11th June 2017

My dear family and friends,
 
I continue to give thanks to God for you all in my prayers recalling what we have shared reminded of your sincere faith, love for Christ and standing with me through all these years.
 
Father Felix, a Belgium missionary founded the village of Khushpur in 1901. Appropriately the name 'Khushpur, means 'Khush' 'happiness' and 'pur' ‘land’, is being restored to be a truly happy land. I am pleased to tell you that our prayers are answered for the commencement of a Health Centre and a Vocational Training School being built in the village of Khushpur with construction well under way. Thank you for believing with us.
 
Our partners in these two projects are ‘St Anthony’s Church’ from Padua Italy, and ‘Better World’ from South Korea, who believed God with us for the witness of Christ bringing wholeness in every way. This work will have a significant impact on at least 10,000 people, especially our women and children.
 
Easter was celebrated with full enthusiasm and vigour in Pakistan as Churches were whitewashed and illuminated. The message of Christ’s love, forgiveness and sacrifice was proclaimed with prayers for peace to come to Pakistan.  Good Friday some of the communities washed each others feet as Jesus washed the disciples’ feet at the Last Supper.
 
On May 16th we had a fantastic graduation celebration at the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies (OCMS). Shirley and Kelvin Barclay, Kerry Muller came all they way from New Zealand. Prof Jill Slay came from Australia (my second supervisor), also joining with me in the procession, making sure that I didn’t go in the wrong spot! Missionaries Paula and Jo O’Keefe came from Gran Canaria.  Ann and John Pycroft from Somerset, Lydia Haines from Leeds, Elizabeth Campbell from Liverpool, Jane and Ross Campion, Ed and Cara Verbi from London, Noelle and Chris Gillies and Dr Janette and Jeff from Oxford. Of course we were joined in by my parents, brother and Amanda watching in New Zealand [Thankful that the service can be viewed on OCMS facebook]. Of course other scholars were there for the day which made it very special indeed.

After the celebrations with everybody I headed for bonnie Edinburgh with Shirley and Kelvin. We loved Scotland! Dinnae worry I didnae to do a re-enactment of Brave heart from Edinburgh Castle. “…tell our enemies that they may take our lives, but they'll never take... OUR FREEDOM!”                    “Every man dies, not every man truly lives.” (William Wallace)
 
It was hard to resist singing in a Scottish accent a rendition of “speed bonnie boat like a bird on the wing” especially when hearing the wee bag pipes stirring me up and walking around John Knox’s house.
 
“Where you go Lord we will follow”
 
Blessings and much love in Christ as you walk His way
 
Lesley-Anne

Khusphur Women

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(L to R) Back row; Lydia, Ed, Jane, Ross, Noelle, Chris, Kelvin, John Second row; Jill, Kerry, Rev Rosey, Ann, Jo Front row: Liz, Lesley-Anne, Paula, Shirley

Picture taken by Shirley Barclay (L) Lesley Anne and Kelvin Barclay

Edinburgh Castle, Scotland