News from Whitefield Christian Trust
The Change From Missonary To Pastoral Work
On Ascension Day 1976 I was watching the clouds out of my window on a flight to Lima, Peru. It seemed an appropriate day to be up in the air amongst the clouds remembering Jesus' return to heaven, what a comfort to know that he was at the right hand of God ready to hear my prayers – and there were plenty of them that day! It was the start of 30 years of service with Latin Link: 19 in Peru and 11 based in the UK. In Lima I was involved in Christian education - working with children, training Sunday School teachers and writing teaching materials - however I also became involved in shanty town work – evangelism, pastoral work, discipleship, feeding programmes etc. For family and health reasons I returned to the UK and took up a pastoral role, supporting our team members both in the UK and abroad, travelling out to Latin America three times a year to visit them.
In 2006 I retired from the mission and came to Herne Bay to take up the position of Pastoral Care Worker at Christ Church, which also includes leading services and preaching. So here I am in a little flat with a garden, just five minutes from the Church - I can actually get there in three minutes if I run! My living room is used for Bible study groups, Pastoral Care Team meetings and individuals who come in need of help. Many have said what a lovely flat it is and that it has a really warm atmosphere, it's a joy to be able to use it for the Lord. Initially I bought the flat with my sister's help with an inheritance from my mother but last year my sister needed the money she had invested and it was then I turned to the WCT for help. They bought my sister's share of the property and I am so very grateful, without their help I really don't know what I would have done. It has been a very tangible expression of God's loving care and provision.
