the UK
• Thanks for increasing support and awareness in SA
• For more encouragement
• For protection spiritually and emotionally
• For good supportive relationships here
• For answers to prayers about my sons and Grandson
• For answers to prayers about new opportunities
• For answers to prayer of God’s faithfulness and provision
• For God’s will to be done – for the leading of the Spirit

June 2011

In the township on Friday, I had a very uplifting day, seeing God so clearly at work…..

In the middle of the shacks we passed this cage with a beautiful white dove and the grey pigeons

Just nearby we were taken to a young man (19) called James’ home. It is one of the worst we have seen. Almost falling down , an umbrella keeps the rain out. A bundle of rags on the ground – the bed

This is James – wearing a new top and a blanket which we gave him. James has suffered great trauma – and has emotionally shut down – we are taking him to see a psychologist to help him. His mother died last year

James stove – a tin is his pan. It appears that the stove has caused a fire in his home as the walls are black

Gladys (a different Gladys to my previous helper) and Abraham helped to clear out James home and make it more stable

We went to the builder’s merchants to buy wood and corrugated iron. It wouldn’t fit in the car, so they wheeled it back over 1 mile – tying it to the wheel barrow using Abrahams shoe laces. They did this twice as we needed more wood later

Maria who has 5 children – is also looking after another mothers child whilst she recovers in the hospice. She agreed to make food for Gladys, Abraham and James

Here with Gladys, she has made them tea. The dove and pigeons are Maria’s – she catches them to feed her children – this is a desperate area , where many people come from Lesotho – where the poverty is even worse there

Gladys enlists more help to lay then vinyl

James sits on his bed – eating the meal Maria made for him. A lady came to me after seeing what had been done and held her hands to her face, crying and saying I have only one word – Jesus – it is Jesus. We all stood in James home and prayed – blessing him and his new home

Prayer Points:

• For James – a blessing to us
• For Maria and family, and the baby’s mother Masabaka in the hospice and her baby which Maria looks after
• For this community which was a hostile place and still can be – when we were there at Christmas there was a shooting when we were there at the nearby shop. Now the people are coming together
• For a suitable vehicle
• For myself as I move from the house at the cathedral to a room at the hospice
• For good health, joy and peace
• Thanks for Gods faithfulness and His continuing provision and protection
• For good relationships
• For my sons Christian, Dominic and George (grandson)
• The opening of new doors and opportunities and for me to recognise them

May 2011

Well the best laid plans often do not come into being, and neither have the plans we made for the garage adaption. Unfortunately we have been let down by the builder and so we are undertaking plan ‘B’ which is to move into a couple of small rooms within the hospice, however we are relying on another builder to just make some minimal changes. Hopefully this will be more successful

As one door closes, another door opens

For the whole of April I have been in Lesotho at the convent of the Sisters of the Precious Blood of Jesus, for a time of retreat. They embraced me warmly and it was a very special time. They live very simply and prayerfully. It was not until 2004 that electricity was installed and still now there are power cuts, which happened whilst I was there during an electrical storm when hailstones as big as golf balls fell and smashed windows and cut off the electricity for four days

Lesotho is much more primitive than South Africa and influenced by the British. The convent is situated in the rural area set amongst the mountains where shepherds look after their sheep and cows which wear bells which ring like in the mountains of Switzerland. The mode of transport is donkey. The nearest shops are in the capital Maseru which is forty minutes drive away

During my time at the convent which is an enclosed order, I was able to minister to the sisters and join in with their life in community. I felt very privileged to be able to live so closely with them and ‘catch’ the essence of their lives. Their hospitality and love seeped into my soul and helped me so much. I was very sad to leave them, but we remain in contact. These amazing women inspired me greatly, their ministry is prayer, the order was set up here in the time of apartheid to pray for peace and unity. I have been deeply moved by my time in this most wonderful place

One day we watched Sister Act and decided that I was like Whoopi Goldberg – breaking all the rules!

Whilst I was away, friends who were visiting from the UK – who you may remember from last year – Clare and Geoff, undertook the work in the township. This was a huge blessing. They returned to the UK on 6th May. I will miss them so much

I now am making plans to move to the hospice. It is a difficult time as the thoughts turn now to action – actually stepping out of the boat – in faith. There is just one thing I have to do – Keep my eyes on Jesus

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2)

O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s a light for a look at the Saviour,
And life more abundant and free!
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
Over us sin no more hath dominion—
For more than conquerors we are!
His Word shall not fail you—He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!

