Christian Aid walk 2013

So proud of the young people that joined us today for the sponsored walk: Christie, Stacie, Becky, Molly, Hayley, Stephanie, Casey, April, Josh & Ellie (aged 10yrs-17yrs); also a thank you to Esther, Glenys, Becky and Ben (from River Methodists) who accompanied the young folk on the walk.

Overall the walk raised approx. £1500 for Christian Aid, with us raising around £100 (final tally to come).  Here are lots of photos from the 6 mile walk beginning with a group photo before we all set off...

Christian Aid Week TV advert - Christian Aid

Christian Aid Week TV advert - Christian Aid

Christian Aid

each year I am pleased to support Christian Aid Week by organising the Dover Christian Aid sponsored walk.  I have made some changes to the walk this year - it is now a 7 mile walk with an option of reducing it by a mile.  As in the past it is possible to walk a very much shorter distance around the village of River.

This year Cross-Links will be out in force as Becky and Esther will be taking a group each from Cross-Links.  Some will be walking the shorter route with Becky and others the longer route with Esther.  The children and young people who will be walking in the name of Cross-Links are an example to their peers and are to be congratulated.  I hope to post some photos here tomorrow.

If any of you are wondering I will be walking, but as I am the organiser, I always walk last to ensure no one is left on the route.  Here are a couple of photos from bank holiday Monday when I pre-walked the route...

just a few pictures from toddlers and after school club

messy fun at toddlers (above) and at Friday club (below)

Friday club...

During term time we have an after school club on Fridays.  We have children from a number of schools in the town come along, partly through friends/word of mouth.  Some of them attended our toddler group when they were babes and toddlers - interestingly they don't always remember those days, but it is a privilege to be able to participate in their early years (through toddler group) and then to pick up again when they are at primary school through school assemblies/our clubs.

Here are a couple of photos from todays session:

 





Looking back over the years we have worked with so many children and their families (just since Christmas we are averaging almost 200 different children each month across all our activities).  As they grow into young adults it is great to be able to keep in contact, some through facebook.  They don't hesitate to turn to Cross-Links for help - just a few days ago I spent an hour or so catching up with an 18 year old who asked me to countersign her photo for a provisional driving licence.  She has blossomed and is doing well studying for her A levels in a number of subjects - hard to think I first met her as a cheeky 8 year old (her not me!).  I won't name her, but if she reads this she will know I am talking about her!!!  She is just one of many young adults who still keep in touch and fondly remember their times at Cross-Links.

Are we making a difference?  I certainly like to think so.

To all the people (young and old) that we know or have known be assured of our continued prayers for you and that we will be here for you.  Be Blessed <><