We’re so grateful for many churches faithfully supporting our work with vulnerable children. One of these is Banbury Community Church (BCC), in Oxfordshire, UK, and they told us why they are passionate about partnering with Viva.
Why Viva?
We’ve been supporting Viva since 2004 through an initial link with a previous BCC leader. We appreciate that Viva works with local church networks to care for the most poor and vulnerable. Sharing God’s love with communities is one of our shared values. Both the adults’ and children’s ministries get involved in fundraising, prayer and hearing guest speakers from Viva, who have inspired various congregation members to work overseas.
What fundraising have you done?
For the past few years BCC’s children’s ministry has had an autumn mission theme. Part of this has been learning about the work of Viva, and having fundraising events. Children have held cake stalls and bring and buy sales, made Christmas puddings and decorations, personalised notebooks and pencils.
In 2020, upon realising the annual talent show at camp wouldn’t happen, our young people had the idea of an online talent event instead. The aim was to bring some joy to the church community, and also raise awareness and funds for charities such as Viva.
We were so encouraged by the video that Devesh Lal in India sent us for that evening. Six months later, on hearing that Devesh was poorly, our kids’ group prayed for him and his family.
Sadly Devesh died in November 2020. The group wanted to do something to support his family and the work of Viva India, and we held a fundraising quiz with young people preparing and hosting the rounds.
What does BCC get from the partnership with Viva?
Through Viva, BCC has been able to establish relationships with people around the world. Our congregation has built connections with the global Church and had a glimpse of the reality for Christians living in very different circumstances to our own.
Could your church fundraise for Viva this year? Click here for ideas or contact Sophie at s.olivier@viva.org