BASIS AND BEGINNINGS

The Trust was established in 1995, and March 1998 sees the completion of the second full year of its work. The object of the Trust as set out in the Trust Deed is " the advancement of the Christian religion; the encouragement of others to take part in the spreading of the Gospel, and the deepening of spiritual life". The means adopted in seeking to achieve this is through a 'card ministry’: the production and distribution of cards containing texts from the Bible. The Trust recognises the great void and lack of knowledge of the word of God in society today. Apathy to spiritual concerns is reflected in the decline in church and Sunday school attendance, and in the degree of Christian education offered in primary schools. The Trust seeks to make the essence of the Christian message available to a generation almost totally ignorant of, and out of touch with the Bible and its teaching.

DESIGNED TO CARE

The cards are similar in size to credit or loyalty cards: on one side is a photograph, a design, or the reproduction of a work of art, while on the reverse is a text, often reflecting the picture on the front. Some cards have an evangelical message, others a pastoral one, while there is also a range of cards for children. Customised cards are provided for specific occasions or church needs. All are produced in colour and are laminated for attractive presentation and durability.

FOR WHOSE BENEFIT?

The cards may be given to parents of children being baptised, to prisoners, to the bereaved, to the homeless, and to those with particular needs or problems, as well as being made generally available through outlets in churches, religious bookshops, Christian training establishments, hospitals and other public places. They are designed using photographs; drawings or artwork provided by members of different churches, are printed in house and laminated by teams of volunteers. During the year the teams have been encouraged to have more autonomy in taking orders for, producing and distributing the cards, though ill health of some of the team members has prevented full implementation of these arrangements.

THE FUTURE

Recent indications are that there is a growing interest in the cards, and many potential outlets have come to our attention. There is a need for other committed Christians to take on the task of nurturing these outlets through personal contact, supplying cards, and uplifting donations. Steps are now being taken to find suitable persons who might take this on as an outreach ministry. Another new initiative being explored is a range of specially designed cards aimed at the business community.

We are convinced there is great scope for this form of ministry. The small teams we use could be developed in many churches and the Trustees are committed to seeking to make the Christian message available to non church goers and others through this particular medium.

Alan L Mackinlay May 1998.