BISHOP’S LENT APPEALEvery Lent and Advent I appeal to the Diocese to mark these seasons of Christian commitment and renewal by supporting those in need. My Lent appeal this year is for a charity which works in Tajikistan, one of the poorest and remotest countries within the vast territory that the Diocese covers. The Zumrad – School for Life is a local charity which has done much to give hope to the many children in orphanages, who, without such support, end on the streets in prostitution and drug addiction. I learnt more about this at first hand when I met with Zarina Davlyatova a worker for Zumrad when she was on a visit to London. We were introduced to her by Christian Aid, who are our partners in this Lent Appeal, and who have helped with producing some of the publicity material to go with this Appeal. Christian Aid invites you to ‘Count your Blessings’ during Lent, and give thanks to God by a generous response to this appeal for the poor and needy in a forgotten part of the world. Those who benefit are, like you and me, children of God, and we need to show something of our love and compassion towards them. Every year there is an appeal, but, sadly, only a percentage of chaplaincies respond. I hope that all may do so this year. God’s generous grace and love for us is not stinted. It comes down, as Lady Julian of Norwich marvellously said, ‘to the very lowest part of our need’. May we reflect that same love and generosity in helping the forgotten children of Tajikistan by supporting the work of Zumrad. With every blessing for this coming Lent that we may be brought renewed in Christ to the joy of the Easter Feast. The Right Reverend Dr Geoffrey Rowell
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