As I think of this song and the road ahead – I feel so excited and full of joy amidst the emotions and anxiety of an unknown path – but Jesus is with me and the adventures we will have together give me those feelings of awe and wonder.
I feel very blessed, and have a deep peace

An abandoned ‘rondavel’ in Masite became a prayer place for me. In this prayer chapel I felt God say to me, ‘Kneel in the dust, put your hands in the dust, keep humble’. Each day I went to pray

Another day the clouds covered the tops of the mountains and God said – you can’t see the tops, you can’t see Me but like the mountains I am still here with you

PRAYER

• Give thanks to Father God to our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, may our lives Glorify our wonderful God
• Thanks for God’s provision enabling the time away in Masite
• Thanks for God’s provision of a room at the hospice
• Thanks for the Sisters at Masite and also for them, as they make decisions about their future. They are all elderly and may have to move
• For discernment and wisdom for the road ahead, to know His will
• To be obedient to God, for His name to be Glorified
• For His continuing provision

March 2011

Well I am on my final week working at the Cathedral here in Bloemfontein. I finish next Sunday 27th March, and then I will go to Lesotho for a while to make the transition emotionally and spiritually. I will then return and hopefully move to my new home at Tsepo House. The work on the garage unfortunately has been delayed until now, but we believe it is for a reason

I am fortunate again to have Clare and Geoff visiting from the UK. They will help me pack and move my things. I am very grateful for this

Hopefully the next prayer letter will show a significant improvement of my new home. The hospice is set in a rural location and is very peaceful, very different than the noisy city centre setting of the Cathedral

Every Monday morning we have our staff meeting when the clergy get together to plan the week and share experiences and problems. This week the clergy came out to the township with me. We held our staff meeting in one of the shebeen’s ( pubs) where people take their meat to be barbequed and where people can eat and drink. It was a special time and the clergy were deeply moved by what they experienced, when we visited some of the people I minister to. The plan now is to continue to step out into the world, to experience together rather than to sit inside the ‘safe’ confines of the Cathedral

UPDATE

Josiah’s foot continues to do well and is healing well

THANK YOU

I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THOSE WHO HAVE RAISED MONEY FOR ME – IT IS GREATLY APPRECIATED AT THIS TIME OF TRANSITION AND FAITH. ALSO FOR THE PEOPLE WHO DONATE REGULARLY AND MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE TO PEOPLES LIVES HERE

I WOULD ESPECIALLY LIKE TO THANK PEOPLE OF HOLY TRINITY CHURCH BLACKPOOL AND ALSO THE FAMILY OF THE LATE CHRIS LYNCH OF BOLTON LE SANDS WHO WAS A DEAR DEVOTED FRIEND AND WHO I WILL MISS TERRIBLY

PRAYERS

• Thank God for His faithfulness
• For continuing healing for Josiah
• For further vision and discernment
• For the work on the garage
• For continuing provision
• For Clare and Geoff, their journey of faith
• For the Cathedral’s vision
• For the new ministry at the hospice and relationships there

February 2011

Josiah

The story about Josiah is the reason I believe that God has brought me here to Bloemfontein. He has diabetes and receives no treatment for this, has received no information about diabetes or how to manage it. He went to the clinic because a small wound on his foot turned into an ulcer the size of a 50pence piece. It was so deep the bone was visible. As I cleaned the wound I saw something emerging from the depth – maggots. His foot was being eaten away by them. This ironically was a good thing because they had eaten away the gangrenous flesh. The clinic, diagnosed gangrene gave him no treatment and sent him home with an appointment at the hospital in 1 month’s time. His foot was so painful and swollen he could not walk. I obtained antibiotics and special dressings and have been visiting 3 times per week for 3 weeks, using cooled boiled water which has been boiled on a paraffin stove and using a candle to view the wound. We have prayed for God to heal Josiah’s foot and each time he insists on prayer and anointing with oil – he can now walk, the swelling has reduced, the maggots removed and the ulcer healing well. His faith has grown and Jesus is his Saviour

There is no doubt that Josiah would have lost his leg if not his life if he had not been treated. We thank God for His guidance and provision

Josiah has given permission for me to write his story

Emily

Emily lives in the wasteland – she and others have been moved by the municipality – from a place near a road to a place far from the road. We have not been able to visit because of the difficult terrain and the inability of the ordinary car in these conditions. We are just praying that she is ok. Emily has only one leg which is contracted and she is unable to walk at all. She is at the mercy of those around her. Here she reads a bible we gave her

We pray that she is ok

The Lord is the everlasting God

The Creator of the ends of the earth.

