Christian Aid

2005: A Year of ...

Celebration - In 1945 British Churches raised £1 million pounds to help rebuild the church and family life in war ravaged Europe. The ecumenical organisation was originally called "Christian Reconstruction in Europe". In 1949 it became the Department of Inter-church Aid and Refugee Service, part of the newly created British Council of Churches; in 1952 Janet Lacey was appointed the very first Director of Christian Aid and in 1957, the very first Christian Aid week was held.

This year in 2005, we are celebrating 60 years of relief and development work supported and sponsored by the churches.

Challenge - As Tony Blair's commission for Africa reports in April/May; the G8 meets at Gleneagles; it's the 20th anniversary of Live Aid; the UK holds the presidency of the EU from July to December; there's a UN Special Summit on the progress of the Millennium Goals in September and of course there's our own UK General Election in the near future.

This year 2005 offers unprecedented opportunities to have our voice heard on development issues, particularly on the subject of Trade and Debt. Christian Aid will be mobilising supporters to take part in the Global Week of Action and Justice (10 to 16 April), collecting as many votes as we can as part of the Vote for Trade Justice Campaign.

Caring - There has been a real change because now we have more of a future. We were not expecting this kind of help, but we did need it. It has brought light back into our lives. It has turned our lives around and I am now able to share my fortune with others. My eldest children go to school and I thank God for this. Everything we have is a grace from God. (Antonio Fundice Tomo, whose family has received support from Christian Aid's partner the Christian Council of Mozambique)

So many of the world's poorest people like Antonio will be depending on us, as we look ahead and start to prepare for Christian Aid Week, 15th to 21st May. The Carluke Churches' Christian Aid Committee will be urging you to support the house to house collection and asking you to give practical support in the running of the Christian Aid Cafe in our own church hall. St John's will be responsible for organising the cafe on Tuesday 16th May. Although more details will be publicised nearer the time, it is not too early to volunteer as a collector or helper in the cafe.

Thank you for helping to bring about a better life for people such as Antonio in poor communities all over the world.