Bishop and clergy to undertake harvest appeal challenge in dog collars
The event, at Whitehough Outdoor Centre in Barley in the Pendle area, will raise money for the Jehovah Rapha Healthcare Centre in the Diocese of Liwolo, South Sudan, which is facing a growing medical crisis following the planned withdrawal of support from Médecins Sans Frontières.
The Bishop of Blackburn, Rt Rev. Philip North, will lead more than 50 clergy, complete with dog collars, into a quagmire on Saturday, October 3rd, as they tackle a muddy assault course to raise money for this year's Bishop's Harvest Appeal.
The event, at Whitehough Outdoor Centre in Barley in the Pendle area of Lancashire, will see clergy taking on a series of obstacles to support the Jehovah Rapha Healthcare Centre in the Diocese of Liwolo, South Sudan, which is led by Bishop Joseph Aba and is a link diocese of the Diocese of Blackburn
The money raised will help to provide essential healthcare in a region facing a growing medical crisis, following the planned withdrawal of support from Médecins Sans Frontières in a region that has been affected by a series of crises in recent times.
All donations for the healthcare centre will help to fund medicines, healthcare provision, solar lighting, clean water and support for frontline medical staff serving communities in Liwolo.
Bishop Philip said: “We try to do something different and fun every year to encourage as many contributions as possible to the Harvest Appeal. This time the idea is to invite clergy from across Lancashire to spend a Saturday morning wearing their dog collars while scrambling over obstacles, wading through mud and making complete spectacles of themselves! Thankfully, more than 50 have already said yes!
"More are still welcome to get involved, so if there are any brave souls still thinking about it, this is your final encouragement to sign up and join us! It will be great fun, but ultimately it's about something far more important. Because this year's Harvest Appeal is supporting our friends in the Diocese of Liwolo in South Sudan, led by the amazing Bishop Joseph Aba, who remains focussed two key things – the hope we have in Jesus and helping his people recover and to thrive in the future.
“The appeal will help sustain vital healthcare for some of the poorest and most vulnerable people in the world at a time of real need. A few muddy obstacles in Barley will be a minor challenge compared to the challenges being faced by the communities we're supporting. Whether you join us on the course, sponsor someone taking part or simply make a donation, please help us make a real difference,” Bishop Philip concluded.
Find details of the appeal and how to give on the Blackburn Diocese website by searching ‘harvest appeal’ here.