Celebrations as new bicycles arrive in Maridi
One hundred new bicycles purchased by parishes in Down and Dromore have arrived with their owners in our link diocese of Maridi in South Sudan.
Their arrival was cause for celebration and thanksgiving as Bishop Moses and his clergy gathered in the Cathedral compound. The County Commissioner was also present.
Bishop David had launched a fundraising appeal following his visit to Maridi and the realisation that a lack of suitable transport was the biggest obstacle to ministry that Bishop Moses’ clergy faced.
At Diocesan Synod we were able to announce a fantastic £36,782.32 raised by 63 parishes – enough to purchase 100 bikes for priests and 10 motorbikes for the archdeacons who visit multiple parishes. The motorbikes will arrive later this month. All of the new transport has been purchased in the country.
In a short video message Bishop Moses said:
“We are so grateful to the Diocese of Down and Dromore and to Bishop David. Thank you very much from the Diocese of Maridi.
“Today we are celebrating, and you have kept your word and you have given us support in the ministry. The priests in the Diocese of Maridi today have received bicycles. This is a great support that is the real partnership. I thank all of you – all the parishes which have contributed - for giving these bicycles to the Diocese of Maridi.
“We pray that the partnership between the Diocese of Maridi and the Diocese of Down and Dromore will continue, not only in the form of things, but in our fellowship.”
In the clip below, Bishop Moses prays over the clergy and their new bicycles.