Homelessness.
It's just unthinkable, isn't it? The notion of being without a home; a place that anchors you is one of most basic requirements as humans. What if you are without one? What if you exist, day to day, in a world that intimidates with suspicion and atrocious weather at every turn? The idea of coping with such adverse and soul-destroying conditions doesn't bear thinking about. One person who has great empathy and insight is Rev Leslie Newton, Chair of Yorkshire North and East District. Alongside his peers and the fervent commitment of young people in the area, he led a sleep out for the homeless, to bring attention to their plight. It's an issue that doesn't just blight communities, but it raises some pretty fundamental questions for the church.
Should it stand against the acquisition of holiday homes? You'll definitely want to hear Leslie's reaction.
Our other equally fascinating talking point is the Mijikenda. Stationed recently in Ireland and temporarily back in Kenya, we hear from Rev Annie Deche, who hails from one of the 9 tribes that make up the Mijikenda people. Each tribe has its own unique customs and dialects of the language, which are similar to Swahili. Annie tells an engaging and inspiring story of how she broke through stereotypes and expectations and became a minister in the Methodist church.