He will not grow tired or weary,

And His understanding no one can fathom.

He gives strength to the weary

And increases the power of the weak.

Even youths grow tired and weary,

And young men stumble and fall;

But those who hope in the Lord

Will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

They will run and not get weary,

They will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:28-31

One day we were taken to an area in the township where there were many sick people. As we walked back to the car after praying for a man – an eagle circled around us in the air – I knew God was saying He was with us, He could see all and was guiding us. The above scripture came to mind

For quite some time now we have been praying about the next step which I wrote about in the last prayer letter. Bishop Paddy has given permission for me to follow the calling fully, and to focus on the work in the township and hospice. I will begin the move from the Cathedral at the end of March and will spend some time in Lesotho to make the transition. We are currently seeking to adapt the garage at Tsepo House , for me to move into. I am very grateful to those who have started raising money and who have made donations to help support me in this move which will develop the ministry further

New Life

Baby Lucia

One of the four babies born this year, we provide milk each week for the babies to survive. Mothers with HIV cannot breastfeed as the virus may be passed to the baby. This is Josiah’s great grandchild

I have been given the opportunity to take a course on Palliative Care for children, which I have started this week. It will help me enormously with the work, and I am very grateful for this provision

PRAYER REQUESTS

• For Emily
• Give thanks for the healing of Josiah’s foot
• For the four babies born this year
• For discernment to follow God and take the opportunities He is giving
• Thanks for the donations to help me keep walking into this calling
• For God’s provision for all that lies ahead
• For a smooth and positive move to Tsepo House
• For me to make the transition emotionally, psychologically and spiritually
• Give thanks to God for providing people who encourage and support

11 February 2011

It is an exciting time – and yes things are moving forward – I am in God’s Hands and He has started to provide – A couple recently who I don’t know recently said God wanted them to speak to another friend about a fridge and oven they were disposing of – he knew I may need them. The couple knew nothing about me. So I now have these and a garage which we are to adapt to live in. I am so grateful to Him for asking me to do what I am doing – I am deep-ly moved by His call on my life – the hardest bit has been defending the call and now walking into it – but now the Bishop is taking it seriously. It is all about Trust but God is my Father and He has said He is going to show me how much He loves me and He will provide – I am very peaceful and bubbling with Joy – I am truly blessed – I just need to keep on walking into the call. Yesterday I was asked to see a man – he has a ulcer on his foot – the clinic said it was gangrene and sent him home with NOTHING and to return in 1 month – when I looked it is about the size of a 50p and very deep – to the bone , then I saw something wriggling – maggots – the wound was full , but thankfully they love dead flesh and they have eaten this away – I cleaned it , we prayed – today the swelling has gone down and I removed I hope th last maggot ! I got him antibiotics and I will visit regularly – he asked again today for prayer and to be anointed with the oil I carry around – please pray for the man ( Josiah )- that he will be healed and God’s name glorified . Sorry you got all this – but this is why I am here – just trying to explain. Please keep praying Rog.

January 2011

BELATED HAPPY NEW YEAR !

The New Year is a time for looking ahead – stepping out – taking on new challenges. I have been praying for sometime, listening for the Lord’s voice. It is of ultimate importance that I follow what I believe God is saying. As I flew into Bloemfontein Airport on my way back from the UK – a sign said :-

KE NAKO ! (NOW IS THE TIME !)…. To take further steps

This year will bring some changes – it is the final year of my current work permit – so I have to reapply. There should not be a problem, as Bishop Paddy has given permission for me to apply again under the Anglican Church, which should make the process much easier. The vision is emerging, to maybe move from the cathedral, and out to the hospice with whom I could work much more closely, with more focus and time given to the most vulnerable people, the work in the township continuing and developing. This is being prayed through by people both here in South Africa and in the UK and I am very grateful for the support of the Bishop, Dean and my Spiritual Director and Spiritual Companions.

This would mean that I would give up the position at the cathedral as it is at the moment, which also may mean the security of the house, car, and stipend, as I realise this will be needed for the person who takes my place at the cathedral. This is a huge step of faith, as I depend more and more on God.

I am being released from some of the Sunday services so that I can start ministering in the township and hospice on a Sunday. This starts this week as I start a service in the hospice, Tsepo ( Hope ) House.

The patients are very sick, some dying, but some will rehabilitate and return home, where we follow them up in the township. They are all looking forward to the Sunday services.

