Church Army’s Lent Appeal asks the crucial question

Sacrifice for Lent or for Life?

Church Army’s 2005 Lent Appeal has drawn on the importance of ‘sacrifice’ for this year’s appeal. The appeal has gone out to around 9,000 supporters and parishes and calls on supporters to remember those who have chosen to make sacrifices in following Christ to serve as evangelists. Andy Falconbridge and Pam Costin are two of the 320 Church Army evangelists currently working within the UK who are featured in the appeal.

When Andy Falconbridge decided to train to become an evangelist it meant moving away from the area in which his children had settled. The family relocated again, this time to the Townsend Estate in Bournemouth, to continue the work of God. For the family, leaving behind the comfort of their home to move into a difficult neighbourhood was no easy feat. Today, Andy is touching lives with the message of Christ through words and action.

Responding to the leading of God to be an influence with her generation, Pam Costin applied for a job within an inner city community in Manchester after eight years of working in Shrewsbury . The Gorton community which would later be her home was a far cry from the life that Pam was accustomed to - a community experiencing very little regeneration or investment, Pam’s new home was located directly opposite a burnt-out supermarket; doors and windows were enhanced with metal bars for safety. Despite her initial hesitation, Pam decided to respond to the challenge and left everything that was familiar behind to venture into an unfamiliar environment to share the gospel of Jesus. Opportunities to witness within the community quickly opened up. Of this she says, “I never thought I would end up working in this area. Now, I can’t imagine being anywhere else.’

Commenting on the new Lent appeal, Church Army’s Chief Secretary, Philip Johanson states, “For most, God’s call on their life has meant leaving a comfortable family set up, giving up a successful career or being prepared to move home frequently. Becoming an Evangelist is a sacrifice for life not just for Lent in obedience to God’s calling.”

Rosemary Cottrell , Head of Fundraising adds, “We are confident our loyal supporters will join us in recognising the sacrifice our evangelists have made to their calling and financially support this appeal. With £254K still raise to meet this year’s expenditure, their donations are vital.”

To donate to Church Army’s Lent appeal call 020 8309 3519

To download a PDF,  click here.