This week we are praying for Martin & Fran Russell who serve on the National Leadership team for Agape Italia in Florence, Italy.

Fran will be attending the women’s getaway weekend so do pray that it will be a encouraging & refreshing time for her.
 

1. The Athletes ministry have been at the Paralympics supporting the team and getting opportunities to share about Jesus. Thank God for these open doors with sportspeople. During 11-12th March the team also organised a schools event in Florence with many visiting previous Paralympians. This was officially endorsed by the Florence City Council which is a turning point and another opening door for more collaboration with the city authorities. Pray that we can continue to build relationships not just in the city but across the country.
2. In a few weeks Agape Student ministry is sending a mission team to engage with university and high school students as well as Italian professors in Palermo, the capital of Sicily. This too is breaking new ground. We have a great local ministry host there in Jonathan Gilmore, a British missionary who grew up in Sicily and has been able to connect us with the university. There is a combined team of Italian students and a handful of university lecturers from the US coming. There are also that the other events in Palermo, Padova, Prato, and Florence to encourage Italian believers and pique spiritual interest in not-yet-believers over the coming weeks.
3. After 10 years of leading the Operations team Martin is stepping out of this role in the summer and to focus on some new projects and responsibilities. Pray for wisdom for him and the new leadership as they discuss together his best contribution(s) and to get a better work/life balance for the future. Thank the Lord for his recovery from surgery and the excellent healthcare he is receiving.
4. Thank you so much for your prayers for CaraDonna 2026. There is so much to praise the Lord for : the relationships started during the photographic sessions, the team of volunteers, the 120+ women who were part of this years project. There was a fantastic atmosphere at the Inauguration on Friday 13th March. and we shared the vision - that everyone will come to know Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. Please pray for the team as they follow up with the women.
5. Thank the Lord for a new group of female friends that He has given Fran. These women are affluent or have had distinguished careers. Their life experiences are very different to ours. Please pray for wisdom for Fran as she spends individual time with Jeanette and Madeleine in particular. From denying Jesus and laughing about prayer, they both are being more open to spiritual conversations.
6. Recently Fran met a friend she made in 2022 during the VivaVittoria knitting and crocheting project. Maria one of the women insisted she came back to join the crochet group meeting.  Fran realised that this is another mission field with Italian women, a similar age to her, brought up as Catholics who know about Jesus but don't yet have a personal relationship with Him. Prayer for them is not unusual, rote prayers are part of their lives, but hearing Fran talk to God on their behalf, and talk about verses from the bible is a novelty. Give thanks for this marvellous opportunity that Fran has been given.
7. Some of our ministry partners circumstances have changed, and we are currently looking for more personal financial support. This is our 30th year serving the Lord with Agape and we aren't planning to stop yet - Praise the Lord has provided everything we have needed during these years. Please pray we can discover the additional support to continue our work here.

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JHMT Easter Appeal

Bishop Hannington Church has been hugely supportive over many years in helping NGM transform the lives of all those in their care especially the boys at Keegan House.
 
The economic climate in Zimbabwe is extremely challenging and the monthly running costs have increased progressively in recent years. In addition, NGM are now paying for extra schooling as well as high school and tertiary education for two of the boys.  On average the monthly outgoings are £5000. However, the monthly income from regular giving has not increased in line with UK inflation, gift aid contributions have decreased, and several key supporters have passed away. Thus, on average 21 supporters donate a total of £2000 per month, leaving a monthly deficit of £3000. BH have been generous in their giving to projects, but the ministry struggles for regular monthly support. 

​The charity only continues to exist by God’s grace, and His generous and timely provision, meeting the shortfall with legacies and one-off donations. 

​The running costs associated with Keegan Home are the main expense, along with wages. NGM employs 16 members of full-time staff in roles such as social worker/administrator, Keegan Home house mother, carers, security, drivers, maintenance team, gardener to grow crops, storeman, cook and cleaner, and 3 teachers part-time. In Zimbabwe, where unemployment is high, NGM provides vital income to many families as well as looking after the children in our care. 

Want to make a difference this Easter? Pick up an Easter Eggschange card to send to friends and family explaining that you have donated to NGM through the JHMT Easter appeal this year!

Please make payments direct to the JHMT Bank Account- Account Name:
The James Hannington Memorial Trust
Account Number: 00016678 Sort Code: 40 52 40
Please don’t pay it into the BH bank account.
When making a payment please clearly show your surname and the words “Easter Appeal” on the bank reference section.
 It would also be helpful if you could confirm whether your donation can be gift aided by emailing or sending a note via the church office.

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