蜜芽传媒

A reflection and prayer to start the day with the Rt Rev Mary Stallard, assistant bishop in Bangor.

Good morning. Fundraising for good causes was never easy, but it鈥檚 felt much harder since the pandemic. With the cost-of-living crisis only increasing anxiety about the future, it now seems even more difficult to ask people for money to help others who鈥檙e struggling.

We鈥檙e at the end of Christian Aid week, and churches of all kinds support this global charity, providing education, combatting poverty and engaging with the climate emergency. In recent times much of its fundraising has involved coffee mornings and gatherings, which of course haven鈥檛 been possible, except on-line for the past two years.

To counter this, and driven by a determination to do something regardless of the difficulties, my husband, decided to do an extended sponsored walk around the many castles of North Wales. Each day in May, he鈥檚 been joined by a variety of people walking with him. Others have offered help or hospitality along the way, they鈥檝e given logistical support, and encouraged friends to contribute to the appeal. It鈥檚 been a great success, and not just financially. It鈥檚 reconnected friends, it鈥檚 provided an opportunity for new relationships to form and it鈥檚 given participants a renewed sense of purpose and encouragement. The simple act of walking together is something they鈥檝e found enriching both physically and emotionally. The simplicity of the idea and the enthusiasm to make it happen have felt like such a gift.

God our hope, enable us to be bearers of your grace. In times of need, lead us in your ways of generosity. Help us always to find ways to connect with neighbours near and far. Thank you for all who encourage us to give in whatever ways we can. May we be signposts of your care for all creation. Amen.