We are a group now numbering 10 people with different missionary contacts and interests, who meet quarterly to share news and information and to seek to bring these before the wider Church. Just before the start of the year David Grime had indicated his wish to stand down after many years of enthusiastic involvement.  David and Sylvia’s contribution to this aspect of Church life was considerable and appreciated by those who worked with them. Norman Crowson and Verity Richardson joined the group

In May the group led the monthly Prayer meeting focussing on BMS, Home Mission and the suffering Church.  This was also the theme of the evening service of August 10^th when there was special emphasis and prayers on Human Rights in China to coincide with the start of the Olympic Games.

Priscilla reported on the joys, sorrows and challenges of the work of Aquaid Lifeline in Malawi. She made 3 visits during the year, the second one in July with Emily Armstrong who found the experience rewarding, working with young orphans in one of the schools.  Plans for a visit by a number of people in 2010 are in progress.

The way we give to Home Mission and BMS became an issue during the year.   Increased individual giving and special fund raising efforts in the second half of the year helped to reduce the contribution of the church general fund to our giving targets.  Many thanks to all!

BMS launched their new free Magazine “Engage” which is now being received in 25 church households.  Our link missionaries, Mike and Daveen Wilson, continue their longstanding work in Trapia, N E Brazil.  Honey production carries on, as does church expansion and their training of local leaders.  We need to pray with them for their future direction

We saw the results of Home Mission in the DVD of church outreach and service in Buttershaw, Bradford and towards the end of the year heard that for the first time in many years Treeton BC were able to call a full time minister thanks to an HM grant.

Norman kept us up to date on A Rocha and local environmental issues and we talked about other mission work. We look forward to 2009.  New members are always welcome.  Please have a word with me.