A story of compassionate support bears wonderful fruit for Anna Chaplaincy
- debbiethrower0
- 10 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Several weeks ago, BRF staff took a call from a woman who was deeply concerned for an older relative: like many in advanced old age, the lady in question was finding it difficult to attend church and was living with dementia. As a lifelong Christian, this ‘missing jigsaw piece’ in her life was upsetting for her and the wider family, and so they reached out to BRF Ministries, having heard of Anna Chaplaincy.
Colleagues in Supporter Services take dozens of calls each day, some of which are from people in difficulty and unsure where to turn. As they will always try to do, the team member concerned offered a compassionate listening ear, and directed the inquiry to the Anna Chaplaincy team.
Unfortunately, there proved to be no Anna Chaplains in this lady’s local community (yet!), but the team were able to encourage the family with practical advice and support, which they were able to put into action. Their older relative is now back attending church regularly, and it brings her much joy.
It was with real pleasure, then, and a great surprise to hear this week that another family member, Neil, is embarking on a sponsored run in aid of Anna Chaplaincy, in gratitude for the gift of time, care and attention given to the family in seeking spiritual support.
Neil says: 'I am doing this to raise funds for the Anna Chaplaincy, the wonderful group that helps older people continue to worship. Sadly, a very much loved member of our family now has dementia; her weekly visits to church are the most important moments of her life. Anna Chaplaincy helps hundreds like her to maintain their faith in their final years.'
Ministry Lead, Debbie Ducille says: ‘We are very grateful to Neil for his generous response to our ministry. BRF has to raise £25,000 every week in order to sustain all the ministries and resources offered, and every contribution helps us towards this target.’
‘I’m so encouraged that what appears to be a small thing – listening carefully and responding compassionately with practical help, making a huge difference to individual lives – is a precious gift that Anna Chaplaincy offers, day in day out, in a variety of ways. I couldn’t be prouder of our little team, my colleagues, and all the hundreds of Anna Chaplains and Anna Friends who live this out.’
‘So – our plea to you, dear readers, is this: if this story has encouraged you, please consider supporting Neil in his sponsored run if you can. Just a small amount, from lots of people, all adds up! The link to his JustGiving page is here:
And – if you live in the Derbyshire area and know the Peak Pilgrim Trail where he will be running in September, from the 20th, why not take a walk there to try and spot him, and give him a wave?
Thank you so much, and all the very best to you, Neil, in this endeavour.'
'May you be blister-free as you safely reach the end of your run!’
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