Archive content
This is a text-only version of an article first published on Thursday, 16 October 2014. Information shown on this page may no longer be current.
CHURCHES across the diocese are being given the opportunity to save more lives this Christmas with the news that the UK Government has pledged to match Christian Aid's Christmas fundraising. With a strapline of Not every child born in a stable survives, the charity is urging churches to back its Christmas appeal which focuses on the struggle many mothers face - as Mary did - to find a safe place in which to give birth. Whatever money the charity raises during the three months from 7 November, the Government will match it up to a maximum of£5m which will be spent on maternal healthcare projects run by Christian Aid partners in Kenya and Malawi. Christian Aid's regional coordinator for Oxford, Anwen Newman, said: "This is an amazing opportunity for churches and supporters to literally help bring bundles of joy to the world this Christmas time. "It is the 21st century.
It makes me sad and angry that just over the ocean in Kenya, every day, 40 women die in childbirth due to complications in pregnancy.
We celebrate the birth of Jesus - but every year, without the care they need, 14,700 babies die on their first day of life.
How might they have changed the world? This Christmas, we are inviting churches to place the crib at the heart of their celebrations and be part of this transformational work. "I am appealing to all churchgoers to work with us so we can use the government's generosity to deliver hope to thousands of families living in poverty."
Hear Stephen Ngugi, from the charity's Kenya Office talk about maternal health work in Kenya, at Advent events:
Afternoon prayer retreat: Amersham
Thursday 27 November at 2pmAmersham Free Church, Woodside Road, Amersham HP6 6AJAn Evening with Stephen Ngugi: AmershamThursday 27 November at 7. 30pmAmersham Free Church, Woodside Road, Amersham HP6 6AJ
Advent hope service: Oxford
Friday 28 November at 8pmMagdalen College Chapel, Oxford OX1 4AUCarols by candlelight with stories of hope in a beautiful setting.
Advent retreat: Berkshire
Saturday 29 November10. 30am - 4pmMortimer Methodist Church, Mortimer (near Reading) RG7 3TBA time to stop and reflect at the start of the Advent season. Lunch is provided - donations welcome.
For ideas on holding a fundraiser in your church or any aspect of the Christmas appeal contact Anwen on 01865 246818 or ANewman@christian-aid.org