Newsf r o mAbbey United Reformed Church, Romseyand sister church at Braishfield

October 2010

MINISTER’S LETTER October 2010 Dear friends, Christianity has had quite a battering over recent months. It has come from those who claim to speak for the true Gospel but in fact distort it by their own prejudice, ignorance and self aggrandisement (a certain pastor in Florida playing games with Qur’an burning comes to mind). It has come from those who within the institution of the church have used unaccountable power to abuse and manipulate (and the child abuse scandals continue to leave immense damage not just in the Roman Catholic community but across the churches). It has come from divisions over human sexuality and the place of women which continue in parts of the church to exclude and marginalise people whose gifts should be recognised. And it has come from those who wish to see religion and science as in total opposition (rather than twin paths to truth).

Those who hold a militant atheist belief have lapped up such stories of division and decline. Of course they are less than honest in recognising the other side of the equation. They like extremists and ignore the very many people who are thoughtful, humble and gracious in the sharing of their faith. They like scandals and ignore the many whose lives are made more compassionate and courageous by their faith. They like divisions and ignore the incredible way in which the Christian faith has drawn people of many different backgrounds and races, personalities and ideas together and helped people listen to others with greater openness and charity.

So do we have a faith worth sharing? That is the theme of our church’s weekend away on 5/7 November. It is also a question to reflect on at our next Church Meeting when we will be starting our preparations for the third year in our Vision4Life programme – the Evangelism Year. It is on 14 October at 7.30 pm and our guest speaker will be Revd Tim Sledge, the Vicar of Romsey; please come.

When our faith is being challenged and perhaps at times mocked, the idea of sharing it with others (with the possibility that it may be rejected) can be difficult; and to be honest today evangelism can be an off-putting word for many of us: perhaps it has too many associations with insensitive and arrogant proclamations of belief. Yet at its simplest it is can be simple, natural and genuine – an invitation, an expression of care, an offer to pray, a sign of God’s love

Terry Hinks

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PRAYER FOR THE MONTH

RELAX Our prayer this month comes from materials produced for the URC’s Vision4Life Year of prayer, which are available on the website www.vision4life.org.uk The writer Ruth Sermon comments: This meditation was written when I was emotionally, physically and spiritually tired and is intended for individual use. It’s important to read it very slowly indeed, pausing between lines. Allow silence at the end – for as long as is helpful to the one(s) who are tired. It may also be read as you lie down to sleep.

O Lord I’m tired

I’ve run out of words

Hold me close

As I close my eyes

I relax in you

I see your smile

I am your child

Hold me close

I drift away

I hear your voice

You call my name

And I’m held close.

Tuesday Prayers is an informal half hour of open and silent prayers, held in the vestry at 9.30 am each week. All are welcome. As part of the Vision4Life Year of Prayer the Minister gave a short series on Prayer in Mark’s Gospel at our evening worship in August and September. There will be an opportunity to discuss this at our next discussion evening at 6.30 pm on 10 October in the hall lounge.

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CHURCH FAMILY NEWS Our congratulations to: Terry and Elizabeth Hinks who celebrated their Silver wedding anniversary on 28 September Joan Lane who celebrates her 90th birthday on 1 October Our prayers are with: All who are unwell, housebound or in hospital. We remember people by name Sunday by Sunday in our intercessions. Please add names to the book of prayer requests (in church entrance). Our sympathy to: The family of Alan Sibley, especially his widow Marion (Alan’s grandchildren Lizzy and Daniel were baptised at our church) From the church registers Baptisms 12 Sept Coran Bennett (son of Aurelie and Michael) Marriage Blessing 4 Sept Ben and Lena Heather Weddings 18 Sept John Gilbert and Christine Bolt We wish them every happiness Funerals 31 Aug Alan Sibley Service of thanksgiving at church

