From our November 2005 Newsletter

Joel Wilson who is a member of our Bible Class wishes to thank everyone in the congregation who has supported him in his quest to raise money to allow him to go to Sri Lanka for six months with Link Overseas Exchange to help in projects based in Children’s homes and community development projects.  The Ceilidh was a rousing success and everyone enjoyed the stirring music.  The sum of £800 was raised from the Ceilidh.

The Soup Lunch held on Sunday 16 October after the morning Service also helped to increase Joel’s funds.  Joel sends his thanks to all who provided the soup and to all who enjoyed the many varieties of soup on the menu.  An amazing amount of £250 was donated. 

Joel thanks everyone for their support.  Including the Ceilidh and Soup Sunday this puts the total given from the congregation and organisations of Trinity at a magnificent £2,900.

Joel is looking forward to leaving a cold Scotland in February to start his work in a warmer Sri Lanka.

While we have Joel going off the help in Sri Lanka, one of our Elders, Mrs Lorna Duncan intimated to the Kirk Session that she is to go on a Mercy Ship in April 2006 in Sierra Leone to help in any way possible with the work going on from these ships. 

After 10 years of war, Sierra Leone became the word’s poorest nation.  The disabled people are particularly disadvantaged.  Many are restricted by social isolation and poverty with limited access to health care and education.  The aim of New Steps is to help disabled people by providing services such as primary health care physiotherapy and vocational training.  Over the past few years many hundreds of disabled people have gained greater mobility and financial independence.  Based in Sierra Leone, Mercy Ship New Steps provides rehabilitation and health care services to thousands who have been permanently disabled through war, landmine explosions, polio and other diseases. 

Lorna works in Ninewells Hospital as principal Prosthetist.  Prosthetists design artificial replacements for limbs that have been amputated either by surgery, accident or bomb blast.  Lorna does not know what work will be asked of her and she is willing to do whatever needs to be done. 

Lorna has to pay for her keep and is looking for sponsors to help her reach her total required.  The Kirk Session agreed that they would support her in any way and in the New Year we will be organising fundraising events. 

More about Lorna and the Mercy Ships in the December Newsletter.