I am very excited by this as it is a completely new venture for the Anglican Church here in Bloemfontein.  I have asked to remain an Anglican priest, and the Bishop has also given permission for me to do so.

Please pray for God’s provision of a vehicle, place to stay and funding for myself to live.

I do believe that God will provide.

AND THE SHOW GOES ON !

From 2 weeks old to 80 years – we all had fun !!

PRAYER POINTS :

• Give thanks for Laura and pray for her future in teaching
• Please pray for discernment of the ministry, how this may develop
• For provision for the future
• For God to guide us to the people He wants to help
• For the new service for the patient’s and staff at Tsepo House
• For a smooth renewal of the work permit,
• For inner strength to have courage to make the changes and trust God

December 2010

The angel of the Lord visited the shepherds‘Behold I bring tidings of great joy’

THE VISIT OF THE KINGS

CHRISTMAS DAY

Happy Christmas

thank you for all

your help

God Bless you

November 2010

TIME IN ENGLAND

Well a very big THANK YOU to you all, for the support you have given whilst I was in the UK and for the work here in South Africa

I would like to remind you that without your support the work could not happen. I am also very grateful to Mariske and Linda who kept the show on the road whilst I was away

Dominic and George (my son and grandson) wearing Bafana Bafana shirts – the South African football team shirts

It was a good time in England seeing my family especially, and friends, spending time, eating together and generally catching up. Unfortunately I now need to diet as I cannot fit into my clothes !!!!! It was very busy and I desperately needed a rest when I got back, which I was able to get as I had kept the first week quiet

He makes us lie down in green pastures Ps 23

A photo I took whilst walking in the Lake District

PREPARATIONS FOR CHRISTMAS

Being back in the township was an enormous boost and I feel fully alive again. More good news is that the Dean has released me for 2 of the 4 Sundays of the month to enable me to visit the people in the Township and Hospice on those days. Also a wonderful gift of being free on Christmas Day to visit the people, I am so excited by this and also that Christian my oldest son will be with me, as he is visiting me for Christmas. It will be a very special time

We are hoping to give families a cooked chicken, bread, cake and juice and for the children a present. We are currently collecting the names of the children. Christmas Day is usually just another day for the people, Band Aids words ‘ Do they know its Christmas ‘ come to mind – This year will be different for a few of the many

One of the women said Pastor – we are going to get together and prepare something for the day – we are going to sing for you

CHANGING LIVES

Items which the women made to sell in the UK

The women who had worked hard making things for me to bring to the UK to sell were very happy with what they made from their work. We are now busy making more things. We are extremely grateful to John Walker who made special bead making tools for the women to make beads with. They love this and are becoming very productive, and more confident

Dorah and Caroline with some of their beads

Prayer points

• Thanks for the support received from the UK
• Thanks for the time given to visit the township on Sundays
• For the time in the township on Christmas Day
• For enough food and presents for Christmas Day
• For the women’s lives to be changed through the beadmaking and crafts
• For the safe arrival of Caroline’s baby (above) due Christmas Day
• For a safe journey to South Africa for Christian on 17^th December
• A special time with Christian
• For Dominic and George

July 2010

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favour and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendour

I have just received a letter from a friend, AND I AM THANKFUL. She said how much the May prayer letter touched her, but how it seemed hopeless. I too sometimes feel that it is hopeless, but then I am reminded in some way that God is here in the midst, with us as we journey together. You may read stories which are difficult to read and absorb, about the world which we live in, but wherever and whatever is happening – there is God. I was due to visit the township when the people who were coming with me phoned to say they were ill. I just said well Lord whatever will be will be – it’s over to You and if I have to go alone then that is ok

I went to bed and slept peacefully, and when I awoke somehow knew that I had a message on my phone from the person God intended to accompany me ( I hadn’t heard it as it was on silent). There was a message from a parishioner from the Cathedral saying I owe you my life – I knew I had to ring the person and ask if they would come with me – 87 year old Paddy once again joyfully and eagerly joined me. Once again people were blessed, once again God was faithful

We visited families in the pouring rain and severe cold – children shivering in short pants, no shoes, soaked to the skin asked me for some chocolate. I had none, but wrapped the last blanket I had around his shoulders and hugged him and prayed with him and the people gathered around the car.  As I went to bed in my warm bed I thought of the people in their shacks in minus 6 temperatures, wet, no food, some of them ill. It breaks my heart to know the conditions, it breaks God’s heart too and that is why people in their compassion respond, as God touches their hearts and they act. This morning I had a phone call –‘Hilary we would like to buy 60 blankets for the people, can you come with us?’