followed by committal at Southampton Crematorium led by the Minister

8 Sept Betty Clark Service of thanksgiving at Southampton Crematorium led by the Minister

Cradle Roll Birthdays in October

27 October Morgan Harley 3 years We wish Morgan a very happy Birthday

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Pilots Charity 2010 The next event is a Fashion Show in the Abbey Hall on 28 October. This will be organised by Jas Fashions. Jas Fashions offers a range of leading chain store surplus and seconds clothing for ladies and children. The articles for sale are overmakes and end of lines for stores such as Marks and Spencer, Next, Principles, BHS, Mothercare and Debenhams and many other leading names. The charity will get commission of 5 per cent on total net sales. There are bargains to be had. We are looking for ladies and children (boys and girls) to model the clothes. Tickets will soon be available at £5 each. Please come and bring your friends. We need to sell between 80 and 100 tickets to make this a viable evening. If you can help in any way, please let me know. Pilots on Sundays From September the Pilots will be learning about living in God’s family. This is based on Jesus’ teaching in Matthew’s Gospel. If you know of any children who might be interested in joining our Pilots group invite them to come along. Within Pilots we follow the guidelines laid down for Good Practice in Safeguarding Children. Pilots meet on Sunday mornings between 10.30 and 11.30.

Carole Cox, Pilots Captain 01794 323392 carole@coxcm.fsnet.co.uk

Tiny Tots Service

Thursday 7 October and 4 November 2 pm in the hall lounge

7 October Harvest Bring something you have made 4 November Noah Bring a colourful leaf Twenty minutes of songs and stories for pre-school children, babies and parents followed by refreshments and activities: very informal and relaxed. For more details contact Angela

Bevan (01794 511161) or the Minister

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Jas fashion Show

in aid of

The UNICEF Gift of Life Appeal

Thursday 28 October 2010 7.30 pm

Abbey Hall, Romsey

Ticket £5 includes glass of wine or fruit juice

Items for sale include end of lines for stores such as Marks & Spencer, Next, Principles, BHS, Mothercare, Debenhams and

many more.

Models Required for the Jas Fashion Show

28 October 2010

We require ladies between sizes 8 and 16 and boys and girls, a few in each age group between 5 and 12. If you would like to be part of this event, please contact Carole Cox on 01794 323392.

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LADIES’ GROUP

Our next meetings (all in the hall lounge at 7.30 pm) are: 7 October: Update on Don McMath School in Gambia with Dian Pomeroy 21 October Illustrated Talk: ‘A Southampton Story: The Titanic’ by Jake Simkin 4 November Talk: ‘A Country Undertaking’ by local undertaker Simon Peace

LADIES’ GROUP CHRISTMAS FAYRE SATURDAY 13 NOVEMBER

10 am – 12 noon We would welcome

GIFTS - JEWELLERY - TOMBOLA - CAKES - GROCERY PRIZES - CHRISTMAS ITEMS (Gifts, cards or paper)

- BOOKS - DVDs and CDs - RAFFLE PRIZES Refreshments will e served

If you need items collected or want more details please contact Gwen Sloan (01794 514810)

Next Church Meeting

On 14 October at 7.30 pm looking at the life and mission of our church, with guest speaker Revd Tim Sledge, the Vicar of Romsey. Please come and share in this important meeting.

Exploring the Bible

The series exploring the Bible, led by Alan Green at Alan and Brenda’s home at 81 Withy Close (01794 518032) continues with meetings at 7.30 pm on the following Tuesday evenings:

5 October 9 November 7 December 11 January 8 February 8 March

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NEARLY HERE NOW:

Our Church Weekend Away at Ivy House, Warminster

(5 – 7 November 2010)

A Faith worth………

keeping, living, celebrating sharing

Winter before us and holidays behind us maybe but let's look on the bright side. There is still time to book up on the Church Weekend in Warminster, and we need your cheerful, positive outlook on life to be shared with the rest of us.

The plan is for a mixture of activity and somnolence, study and prayer, song and silence, sustenance and sleep; all based on the understanding that a sharing of our faith will improve our spiritual contentment and understanding.

The programme is now available and the small planning group has been to Ivy House to make arrangements. We will use some Iona Community material. Hum the 'Skye Boat Song' in your head and think of those words:

Spirit of God, unseen as the wind, gentle as is the dove,

teach us the truth and help us believe, show us the Saviour's love

Come and join us.

Geoff and Jennifer Prestage, Margaret Stone, Terry Hinks (Weekend Planning Group)

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Caring for each other Following on from a training session at Ringwood in July a number of church members are exploring the possibility of setting up a very informal support group for those who have experienced bereavement or loss. The plan is to arrange a monthly coffee morning where people can meet together over coffee and cake in a safe and caring environment. We want to hear what might be most helpful for people who have been recently bereaved both in terms of time and format. To find out more or to share your views on what would work for you please speak to Stella Gunston from the Pastoral Group or the Minister.

A Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance

† led by the Minister on Sunday 7 November at 6.30 pm

An opportunity to remember loved ones who have died, in hope and assurance.

A simple service followed by refreshments. We will be inviting families of people whose funerals we have taken

over the last year, remembering each by name. If you would someone remembered by name during the service please add their

name to the list in church All are welcome.

Wisdom Centre, Romsey

Quiet Day for people who have been bereaved or suffered significant loss. Saturday 13 November 2010 10.30 am – 4 pm (Coffee from10 am) The bereavement or loss can have happened at any time: the day

offers a safe space for people to explore memories and feelings that may be surfacing, with people on hand for listening if needed.

More details from the Minister or Kathryn Turner (Programme Coordinator at Wisdom Centre 01794 830206

Suggested offering: £15 (includes refreshments and simple lunch)

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LETTERS

Many thanks to everyone who sponsored me for the Race for Life, which raises funds for cancer research. I took part in the 10k race in Portsmouth 18 July. It was an enjoyable and meaningful experience, participating in the effort to beat cancer. With gift aid, more than £400.00 was raised. Ruth Page Thank you to our many friends for cards, presents, flowers and good wishes for Bill’s special birthday. He is much the same with good days and not so good ones. I do appreciate the support I have from everyone. Alice Connell A fond farewell to all my friends at church. I have so much enjoyed knowing you all and look forward to meeting up when I return from time to time. I am very much looking forward to my new life in Spain in the sun and hope to see some of you there some time. Love to all.

Sue Instone

Romsey Flower Rota

3 Oct Mairi Sloan 10 Letty Tarlton 17 24 Ruth Page 31 7 Nov Kath Skinner There are a few spaces in the rota – please can you add your name to the rota in church, or contact Janet Littlehales – 02380 733654 Remembrance Concert will be given by the Michelmersh Silver Band in our church on Thursday 11 November at 7.30 pm in aid of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

WORK MORNING 9 am – 12 noon at church (DIY and cleaning jobs) on Saturday 2 October Contact Geoff Prestage (01794 884948)

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Church Calendar for October 2010 2 Oct 8 – 10 am ARC Prayer Breakfast at Romsey Abbey Church Rooms (all welcome) 9 – 12 noon Working party around church 10 / 10.30 am Synod Quiet Day at Tadley 3 Oct 10.30 am Family worship and communion led by the Minister 6.30 pm Evening worship led by the Minister 4 Oct 7.30 pm Outreach Group 5 Oct 2.30 pm Women's Guild: Bible Searching 7.30 pm Exploring the Bible (Session 4) 6 Oct 2.30 pm Table tennis in hall 7 Oct 2.00 pm Tiny Tots 7.30 pm Ladies’ Group: Update on Don McMath School in Gambia with Dian Pomeroy 10 Oct 10.30 am Family worship led by the Minister 6.30 pm Worship in hall lounge led by Minister 11 Oct 7.30 pm Pilots Leaders 12 Oct 12.30 pm Church Lunch 2.00 pm Women's Guild: to be announced 14 Oct 10.30 am Thursday Communion 14 Oct 7.30 pm Church Meeting 17 Oct 10.30 am Family worship led by Worship Group 6.30 pm Holy Communion led by the Minister

19 Oct 2.30 pm Women's Guild: Talk by Judith Dixon 20 Oct 7.30 pm Finance Group 21 Oct 7.30 pm Ladies’ Group: Illustrated Talk by Jake Simkin: ‘A Southampton Story: Titanic’ 24 Oct 10.30 am Family worship led by Revd Alan Green 6.30 pm Evening worship led by Daphne Purver

26 Oct 2.30 pm Women's Guild: Thora Hird on tape 31 Oct 10.30 am Family worship led by Marion Carter 6.30 pm Evening worship led by Angela Bevan 1 Nov 8.00 pm Worship Group

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2 Nov 2.30 pm Women's Guild: Sing, say or pay with Bring and Buy 7.30 pm Elders’ Meeting

3 Nov 2.30 pm Table tennis in hall 4 Nov 2.00 pm Tiny Tots: 7.30 pm Ladies’ Group: ‘A Country Undertaking’ with local undertaker Simon Peace

5 – 7 Nov Church weekend away at Warminster 7 Nov 10.30 am Family worship led by the Minister 6.30 pm Service of thanksgiving for those who

have died: Worship led by the Minister 9 Nov 2.30 pm Women's Guild: Keyboard and Quiz with John Sherborne 7.30 pm Exploring the Bible (Session 5) 13 Nov 10 – 12 noon Ladies Group Christmas Fayre

