Kenya Wheelchair Project
Visits to Kenya – past and future
During the 4th week of February Christine and I were able to visit Kenya – and in particular AIM’s Child Care Centre at Kajiado (S of Nairobi). Some months previously, Georgie Orme, (retired missionary and good friend of ours), had found out about a special “Off road Wheel chair” which Colin made for a disabled pastor in N Kenya, many years ago and felt certain this machine would be of help in the Centre, for the disabled children there. So Daniel the current director of the Centre invited us to visit and describe the wheel chair. He and Moses, his workshop man, were very intrigued and have asked Colin to return in order to build two or more of these. So, the plan is to go out for July, to work with Moses (and one or 2 others) teaching them how to build these machines.
The design is simple and rugged, and fairly easy to build in any town in “third world”, since it involves no high tech machines or components. All parts can be easily purchased in any cycle shop and builder’s store. Admittedly the tubular metal frame does need to be welded together for strength, but this does not normally prove to be too difficult. The simple “Mig welder” can be bought in Nairobi and we are looking for funding to help Daniel to buy one of these in June, ready for action when Colin arrives. The simple model below, gives an idea of what the wheel chair looks like. Notice the large (mountain bike) wheels are in front and the smaller (child bike) ones at the rear, this facilitates off-road mobility allowing for much easier travel over rough or soft ground.
Two basic models will be built, one like this shown, which is always pushed by a helper, another with dual chain drive to be hand-operated by the occupant, both types are able to traverse rough, stony or soft ground easily, due to the excellent floatation from the large tyres. A wheel at each corner gives good stability.
David Sutcliffe will be going along with Colin for 2 weeks to do some photography and help in various ways.
If you are interested in this project, we would be very glad of your prayers since a lot has to ‘come together’ before Colin can leave for Kenya. Christine will be staying here at home in order to be near Colin’s very elderly mother.
Please email us for more information.
Weekly Activities
10:45am & 6:15pm
All are welcome to join us.
There are tapes of the sermons preached in the church over the last three years. Please email Jerry Griffiths to find out more about what is available.
Sunday 10:45am
On average around fifteen children attend the Junior Church every Sunday morning. The children are aged between three and eleven. They are divided into two age groups according to their age, meeting for news and songs at the beginning and again at the end of the meeting. There are four teachers and four helpers that work with the children.
The Junior Church aims to teach about the bible and how it can be applied to everyday life. It also enables the children to talk about their lives and how God helps and guides them, giving opportunity for them to praise and thank God for what he has done. Children learn through many varied activities and get involved themselves by bringing books, stories and news to share.
Each Christmas the Junior Church puts on a play where all take part. This year "Time" was the theme. Children acted out the Nativity and Easter story showing the time when Jesus came to earth. It also asked poignant question about how we all use our time and efforts.
The Junior Church welcomes all to come and worship and learn more about the God of the bible.
For further information contact Louise Waters on (01509) 672633.
Last Monday of month
A club for fairly active retired or semi-retired men (50+) which meets on the last Monday in each month. Activities include easy walks - ussually in The Peak District or Leicestershire and visits to various places of interest, followed by a pub lunch. Good conversation and gentle humour abound.
Contact: John Dickens (01509) 673007
Tuesdays & Fridays 9.45am (term time)
Sutton Bonington Mothers & Toddlers group. Meet every Tuesday & Friday from 9.45am till 12 noon. Everyone is welcome from birth to 4 years of age.
Contact Katharine Hebblethwaite for more details.
Phone 01509 672889
Tuesdays 3.45pm
ASK? is a youth club for (yrs 3-6)
We run our programme during school term times. Our programme typically consists of craft, snacks, question times,creative Christian talks and activities and active games.
For further information telephone Beth Cumming on (01509) 843923 or email her.
Tuesdays 7.45pm
Rock Solid is resourced by Youth for Christ, which is an organisation specialising in providing resources for youth work. The material we use is specifically geared towards the 11-14 age group, with its particular tastes, interests and needs in mind and provides young people with an opportunity to explore major life issues and choices from a Christian perspective. The overall programme is high-energy, exciting with lots of activities and lots to think about.
Special events and nights out are also a regular part of the programme.
For further information contact David and Karen Gray on 01509 674762 or email them.
Wednesdays 8pm
A club for years 10 and above (14+yrs),
Meets Wednesday evenings 8pm-9.30pm
Leaders
Sarah and Paul Tremeer, Brian Butler, Paddy McGhee, Martin Steel
The club meets for social club nights, trips out, discussions about relevant issues from a Christian perspective and much more!
For more info contact Paul and Sarah Tel. 01509 672917
Small groups - Fornightly on Thursdays & Fridays
Prayer meetings - Fortnightly on Thursday's 7.45pm
We have a number of small groups meeting in peoples homes at different times and days to suit everybody. These groups for the purpose of supporting and encouraging one another. These meetings usually include an opportunity to pray together and study the bible.
The small groups meet once every two weeks.
The meeting on the alternate Thursday is an all together meeting for prayer and praise in the church lounge. We have a time of open praise followed by a special prayer topic. We also pray for people and events in the church and community as well as for friends and members of the church family serving God in different parts of the world.
From time to time we run enquirers groups for those who want find out more about Christian faith. This may be an Alpha course or something similar.
If you would like to find out more about the small groups please contact Pastor John Hebblethwaite on (01509) 672889
Alternate Wednesdays 10.30am
Coffee Break meets alternate Wednesdays from 10.30am to 12 midday in the Baptist Church lounge Sutton Bonington. It's a chance for retired people to meet and enjoy chat and friendship over tea / coffee and biscuits, followed by fellowship through varied and interesting speakers. A warm welcome is given to all and an offer of transport is also available.
Contact: Iris Bonner (01509) 672788 or Mu Miller (01509) 670231 email
Wednesdays 7.45pm
Meets weekly on a Wednesday evening at 7.45pm (in a home). All welcome! For further details of venue, or for transport, please phone Val Thomson on (01509) 670104, or e-mail Val.
Alternate Thursdays 1.30pm
Are you new to this country? Would you like to know more about life in the UK and enjoy friendship in a relaxed atmosphere (with opportunity to practice your English too!)? Perhaps you may like to share a little about your country and customs with us! You will be most welcome to join us, together with your children.
We meet on two Thursdays a month at 1.30pm in the lounge of the Baptist Church in Sutton
Bonington (next to the Post Office). We aim to finish around 3.20pm. On one Thursday we have a programme which includes outings, cooking, crafts, discussions etc, and on the other Thursday we have opportunity to look at the Bible to learn together what it has to say for our daily lives as women.
Once a month on a Friday evening we have fun having dinner together in someone’s home - a chance to relax without the children!
Please do contact Val if you would like further information.
Visit our web page to see what we have been doing recently.
Alternate Thursdays 1.30pm
Meeting on the alternate Thursday at 1.30pm, contact Val Thomson on (01509) 670104 or e-mail Val for further details or transport if needed.
Other special events throughout the year are also held, eg at the Lunar New Year, and at Christmas, contact Val for details.
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