Recipe CornerThis is cheating really, but Brian wrote responding to a request for a personal testimony for the web site, for those of you not able to access the web, it is so good I would like to share it here.
Thank you Brian
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It is never to late to become a Christian
When I was about eight or nine years old, my mother sent me to Sunday school, although neither of my parents were regular church goers. I think this did little to bring me toward the christian faith, and for years I just seemed to drift along without any real belief. Three years service in the Royal Navy did little to bring me to know God either. In the services only two religions were recognised, C of E and Roman Catholicism, and I was placed in the former. When church services were possible I attended because it was obligatory, not because I wanted to. Back in civvy street I resumed my occupation as a bank clerk and was sent to work in Colmore row, Birmingham. This was a move for which I have always been grateful, for it was here that I met Vicky who was to become my wife.
Our first move was to Rugby, then Kidderminster, then Pershore, but I was no nearer to becoming a Christian. I attended church with Vicky but was always glad for an excuse not to go! The Methodist church was a few miles out of town and with a young family to transport it was difficult to attend, so we switched to the Baptist Church. Our final move was to Alcester where we were made welcome by the congregation there. In due course I was asked to stand as a deacon, accepted and was duly elected. I know now that I served for the wrong reasons, because I could give little in the way of Christian input, I think I was flattered by the title.
In a roundabout way though, it led me to accepting Jesus as my saviour. I had finished serving Communion one day and sat quietly on the platform when God spoke to me. I heard no voice but the words were there. 'Brian I want you, get baptised and follow me.'
That sounds dramatic, but I can only tell it as it happened. I did no more than go to the minister and asked to be baptised. I was then 47 years old. Gradually my attitude changed and I found myself wanting to go to Church and not going just to keep Vicky company.
The conclusion to this testimony is that some years ago we started to go to a church in Harvington where we found a warm and loving church and hope we shall spend many more years there. I do not know what the future holds, but I am certain of one thing, I shall never be alone.
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During the summer I spent a very special two weeks with the children at AmaGhar. It was lovely to see everyone so happy and looking so healthy. Not only had they all shot up several inches but they all looked much better nourished than last year. The food is mainly vegetarian and I was amazed by the variety of curry dishes that were served twice a day. Two of the little girls have had surgery. Menuka fell and broke her arm very badly and had to have it pinned but now has full use of it again. Sushilla, the little girl who was so badly burned when she rolled into the fire, has had the first of her operations and can now lift her arm fully. It was lovely to see some of the quieter, more withdrawn children have really gained confidence and now everyone has so much to say, often in English. I think this is partly because they have all done so well in school but also have many extra activities and lessons at home. Teachers come in before and after school, the favourite being the singing and dancing teachers who have found some great talents. Rupmala, the oldest girl had had so many failures at school was found to have a lovely voice so she is going for singing lessons three times a week instead. She is now confident enough to go into Kathmandu on her own in the morning rush hour. Eight year-old Sarjan also has a great voice and many of them, including the very shy girls from the high hilly areas, have learnt some traditional dances. They have just performed alongside some well-known Nepali singers and dancers at a fund raising concert in the National theatre to mark the official opening of AmaGhar, with the older girls doing the announcing. I was so sorry to miss that.
We had some wonderful long walks up some of the local hills – even the smallest children were able to manage several hours of climbing. Even though it was very wet and muddy they insisted on wearing their best clothes! It was very warm and steamy a lot of the time and the monsoon rain was so welcome. Everywhere looked so green and fresh – the rice paddy fields are the most glorious shade of green.
Ama and Sherban were so grateful for the donations I took out on your behalf. Our support is such an encouragement to them as they strive to give these children the very best care and education that they can. I think they have got the formula just right and look forward to following their progress in the years to come.
Margaret
To Hugh, James, Neil, Paul and Peter for getting up extra specially early to serve us such a terrific Harvest breakfast, and to Neil and Paul for such a special service that followed.
Recipe CornerFor bonfire nights or just glad to be inside nights, this recipe makes the most of the abundant supply of pumpkins around at the moment.
1 onion cut into thin rings
2 cloves garlic peeled and crushed
1 inch piece ginger peeled and crushed
1 chilli deseeded and fnely chopped
1small pumpkin desseded, peeled and roughly chopped
2 tbsp. Sunflower oil
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 tin chopped tomatoes
900 ml veg stock
Can Cocunut cream (optional)
Seasoning
Yes, they really happened on someone's church bulletin, if you see any on our notice board, let us know!
A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall, music will follow.
The Rev. Merriweather spoke briefly, much to the delight of the audience.
Minister on holiday, massages can be given to the church secretary.
Ushers will eat latecomers
At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be 'What's hell like?' Come early and listen to our choir practice.
This being Easter Sunday, Mrs. Lewis will be asked to come forward and lay an egg on the altar.
Next Sunday a special collection will be held to defray the cost of the new capet. All those wishing to do something on the new carpet will please come forward and get a piece of paper.
For your diary 
Thought to take with youThe shortest distance between a problem and its solution,
is the distance between your knees and the floor.
Any items for December newsletter, please give to Lynn by November 30th at the latest please.
October 2003