The Bishop of Edinburgh’s
Lent Appeal 2008

+Brian writes:
My Lent Appeal this year addresses the theme of care, and I am suggesting that the money be divided between two charities, each of which has strong connections with the Diocese of Edinburgh. Healthlink360 is the new name for a charity which provides healthcare for personnel working in mission agencies throughout the world. The second charity is a particular project concerning care in Papua New Guinea. The Scottish Episcopal Church and Papua New Guinea have long had an association. Details of these charities are given on this page, and both are projects which I commend to you.’

HealthLink360 exists to provide medical and psychological care to personnel working with mission agencies and humanitarian aid agencies around the world.
Healthlink360 provides a comprehensive service for overseas workers from the time they are selected, throughout their active service and on their return.

Support to workers includes:
  Identification of potential medical issues and the giving of specific health advice, vaccines, anti-malarials and other relevant medication.
  Medical review during visits to the UK and online medical support (24/7) for mission partners in the field.
  The psychological preparation of candidates for ministry and overseas mission.
  The provision of personal review/ debrief for ministers, mission partners and their families.
  Training for individuals and groups in communication and self care skills.

The parent charity, Care for Mission, was set up in 1983 by two clergy from the Diocese of Edinburgh. In 2007 it merged with another charity, Medeserve, which provides GPs to answer e-mail queries from volunteers and mission personnel around the world. Healthlink360 is the new name for the combined charity and 2008 marks 25 years of its work within the Diocese of Edinburgh.

Appeal for the Hospice of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Visitation of Our Lady

The Community of the Visitation from Oro Province, Papua New Guinea exercises a practical and caring ministry mainly with women and families in the local area. The sisters also provide a makeshift ‘ ’ in which they provide terminal care for those dying from cancer, TB, physical assault or AIDS; or those rejected, or uncared for, by their families and communities.

Because of growing demand, the facilities of this ‘hospice ’ are in need of urgent improvement. The building is in serious need of repair. The priorities are:
  replacement of some timbers, walling and roof-sheets to make the building safe and weatherproof
  purchase of a new water-pump and storagetank to provide running water
  the fitting of basic washing, shower and toilet facilities
  wiring for lights and connection to the recently-refurbished community generator, to provide night-time lighting.

The money raised by this Lent Appeal will be used to create a small, simple, but effective hospice, in which the sisters will care for the dying.

Welcoming group at the door of the community house at Hetune

Donations should be handed in to your church

If you have not already filled out a gift aid form,
please ask your church for one and help us to maximise your contribution

Photographs provided by: HealthLink360 and Papua New Guinea Church Partnership