“U.S.P.G. is the Anglican Mission Agency that partners churches and communities worldwide in God’s mission to enliven faith, strengthen relationships, unlock potential and champion justice.”
In these difficult times of living with Coronavirus, the Society has had to change the ways it has been working to adapt to the challenges posed by physical distancing and the closure of churches in many countries.
What has this meant for U.S.P.G.?
First, as always, listening to our partners and responding where and how we can. Within days of the lockdown we launched a fund “Focus on the Future” and countries we have supported include: Madagascar, Guinea, Cameroon, Sierra Leone, Mozambique, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Jamaica, Tanzania and Malawi, places where existing medical resources are inadequate to cope with the virus.
At present there are 142,000 Filipinos currently living in the U.K., and about 60 per cent work in healthcare and essential services, many of whom have died from Covid-19. The vicar of Walthamstow, himself a Filipino, who cares for one of the communities hit by the virus, said
“In all this, our relationship with U.S.P.G. has been crucial. The link between our chaplaincy and
U.S.P.G. is more than just a financial one: there is emotional support there too. U.S.P.G. is a very strong ally to the Filipino chaplaincy.”
The Brazilian government has been in denial of the severity of the situation, and consequently has among the highest number of those killed and infected. The churches and social movements have been providing hygiene kits and meals for those in the most vulnerable situations and at risk. The Church also organised a free online health service where different professionals are available for counsel and information. Two diocesan social outreach initiatives are linked to U.S.P.G., where again food is being prepared to distribute to homeless people and youngsters from slum areas are being trained as athletes, giving them a purpose in life.
St Eustachius has supported U.S.P.G. for many years and never has our help been more needed.
Last year we raised £170 and it would be good to exceed that this year.
If you wold like to make a donation for this charity, please click on this link, which will take you to the Church VirginMoneyGiving page for this charity. We will gather these contributions, including Gift Aid if you wish, and send it in one sum to the charity.
There will also be a retiring collection at the 0945 service at St Eustachius’ on Sunday 13th September, which will be added to the online amount.
Thank you in anticipation.
Elizabeth Watkins