Chris Parker

Hi my name is Chris and I am the final member of the 'Team' going out to South Africa. 
 

For the past 4 years I have had the privilege, together with Claire, of accompanying the young people of 'The Room' on their journey of faith.

I can honestly say that it has been a privilege to have this role as well as exciting and fun! Our journey to Africa started just over 2 years ago when we were sitting in the Ivel Room at Church and someone said, that as a group we ought to do something more than just talk about faith, we should put it into action.

We asked DJ (see his blog) to come and talk to us about his experiences in Africa working with 'Hands at Work'. This was the start, we set ourselves up fundraising goal and started a series of events, but more importantly we started to prepare ourselves.

Are we ready? People keep asking this question, and I tend to shrug it off, I'm not sure any amount of preparation will fully prepare us. We believe that God has called us into this venture and we are going together as a team of 11 to fulfil His purpose and share His love.

We are very grateful to everyone who has supported us, financially and as I write this I can confidently say that we have now exceeded our total. Any further funds that come in will allow us to make a donation to 'Hands at Work' for the housing, feeding and education of orphaned children in Africa.

We are also grateful for people's prayers, for those who have taken part in the "50 Days of Prayer", those who are praying for us separately. We are thankful for the support of the congregations at St Andrew's, at Biggleswade Baptist Church and the churches of our Deanery. We are also grateful for the support of Rose Westwood from Hands at Work, Dean Pusey our DYO, Rev Lindsay Dew, Rev Lesley Bentley. 

From my point of view, as I have already said, I am very privileged to have been a part of this group for the past 4 years, to watch them grow in faith, and to share this journey with them has been fantastic. 

Please continue to pray for us throughout our trip it is now only 10 days till we leave Aarrghh!!!