Slavanka Trust

Slavanka continues to assist with the vital work being undertaken in this needy area of the country.

The grant made in 2007 has been used to great effect and the lives of many young people in the area have been changed. Slavanka is continuing to assist with the development of this ministry in 2008.

Tsunami Project – When the Tsunami struck in December 2004, Scripture Union International encouraged SU India to set up a Tsunami Rehabilitation Project. This was begun immediately in order to plan a suitable long-term approach to the crisis. Families lost their homes and their livelihoods and as a result children and young people were suffering from lack of food and education.
SU India decided that such children need help and maintenance for a period of five years to pursue their academic studies. The children who enter the programme are usually from schools where SU is involved. 90 students have been selected (50% boys and 50% girls) and just 6 are from Christian families. All will have the opportunity to know and experience the fullness of life and the love of the Lord Jesus Christ. The families will also be involved and will accept that the SU leaders will visit them and pray for the children.
The children are given education, uniforms, books and one nutritious meal a day. Their school fees are paid by Scripture Union. Also, they have regular medical checks. The children attend camps during the school holidays where they are encouraged to read the Bible as well as enjoy the whole Christian residential experience. The Project is of enormous benefit to the children and also reaches out to their families.
The project has been in place for just over two years and will run for a total of five years. Slavanka has made a commitment to contribute to the project until it ends.

Avalanche Camp – is based near Ooty, which was a favourite retreat for British ex-pats in the past. There are problems with the terrain and a base camp in the nearest village is seen to be essential for the continuation of the ministry to children and young people. Slavanka has given a grant towards the purchase of the base camp land.

Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu – the campsite is visited by 30,000 people each year and is a model for future Christian campsite development in India. However, the region is subject to power failures, which interfere with the ministry. Slavanka has provided a grant so that a generator can be purchased and so ensure the continuing of this important Christian work.

Cuttack – the training centre, funded by Slavanka has been completed. A further grant has been made available to assist with the furnishing and equipping of the centre.

The work started just 12 years ago when a local pastor was moved by the Holy Spirit to have a conversation with an old beggar to whom he gave money regularly. The old man explained that his wife, son and daughter-in-law were dead and that he had enough trouble begging for himself let alone the two infants who were with him. He told the pastor that he was looking for someone to take them in and then he could die in peace. The pastor and his wife, who had five children of their own, did just that and now, 12 years later, they are looking after 1,000 such children, many of whom were abandoned at a few days old.
The Slavanka Trust has been able to make a vital contribution to the completion of the junior boys dormitory at the main home. Also, a grant has been given to purchase additional land in order to expand the ministry.

The Chairman of The Slavanka Trust, John Simmons, and his wife Jan visited India this year as part of a special holiday. I am not too sure how much holiday they had as they seem to have selflessly spent a great deal of time visiting projects that Slavanka has or may support. For that we are all very grateful to them.

Some of the Trustees, former guests and staff attended the opening of Sunrise of Southbourne. We were well looked after, had the opportunity to tour the new building and were grateful that such an amazing building now occupies the site. The Mayors of Bournemouth and Christchurch were also present. Sunrise has willingly accepted the offer of Slavanka to assist with providing a chaplaincy service for the residents.
In the spring there will be the official unveiling of a plaque to commemorate the Countess.

It does appear that the Lord wishes me to continue worshipping at the church in Cardiff. I have been co-opted onto the PCC and also the Social Committee and I am making small contributions to the services.
I have become a great uncle (with the emphasis on great) for the third time. Young Charlie arrived three weeks early at the beginning of November. It was the day after I returned from a church retreat and he had received strict instructions from me that he was not to arrive whilst I was away. Mother, father, baby and two sisters are all doing well. Not so sure about great uncle though!
The Trustees continue to give a tremendous amount of support, both to the work and to me personally.