10 – 12.30 pm Shoebox Workshop in hall lounge Synod meeting 14 Nov Remembrance Sunday

10.00 am Short Family Worship (note time) 10.45 am Gathering in the Memorial Park

for the two minutes’ silence 11.30 pm Civic Service at Romsey Abbey

6.30 pm Worship in hall lounge

Magazine material for November to be submitted by Sunday 10 October, please note early date

Tuesday Prayers 9.30 - 10 am in the vestry

The suggested readings for September are:

5 Oct Psalm 63:1–5 James 2:14–26 12 Oct Psalm 65. 1 – 5 James 3: 1 – 12 19 Oct Psalm 66. 1 – 4 James 3: 13 – 4: 10 26 Oct Psalm67 James 4: 11 – 5: 6 2 Nov Psalm 71: 1 – 3 James 5: 7 – 20

If you have particular prayer requests, please add them to the book at the back of church.

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Braishfield United Reformed Church

Minister: Reverend Terry Hinks, Abbey Manse, The Abbey, Romsey 01794 512163 Secretary: Mrs Shirley Smith, Elttoc, Kiln Lane, Braishfield 01794 368447 Treasurer: Mrs Margery Randall, Paddock View, Newport Lane, Braishfield 01794 367738

Sunday Services First Sunday Holy Communion 9.30 Junior Church 10.00 All other Sundays Family Worship and Junior Church 10.00

Calendar

15 10-12 noon Coffee morning at 3 Hogarth Close (David and Christine’s home). All welcome – in aid of Society of St James November 7 9.30 am Holy Communion led by the Minister 10.00 am Junior Church 11 10.45 am Armistice Day service at War Memorial 14 10.45 am Remembrance Sunday service to start at War Memorial and then at All Saints No service in our church 21 10.00 am Family worship led by the Minister 28 10.00 am Family worship led by December 5 9.30 am Holy Communion led by the Minister 10.00 am Junior Church

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News from Braishfield Our sincere thanks to Sharon and Rusty who cleaned our church while Mary was on holiday in August. Joan has at last been able to get someone from the Society of St James to come along and talk to us and we look forward to hearing about this work on 5 October at 7 pm. This will be before our church meeting which starts at 7.30. We warmly invite you to come along to both the talk and the meeting. Other things in October are our coffee morning to be organised by Christine and Jean on the 15th from 10.00 to 12 noon in aid of our charity. We look forward to seeing you at 3 Hogarth Close where there will be the usual refreshments and a table of goodies for you to buy. We wish Paddy a successful operation as he has a knee replacement. Our thoughts are also with Alan Fielding as he continues his treatment. Our love and best wishes to Pat Taylor who celebrates her 80th birthday on 19th October. We hope you have a lovely day. Also belated 80th birthday wishes to Bill Connell from us all at Braishfield. And Congratulations to Roy and Sheila who celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary on 24 September.

Shirley Smith

Braishfield Flower Rota

3 Oct Carol Pickering 10 Oct Pat Taylor 17 Oct Margery Randall 24 Oct Hazel Davies 31 Oct Sharon Whitfield 7 Nov Christine Kinch

Coffee morning in aid of Society of St James

with Bring and Buy Table Friday 15 October 10-12 noon

at 3 Hogarth Close (home of David and Christine Kinch) All welcome

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PLASTIC SHEETS ARE THE WALLS OF MY HOUSE............... For Abu Abdullah and his family building an extension on his small home in the fertile area of Jiftlick in the Jordan Valley is an impossibility because they live area C on the West Bank. Area C is under complete Israeli control. Being very resourceful he has made the inner walls concrete and attached plastic round the outside hoping that no one will examine it too carefully, but he needs more room for his family. The restrictions placed on them by the Israeli government also restrict their movement in terms of access to hospitals, other villages or towns. Four checkpoints surround the village. They can't even dig down to make reservoir for their crops or export their produce freely. The Palestinian Agricultural and Relief Committee (PARC) supported by Christian Aid, has been working in this area for many years helping the people adapt to the restrictions placed upon them and find ways to sell their produce. Read more of Abu's story on display at the back of the church. Thank you to everyone who helps support PARC with coffee and Christmas card money. During the last two years we have collected over £1,700 to send to URC head office for the Commitment for Life PARC scheme.

Jennifer Prestage

Pakistan floods and West Africa food crisis appeal Through the sale of plums and damsons, the total sent by our church in Romsey to the Christian Aid joint appeal (for the victims of the flooding in Pakistan and those going hungry in the Sahel region of West Africa) rose to £587. At Braishfield we also had a retiring collection for those affected by the flooding in Pakistan and were able to send £70. Thank you for your support.

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‘Am I doing all right?’ Encouragement features over 60 times in Scripture; those who give and those who receive encouragement; in Latin the word is exhortatio. I remember some school days vividly. One such was a gym lesson. The gym had a horizontal high ladder and against the wall a vertical access ladder. The game was to see how fast one could ‘monkey’ across and drop on to the soft matting. One agile ‘monkey’ was the fastest. Guess who? A monkey in more ways than one! Ah, but then it came to Adams’ turn. Up he went, across very slowly. Still holding on to the far end he couldn’t drop. We all shouted encouragement, but he was too scared to drop on to the soft matting. No good, Adams froze solid. Nothing could persuade Adams to drop – he was petrified. Adams was helped down; end of game.

Much later the agile monkey became a prefect and it was his turn to read the lesson in Chapel. Poor monkey, he was so frightened even the lectern started to shake as well. Later the sympathetic headmaster steered him through private tuition and encouragement.

Now Moses didn’t trust God to save the Israelites who were thirsting in the desert. God was angry with Moses but said, ‘Joshua son of Nun shall enter the promised land, not you. Therefore encourage him for he is the one who will secure Israel’s possession.’

In Romans 12.8 Paul lists the gifts of the Spirit saying that we all have a special gift; but not all the gifts, just one or two each. The gift of encouragement can be for anyone. Anyone having a short while to live can choose from 1 Thessalonians 4.16-18 or 1 Corinthians 15.51-52. Think of Handel’s Messiah and that wonderfully uplifting encouragement – the bass solo; ‘We shall all be changed in a moment, in a twinkling of an eye at the last trumpet.’ We don’t often hear the name Barnabas nowadays but spare a thought for the disciple named in Acts 4.36 – the name means ‘son of encouragement’. Next time a friend asks, ‘Did I do all right?’ pour out a few words of encouragement and praise.

Ken Parker

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From the Wessex Synod

Revd Clare Downing appointed as new Moderator for Wessex Synod

The Assembly Selection Panel has unanimously agreed to nominate Revd Clare Downing to be the new Moderator of Wessex Synod. Her nomination will be taken to Mission Council in October for approval. Subject to that approval, she will commence at the beginning of January 2011. Peter Pay (the Synod Clerk) writes:

‘We are planning her induction on 8 January and will confirm details of this shortly … I am sure we will all benefit from her skills and experience as no doubt will the wider church. I would ask you to hold Clare and her husband John, also a serving URC minister in your prayers during this time of transition.’

Introducing herself Clare writes: What would anyone want to know about their new Synod Moderator? Tricky question that – so here's a few random facts for starters: I spent my early years in the Wessex area, but haven't lived

there since 1966. I came to faith in my early teens and have been active in the

church (in a variety of different denominations) ever since. I've spent the last twelve years in Leicester, as a minister in

local congregations and in my present role working in inter-faith relations and training.

I used to be a Social Worker – which is almost as much of a conversation stopper as being a Minister.

I'm married to another URC Minister (John, not David) and we have two grown-up sons.

I have a certificate somewhere which says I'm a 'Competent Crew'. John seems to think this could be useful for getting to the Isle of Wight and the Channel Islands.

I enjoy all sorts of music, play various instruments and sing in a 'world music' choir ...

... and every now and again I produce really bad artwork. I'm looking forward, with some trepidation, to the joys and

challenges of the move to Wessex.

