“There will always be the poor people in the land. Therefore … be open-handed towards [those] who are poor and needy…”
Deuteronomy 15.11 (NIV)
As we approach our annual Gift Day both the International and UK committee are aware of the financial issues challenging us all, not only the cost of living but the problems we are experiencing here at Sunnyside.
We do understand but ask that you pray about whatever you may give to our charities to help with physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing with the good news of the gospel and the love of Jesus.
It is only once a year we ask and we know all our donations are appreciated and used well.
The Bible Society was founded in 1804 inspired by Mary Jones who walked 26 miles to get a Bible in her own language that she could read and understand for herself. The Bible Society continues today providing Bibles at low cost and in many languages. They work with people of all denominations to take God’s word to all who want to read it in their own tongue. They believe God’s word is his gift to the world, and they want everyone to discover it for themselves. The Bible is for everyone, and they are working to achieve this throughout the world.
“Hello, we are Chris, Veronica and kids, CMS Mission Partners based in Spain for the last 14 years.”
We live in a small traditional Spanish town just outside the capital city. We are planted in our local Spanish church and are involved as a family in various ministries. Veronica and our daughter Samara are involved in children’s ministry whilst Chris is part of a network that does public evangelism in various locations. We also support local believers through practical help with groceries and other needs. We are currently helping a Moroccan lady from a Muslim background who is now a Christian. She is a single mum with 2 kids. We enjoy opening up our home to people we have been connecting with on a one-to-one basis, giving space for people to come and spend time with us, fellowship together and hear more about Jesus.
Chris is also the international director and primary fundraiser of Zeal, a charity that supports 23 Arab Christian missionary families across the Middle East. Each of these families are actively involved in sharing the Gospel in their communities and beyond. Chris travels each year to spend time with these Arab families to encourage them in their walk with God in spite of the difficult circumstances they often face. In addition, Chris travels extensively, offering practical training in both English and Spanish to equip Christians in Spain, the US and the UK to reach out to the Muslims in their community. Thank you so much for partnering with us in this ministry. Your financial and prayer support helps us to actively shine the light of Christ in Spain; support Arab Christians living in difficult circumstances; and it helps us to encourage and equip the church to share the Good News of Christ with others.
It is always a joy to have the opportunity to thank Sunnyside for your faithful support. Although many years have passed since I was part of the church on a regular basis, Sunnyside remains very close to my heart. It is a place that has played a significant role in my life and spiritual journey, and I am continually grateful for the encouragement, friendship, and investment that I have received from the church over the years.
Living and serving in Romania would look very different without the faithful prayers and financial support of Sunnyside. Knowing that there are people standing alongside me, sharing in the work through their generosity and prayer, is a constant source of encouragement.
Over the past year, your support has been used in a number of practical ways. It has helped towards conference costs, books and resources that support my ongoing learning and ministry, flights back to the UK for visits, continued dental treatment, and the everyday expenses of life here in Romania. These may seem like ordinary things, but having these needs provided for is a tremendous blessing and allows me to continue serving without carrying the full burden of those costs alone. Thank you for continuing to partner with me in this way. Your generosity is not something I take for granted, and I am deeply thankful for the part Sunnyside continues to play in both my life and ministry. May God bless you abundantly for your faithfulness and kindness.
A Rocha aims at affirming “Environmental stewardship deeply rooted in Scripture.” They work to provide hands-on support to care for the environment according to the Bible, to preserve the earth for generations to come without harming it or the people who live there; also, to bring new initiatives that are sympathetic to the local area. They work with all cultures to promote creation care. In the Czech Republic they held a garden work party and in Indonesia they worked with the Bible Society and Scripture Union to launch a historical statement affirming their work with biblical principles. Each country has its own staff trustees and volunteers. They are committed to produce food and sustain the earth, helping communities to both use the land wisely and care for God’s creation.
Age UK envisage a place where older people are valued. They raise money to help older people experiencing frailty locally, helping them to age well and retain independence throughout later life. They offer a befriending service to the lonely; carefully chosen volunteers either visit regularly or become phone buddies. Brianwaves Club helps those who have memory loss, meeting weekly to keep minds active with quizzes, discussions and games while seated. There are lunch clubs for socialising and support for carers. Practical help is offered with a gardening service and a handyperson who can provide repairs within the home – all supporting the elderly to live independent, active and interesting lives.
Home Start was begun to support families who are struggling in any way, ensuring that early years count so no child’s expectations are limited. It is a UK-wide initiative; visits are provided weekly in the family home by volunteers, all of whom have been trained and have experience with children and family life. They offer families in challenging situations practical support, advice and encouragement. They are non-judgmental, holding group sessions to introduce families to others in similar situations. Referrals to other agencies can be arranged if appropriate. Every child should be given the opportunity to thrive. They regularly turn away families in need due to lack of resources and trained volunteers. Let us help them to reach out to more needy families locally.
“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation” Mark 16.15 (NIV)
The foundation was laid over 70 years ago and still continues to grow. They distribute copies of the New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs, hold assemblies in schools and give Religious Education classes. They provide speakers to share the word of God personally, praying and encouraging each other. Jim was 12 when he was given a Bible at school by the “Gideons” as they were known then. He came from a non-Christian family but was captivated by the stories in his Bible. Today he thanks God for his introduction to Jesus. A prisoner was given a Bible at his lowest ebb; contemplating suicide, he heard a voice saying “Read your Bible” – he found words that changed his life, giving him the hope to carry on. Let us give more hope to those who don’t know Jesus.
Please give generously; every gift, however small, makes a difference. Many times, the letters we receive thanking us for a gift say it arrived just at the right time. We know people working in many of the charities and keep in touch with them, so we know how much our gifts and prayers are needed.