When your heart is touched – know that it is God, when you are prompted to act – know that it is His Spirit leading you. Have confidence in our faithful God who is for His people and not against them

He is working in you as much as anyone – reaching out to you, hoping that you will hear Him and receive His love. Above all be thankful

‘Two of them were going to a village called Emmaus. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus Himself came up and walked with them…….When He was at table He took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognised Him.’ Luke 24

As we journey together may our eyes and hearts be opened to our Living God Jesus Christ who walks with us and to the Holy Spirit who empowers us

More workshops – less stress – decorating tins for candles for prayer

The women are excited about the workshops and said afterwards we are so happy now – our stress has gone!

16 people gathered for the Alpha training which began with breakfast

These beautiful flowers were brought to the house on the morning of training  I felt God was saying here is the bridal bouquet for my Church

The day after the training, I preached at the Cathedral about Discipleship, Freedom in the Spirit and Alpha. Little did we know that a journalist was sat there who had come to report on the World Cup. He came to me and said I am from Holy Trinity Brompton – the church which is the headquarters for Alpha.! He said I looked for a church which ran Alpha and found none here – and came here by chance ! We were absolutely blessed and said God has sent you – He is affirming what we are doing. He will go home reporting England’s loss but with great joy at what God is doing here!!!

HOPE ABOUNDS!!

75 people attended the Introductory Supper

Please Pray:

• For the workshops, time to do them, for God to empower the people
• For the Alpha Course – for God’s Spirit to teach, heal, renew
• For protection for the leaders
• For courage for people to attend
• For people to be led to Jesus
• For the start of Alpha on the 14^th
• For a worship team to be raised
• Give thanks: for the faithfulness of God, the commitment of the people
• For more and more people accompanying me into the township and the barriers of fear being broken down. For the softening of hearts
• For the Mother’s Union at St Margaret’s Church, and the men’s group who are now more and more involved in the township ministry
• For the link between Mother’s Union in SA and the UK
• For people from different churches who are attending the Alpha Course
• For the encouragement and confirmation of the ministry

June 2010

Gladys has moved on

Gladys gained employment recently, and has moved on from helping me. She bears a heavy responsibility for her family, and it is understandable that she needs to earn money for them. She goes with my blessing, even though the loss is a very sad one for me

However God has been very faithful and each week, someone new has come along to accompany me. This is opening up the ministry to more people and their lives are being deeply touched

Mariske is an Afrikaans lady who attends the Cathedral. She helps me every other week. Her father also is available to help. Although they have lived in South Africa all their lives, they have not witnessed the things they experience in the township. I am very grateful for them, they are a huge blessing to the people

On Palm Sunday  I was asked to visit St Margaret’s Church to receive a donation of pumpkins; some grown and some donated. Altogether there were 74 pumpkins which were taken out into the township over the next month

We thank you Father for Your provision

This beautiful photo depicts 3 cultures of the South African people. Black, white and coloured; all God’s children

World Cup Fever is here! After many months, Bloemfontein is ready. Roads widened, stadium prepared, supermarkets stocked, flags being flown, football shirts being worn, vuvuzela’s being blown. People are very excited, the country is taking this very seriously and as African people do – very joyfully!!

Zakumi the mascot is a leopard, a common animal found in South Africa. His colours of green and gold represent South African national sports’ teams colours. His name comes from “ZA”, the code for South Africa, and “kumi”, a word that means “ten” in various African languages

The England Team landed here yesterday ( 3^rd June). They are to stay in Rustenburg, in the North West Province , an hour and a half from Johannesburg. It has the 4^th largest National Parks in South Africa. It is also one of the most heavily mined areas

Bloemfontein Stadium, just 5 minutes walk from where I live. Football was first played in Bloemfontein in 1891. The stadium has had a major upgrade and now seats 45,000. It will host 5 first round games and 1 second round game

FOLLOWING THE WORLD CUP

ALPHA IS COMING TO THE CATHEDRAL!

Please pray for our Alpha Course starting July 14^th

PRAYER REQUESTS:

• Thanks for the faithfulness of God
• Thanks for His presence and stability
• Thanks for the faithful support through prayer, money, letters, emails and phone calls
• Peace throughout the World Cup
• Opportunities for the poorest to be blessed
• People inspired to attend Alpha
• People inspired to help in the Township
• Direction, guidance and patience to wait on God
• Boldness and courage to speak and act
• Wisdom to know and act upon opportunities
• Time to rest and pray