AGM Report.
Recent flooding in this country had reduced attendance at the meeting, but had not dimmed our concern for the current situation in the Congo, and our delight at being able to hear Philip Bingham's news from the Dioceses, and Louise Wright's vivid account of life for one particular family in Kindu; and there was time to give thanks for & pray for all the people in the DR Congo.
Tributes were paid to our past patrons Bishops Brown & Ridsdale, thanks expressed for the lives of Bishops Tibafa & Mavatikwa, and prayers said for their families. Bishop Michael Scott-Joynt agreed to become our new Patron
Graham Davies retires as Hon. Treasurer in January, and received our thanks for nine years hard work, well done; Malcolm Wheeler takes his place
Liz Hallett retires from the Committee this year, and Judy Rous joins us.
Financial matters: the draft Financial Statement was passed, subject to the independant examiner's approval. Regular bursaries for ISThA (now £1,250 per student, one of whom will be studying in Kinshasa this year) agreed, plus grants of £1,000 to each of the dioceses, and £500 for the Province. (The Association's full accounts can be obtained by writing to our Treasurer.)
We hope to send Annual Accounts to members before next year's AGM at Partnership House:
7th November 2001 11am to 3pm, (inc. presentations).
Gift Aid: if you are a UK tax payer then please take a moment to complete a gift aid form available from the Treasurer. The only limit on your giving is that the tax which will be reclaimed by your various charities should not exceed your tax bill. If your TOTAL giving does not exceed the amount of your earnings on which you pay at least standard rate tax there should be no problem.
Projects: for some time it has been hoped to provide e-mail for all dioceses, but only Kinshasa is set up so far. CMS is trying to find alternative ways, via a 'hub' at Lubumbasi, and using radio links.
Sadly, two lorries, donated for use in the Congo, have had to be refused because of financial implications and the continuing unrest, BUT two workshops have taken place, for the Bishops and their senior staff, and for Bible school leaders - enthusiastically received as real support for the church. Training for clergy is taking place in Kindu and Kinshasa, and peace-making workshops in Bukavu diocese. Churches and bible school dormitories are being rebuilt, and displaced persons fed, through our Reconstruction Appeal. The people are tired, and vulnerable to sickness because of malnutrition, the continuing unrest & anxiety about their families' welfare, but there are signs of hope too.