Articles - Miscellaneous

Thank-you, Brackenwood!

I have been Christian Aid collecting in Brackenwood for the past ten years, and have yet to be disappointed. Except for the year when I was told to do another area, one more affluent and, the organiser must have presumed, more generous. I dug my heels in the following year, and last year, my faith was affirmed when I was told Brackenwood is one of the more generous areas.

Not that there are many Mercs parked outside, as any of you who know Brackenwood will confirm. In fact the best-car'ed house used to be the one where I came to expect a negative (o ye of little faith!) and have been proven wrong these last 2 years.

There are lots of people who have their envelope ready, full of coins; often older, some less than able…And there are those like the crop-haired chap, who hadn't a clue about Christian Aid, but when told, replied, I suppose I have to give all I've got, as he fished in his pocket and fetched out several pound coins. Are you sure you want to give all that? I queried - Yes! Next day, outside my last house I saw him again, taking out his children.

But when I reach the end of my route, I meet my friend. I interrupt his prayers when I call, and he comes to the door carrying the scriptures.
As-salaam aleikum! I say (for he is carrying the Quran.) Wa aleikum as-salaam! he replies as he goes to collect his change-filled envelope. Then he excuses himself, finds a note and folds it into his envelope.

Ma'aa as-salaam say I to my friend, and to all of Brackenwood for another year. I have been privileged to share the needs of the world, and so many have taken the opportunity to respond - Go in peace; may you find Jesus, in responding with his love for the world!

Geoffrey Elliott

27 June, 2005