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The life of the Diocese has continued in all its different aspects though, with the Summer being part of it, it is always a slightly less busy period than the one reported on in the Pentecost issue of ‘Bible Lands’.

The Friends of the Diocese held a successful Annual Meeting at the Church of All Hallows by the Tower, when Archdeacon Ian was the preacher. This happy occasion is always well supported and we do value the support that the Friends give us, not least by their prayers, not only on this occasion but around the year. The generosity and welcome by the people of All Hallows adds so much to the occasion.

Thika joins Exeter and Cyprus & the Gulf

Our partnership with the Diocese of Exeter has begun to be extended by the inauguration by a three-way companionship link between Exeter, the Diocese of Thika in Kenya and the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf. The first stage of this took place in Exeter Cathedral in July. Bishop Gideon of Thika and his wife and two members of his Diocese were present when the Bishops in the Cathedral signed a covenant. The presence of the Melanesian Brothers, who were visiting Britain at the time and have a special link of long standing with the Diocese of Exeter, brought an added dimension to the service.

We look forward to the visit of Bishop Gideon of Thika to Synod at the beginning of February next year. Happily the Bishop of Exeter and Mrs Langrish will also be with us. That will enable the next stage of the inauguration, which will be completed some months later in Thika.

Another aspect of our partnership with Exeter was the visit of Canon Neil Collings from Exeter Cathedral to lead various Quiet Days in the Gulf. We were most grateful to Canon Collings for being so ready to give of his time and wisdom.

New Church Centre in Qatar

We are eagerly looking forward to the beginning of the new Church in Qatar. The land has been basically prepared and marked out so that building should begin without delay.

This is, of course, a sizeable undertaking and a number of appeals will be necessary. The first one, based on the UK, took place on 6th October at Lambeth Palace by kind invitation of the Archbishop of Canterbury and Mrs Williams. That was a very significant occasion, not only for this particular project, but for the life of the Diocese. Members of the UK Appeal Committee did a great deal of work in preparation for this and we are most grateful for their unstinting efforts.

Back in Aden

Many people, I know, have been praying for Peter and Nancy Crooks, having heard of Peter’s illness contracted on the island of Socotra. Prayers have indeed been answered, and he has made very good progress. Peter and Nancy returned to Aden on 29th September, and by the time this article appears in print, we hope and believe that his recovery will be complete.

We admire the way that Peter and Nancy have tackled this difficult period, and their commitment in going back to Aden, in which their doctors have encouraged them.

Cyprus Ordination

A very happy event took place in St Paul’s Cathedral in Nicosia on Sunday 2nd October. Michael Loader and Susan Place were ordained deacons. This was an occasion of great rejoicing. We have very few ordinations in the Diocese, so when we do they are very special events. We were very grateful to Dean Steve Collis for all the preparations he made leading up to the Ordination, and to the Reverend Tony Jeynes who conducted the retreat and preached.

Ordination in Nicosia of Michael Loader and Susan Place as deacons

David and Janet Sutton are now well established in Paphos. On December 14th David will be licensed as the senior chaplain, taking over from Marvin Bamforth, who leaves to become involved with the Diocese of Kinkiizi in Uganda. His work will have the form of a roving commission and for parts of the year he will be based in his own home at Pissouri in Cyprus. We therefore look forward to seeing Marvin and Sue in the future and for Marvin, perhaps, having some continuing involvement in the Marriage Ministry in Cyprus, which he helped to initiate. Marvin goes to this new role with our prayers and great gratitude for all that he has done to build up the life of the church in Paphos over the past seven years.

Marvin Bamforth baptises a baby in Paphos

Sadly, Colin Noyce in Limassol has not been well for some time. The doctors decided that it would be best if he were to take early retirement, so he left at the end of September. He and Irene return to their home in Essex with our prayers for Colin’s full recovery. We are grateful for all that they were able to do, not only in their time at Limassol but also before that in Aden.

Limassol and Larnaca are currently without permanent chaplains. We are grateful again to the Diocese of Exeter for providing locum priests for Larnaca. We were very pleased to welcome Bob and Dawn Stroud, old friends of the Diocese, to Larnaca. The Reverend David Hastings has now succeeded them, and will remain there until early next year. Meanwhile, the process of appointing chaplains in both places is proceeding.

Ministry in Kuwait, Pakistan, and Iran

From Kuwait comes news which is both glad and sad. Christopher Edgar is moving back to Pakistan. That is for us the sad part, because Christopher has done so much for the life of the Church in Kuwait since he became chaplain there not quite two years ago. He has been instrumental in bringing life to the Church, and the ministry which he has exercised while continuing to be the Chaplain of the Church of Pakistan congregation has given encouragement to many people.

The glad part of it is that he is going to exercise a significant role that will have its effect on the life of the Province and especially in the life of the Diocese of Iran. Bishop Azad Marshall, who is Christopher’s principal Bishop, and who is also of course the Episcopal Vicar General of the Diocese of Iran, has asked Christopher to take on a training role, particularly in relation to Iran. He will have much skill to bring to this very important work. We are grateful to Bishop Azad for seeing that there can be a successor to continue this shared ministry.

Joy does not easily break through

Bible Lands’ appears as we prepare to celebrate Christmas, a time for joy and rejoicing. Yet for many in the world, and in the Middle East, life is hard and joy does not easily break through. Such, too, was the world into which our Lord was born. Such is the world in which he is present in and with his people today. Christmas speaks to us of a God who is near, “Emmanuel, God with us”. And so we do rejoice. May you all have a truly blessed Christmas and know the peace and love of Christ.

Clive

News from Cyprus

Confirmation testimony, Ayia Napa

When Bishop Clive came and confirmed Roy Freise-Brown, Roy’s testimony, which he bravely gave during the service, was a joy to hear from a more senior person not given to public speaking.

“This is a very special day for me. I am about to be confirmed - to commit myself to God. When Meryl and I came to live in Cyprus we felt so lucky. Little did I realise it was part of God’s plan for us. After a few weeks, we met a couple from this congregation outside the Immigration Office. While Meryl was in England, they invited me to come to Church. Although I thought I was alone at this time I now know God was with me.”

“Over the last 12 weeks I have been involved with an Alpha Course and in preparing for my Confirmation. I might have left it late in life to become an active Christian, but I come freely and willingly. So in front of all here today, I wish to declare my faith in Jesus Christ, now and for ever more.”

Information on the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf