Help us rebuild communities in Nepal

‘Let us Build a House’ is an ongoing project.   Donations can be given to John Bicket, Treasurer, at any time  …   each house costs £500 to build

17.3.17

The most recent figure received for this project is a staggering £300,000.         As this is a three year project, please keep the donations coming.

27.10.16

We are delighted to hear that the Presbytery of Annandale and Eskdale  has so far raised the amazing sum £7,800 for the “Let us build a House” project.

“The Cardboard House” 

Built and slept in by 5 ‘hardy souls’ to highlight the plight of  homeless in Nepal, after the earthquake, last year

to raise money to rebuild communities.

All day was spent building a cardboard house, and on Friday night, 9th September, strong winds and torrential rain in Annan,  did not stop Alan Dodds, Bill Maloney and Rev. Petr Penaz from Church, spending the night in it, along with Ian Robertson from The Border Kirk, Carlisle and Rev. John Pickles from Annan: St. Andrew’s.

Church of Scotland – World Mission Council, had set the challenge to raise awareness to the plight of the earthquake survivors in Nepal, where people are known to be living in makeshift shelters.   It was thought that spending the night in a cardboard shelter would raise awareness,  and be a good way of raising money for the appeal.

Alan said that the weather could hardly have been worse, but the shelter was dry, after some running repairs where the top layer of cardboard washed off.   The shelter/house space was approx. 12 ft x 8 ft. which was occupied by only five people, giving them room to move, whereas in Nepal the same space could be occupied by entire families.

While the wind whistled through the overlaps in the cardboard, making conditions inside cooler and not a little unpleasant, they realised how vulnerable they were, not just because they were outside their comfort zone – but feeling exposed.

After making it through the night – at 7.00 a.m. on Saturday they enjoyed a hearty breakfast before the start of the activities which had been arranged by Rev. Kate Vivers, which covered several issues, such as frugal food, using leftovers, reconditioning furniture etc.     There was also a talk by Sandy Sneddon from World Mission on the state of the work in Nepal.

So far, more than £4,000 has been raised across the Presbytery, which far exceeds expectations.     Donations are still being received.

It is great that such people are willing to go the extra mile – doing extraordinary things – to help those who need it most.       Well done ‘lads’ – you are a truly inspirational.    The words of one of our dear friends, Rev. Mairi Byers, says it all  –  “the reward is out of this world!”

World Mission Challenge

“Let us build a House”

9th September 2016

The World Mission Council has challenged Presbyteries and Churches to raise funds to help rebuild the homes destroyed in the appalling earthquake in Nepal some 18 months ago and this has been included in the reports to Presbytery for the past few meetings.

After a discussion at the Committee meeting for World Mission it was decided that a good way to raise awareness of the ongoing problems would be to build a card board house and spend a night in it.

This is going to take place in the car park at Annan St. Andrews Church on Friday 9th September and four or five people will be sleeping? In whatever we construct on the day.

We are looking for people to sponsor the intrepid few who will be risking the elements for this and a simple sponsor form is attached which we would be grateful if it was used to gain sponsors  for this worthwhile project. It costs £500 to build one house and all the money raised goes direct to the project. The money raised should be sent to the Presbytery Treasurer, Mrs. Elaine Irving, along with the completed forms. Please print more if you need them.

Your support for this different venture is greatly appreciated and we hope to raise enough money to build at least one house, so please give generously.

Sponsorship Forms at both doors today.

Let us build a house day

10th September 2016 from 10.00 a.m. – 3.30 p.m.

in St. Andrew’s Hall

Click on the poster to see an enlargement!

This sounds like a fun day, with lots of activities – to suit everyone – don’t miss it!!          Most importantly, we will hear about ‘NEPAL IN RECOVERY’