We were delighted to welcome Bishop Moses and his wife Mama Rejoice to our Deanery for a week in October. Mama Rejoice came to a meeting of the Mothers Union in Westbury, joined by Dilton Marsh members, and shared something of her work as leading the Mothers Union in Maridi. The MU is very active and runs all sorts of projects to support families and children. We were shocked to hear about the woman who died in childbirth because there was no hospital nearby or midwives available. We were reminded about how blessed we are to have the NHS in our country, which we sometimes take for granted. The MU also supports children’s education, where the only schools require fees and many families can’t afford them. They are very grateful for our donations towards the children’s bursaries which mean that some children can go to school and have an opportunity to develop their lives and be lifted out of poverty. Our fundraising also goes towards supporting the Chaima Institute which educates young people in practical tasks such as agriculture, as well as giving them a Christian education in theology. Bishop Moses expressed his heartfelt thanks for all our support, prayers and donations.

Please continue to support this vital work out in a very vulnerable part of the world. We take a special collection at coffee-time after our services at All Saints on the second Sunday of the month. Thank you for your continued support.

We also have a prayer letter which comes out once a month from the Maridi link. I’m attaching the latest copy and there is a hard copy at the prayer wall in All Saints.

Here is a message of thanks from Bishop Moses and Mama Rejoice:

Dear beloved partners in the Heytesbury Deanery, Diocese of Salisbury,

Warm greetings in the precious name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!

On behalf of the Diocese of Maridi, we wish to express our heartfelt appreciation and sincere thanks to you for the warm invitation and gracious hospitality extended to the Bishop of Maridi and Mama Rejoice during our recent visit from 6th to 12th October.

We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to share in fellowship, worship, and mutual encouragement during our time with you. Your kindness, generosity, and Christian love were evident in every aspect of our visit—from the homes that welcomed us, to the churches and gatherings where we were so warmly received.

Our time in Heytesbury Deanery was both spiritually enriching and personally encouraging. The bonds of friendship and partnership in the Gospel were strengthened, and we return to Maridi with joyful hearts and a renewed sense of unity in Christ’s mission.

Thank you once again for walking alongside us in faith and ministry. May the Lord bless and continue to use you all mightily in the service of His Kingdom.

With deep appreciation and every blessing in Christ,

+ Moses and Mama Rejoice

On behalf of the Diocese of Maridi