Church Army Caravan Rolls Again

Bishop of Truro Inaugurates New Mission Activity

The Brunel bridge over the Tamar is the entrance to the East Wivelshire Deanery where Church Army's Captain Gordon Banks has sharpened his evangelism skills during the past five years. The projected Celtic cross designed to welcome people to Cornwall and its Christian roots, is one of the ongoing projects occupying Gordon. As an ex-jockey, he has endeared himself to local schools because of his love of horses. Adults have also benefited from his mission and training activities.

Now, in recognition of his effectiveness, the Bishop of Truro, the Rt. Rev'd Bill Ind, licensed him on Monday night (10 Sept) as Truro Diocesan Adviser in Evangelism. To assist in his mobile mission work, Gordon has followed in the steps of his predecessors and acquired a caravan - this time to be pulled by a car and not by horses!

Gordon was commissioned for his Diocesan role in an impressive service in Holy Trinity Church, St Austell, in the presence of the Bishops of Truro and St Germans, the Archdeacons of Bodmin and Cornwall, the Dean of Truro Cathedral and several Church Army colleagues.

Church Army Chief Secretary Philip Johanson, preaching, said: "I cannot remember if there have ever been five such people present on an occasion such as this. It speaks volumes for the regard in which they hold Gordon and it is testimony to the growing partnership between Church Army and the Diocese."
He recalled his early days of ministry on an Irish Mission Van and thanked Pam Roberts from Sheldon, Honiton, for her generous gift of the new caravan. He then referred to Gordon's developing vision for its use and welcomed the deepening partnership with the Mothers' Union and FLAME (Family Life and Marriage Education). The partnership with the Diocese already existed and was now being strengthened further.

After the licensing in church but still as part of the worship, the congregation processed up the hill to the church car park when the Bishop of Truro, the Rt Rev Bill Ind, blessed the Church Army green liveried caravan. Gordon was on duty with his "wheels" the following day at the Royal Cornwall Show where the caravan provided a chaplaincy base. .

Gordon commented: "The caravan will be a marvellous tool for evangelism and it will be used in partnership with the Diocese of Truro, the Mothers' Union and FLAME. I feel very excited and am looking forward to experimenting on how it can best be used in sharing the gospel."

For more information please contact Les Tennant, Church Army Press & Media Officer, on 01235 531623