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VISION4LIFE WORKSHOP on Saturday 9 October 2010 10 am – 4 pm at Isaac Watts Memorial Church, Winchester Road, Southampton organised by the SW Hants Group The workshop will be led by the Revd Paul Stokes, who serves a growing suburban United Reformed Church congregation in Plymouth, and works as an Evangelism and Renewal Advocate for GEAR. Bookings as soon as possible to: e.symmons@btinternet.com or phone 02380511665 (Bring a packed lunch; drinks provided) A Service of thanksgiving and celebration for Adrian’s ministry as Moderator of Wessex Synod A service of thanksgiving will take place at London Street URC, Basingstoke on Sunday 17 October at 3.30 pm, followed by refreshments. Limited places, so if you would like to attend please speak to the Minister as soon as possible. PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY LAND with Revd Adrian Bulley Adrian Bulley will be leading a ten-day pilgrimage to the Holy Land, based in Jerusalem and Galilee, from 10 to 19 May 2011. Further details, a full brochure and booking form can be obtained from Revd David Hamblin (01276 505406; david@highcross.org.uk). Closing date for bookings is 31 October. DROP-IN QUIET DAYS at the Centre for Reflection Aston Tirrold, Oxfordshire The monthly DROP-IN QUIET DAYS take place from 10.30 am (with coffee/tea and biscuits from 10 am) till 3.30 pm with a break for a picnic lunch. The next days take place on 21 October, 18 November and 16 December. No need to book. 5 October: Anniversary of Formation of United Reformed Church As the denomination celebrates 38 years since its beginning please pray for ministers and local congregations throughout the United Kingdom and also for the central staff as they work and plan for the future.

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Palestine: whose land is it anyway? Is there an answer?

A one day conference Arranged by Sarum Concern for Israel/Palestine

from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm on Saturday 27 November at Salisbury Methodist Church

The Conference will tackle some of the burning issues around land ownership in Israel/Palestine. Canon Bridget Rees, former Chair of Sabeel, UK, will bring participants up to date with the current realities; Professor Ilan Pappé of Exeter University (and formerly at the University of Tel Aviv) will address the issue of land confiscation, and Professor Gareth Lloyd, formerly of Bangor University will deal with biblical issues on land in Israel/Palestine. Workshops will be offered by leaders with recent first-hand experience of Palestine. There will be an opportunity to enjoy a light Palestinian lunch and to buy Palestinian craft/produce. This day conference is a unique opportunity to become informed and active about one of the most acute - and escalating - areas of suffering and injustice of our time. Barbara Hickman is one of the team planning this day with Professor Mary Grey and The Revd Pat Clegg. For more information or to make a booking, cost £20, please contact Barbara on 01722 349740 or email: thehick@btinternet.com)

Wisdom Centre, Wisdom House, Romsey

Jung & Prayer Prayer (2) 10.00 am – 4.00 pm Tuesday 5 October 2010

Facilitated by Mary Dunn (a Clinical Psychologist for 19 years, with a passion for psychotherapy and for the Jungian way of thinking) Jung developed a 'map of the soul' which has implications for the way we pray. During this day we will ask ourselves questions about how we see our ordinary lives in the context of prayer. Jung held the view that all of our difficulties can be resolved by 'discovering the transcendent' within ourselves. This day follows on from Mary’s highly successful day in the spring but would also be suitable for people with little or no knowledge of Jung. Suggested offering: £15 to include refreshments throughout the day and simple lunch. For more information contact: Tel: 01794 830206; email: reception@wisdomhouseromsey.org.uk

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News from the Council for Mission

Forgiveness wins

Extremists who attacked churches in Kandhamal are turning to Christ

‘We harassed them and destroyed their houses. But they have no hatred and anger against us,’ says Junos Digal, squatting on the mat in the makeshift church belonging to the Church of North India (CNI) at Barakhama in early July. In fact, a new CNI India church is being built at Barakhama in Kandhamal in eastern Orissa state since the old building had been severely damaged in the anti-Christian violence that rocked the region from Christmas 2007. With his Bible kept open in front of him, Junos, one of the mobsters who attacked Christian targets in Barakhama during the violence, explains: ‘They are suffering. But, they have no complaints and are living happily. There is certainly something special about how their faith helps them overcome difficulties. This has brought me here.’ ‘If Jesus could influence people's lives to such an extent, I would prefer to be part of such a faith,’ says Junos. Is he concerned that the fundamentalists will turn their ire on him for ‘betraying’ their faith? ‘I am not worried about that. Many of us were misled and now they will accept the reality.’ Junos is not the only one who has turned Christian in recent times in Barakhama. Sailama Digal, a Hindu along with her son and cousin, embraced Christian faith in February 2010. ‘We could not understand why they (Christians) were attacked and their houses destroyed. My conscience made me take this decision,’ says Sailama as she squats on the floor of the makeshift church among dozens of Christians for Sunday service.

Full report can be read on CWM website www.cwmission.org

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