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Phil and Brigid Bourne in Cyprus |
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| Phil grew up in Furnace Green, Crawley. Both he and Brigid work in
the International Services Office in Cyprus, where Phil does
research in mission trends and Islam, and is currently acting as
consultant to a group in Egypt wishing to reach out to Sufis
(Mystics). He also advises the leadership of MECO on mission
interests. Brigid is the Human Resources Coordinator. She is in
touch with our Home Offices and leading members in the Middle East
in order to process and suitably place those who enquire for service
in this part of the world.
Both are active in St Helena's Anglican Church, Larnaka, part of the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf. Brigid takes Sunday School and is also active in promoting cooperation between English speaking congregations in Larnaka. You can read more about the work of MECO at their website www.aboutmeco.org
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Christmas Greetings from Phil and Brigid in CyprusChristmas 2009 |
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Highlights of 2009The centre of this star shows a crocheted book-mark cross made by Lydia Gulesserian, an elderly Armenian from church. She used to give such crosses to visitors attending, but sadly she died this year. We were involved in supporting the daughters from America and helping to dispose of her possessions. Lydia lived to serve others for Christ's sake and now the time had come when she was no longer able to serve on earth. She has been a 'real star', pointing people to Jesus in the communities where she has lived. Her bookmarks are now being used by people living around the world. |
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 After
a fascinating time visiting Jenny in the Arabian Peninsula just
before last Christmas, we returned to begin a year which has been
more challenging than most. |
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St Helena's Church
Our minister left quite suddenly at the end of May at a time when
the congregation was deeply divided. But since then God has really
blessed us, helping us to grow spiritually during this period and in
enabling us to forgive and pull together. Many folk have returned to
worship with us again and we have learnt to sing enthusiastically
accompanied by a CD in a computer! Our church has become more
international and is welcoming to newcomers. Currently we have a
period of temporary chaplains and pray God will give us a suitably
gifted permanent one in due course. |
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New MinistryOne of the surprising new developments in church life has been involvement with poor Filipino housemaids and very poor Nepalese students who are attending church regularly. Brigid has begun a short time of reading Luke's Gospel together with them and discussing relating issues. This follows the morning service before some of them have to go off to work or care for elderly Cypriots. |
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Our futureLike many others in Cyprus, we have suffered from the very poor
currency exchange rate and wondered whether we should remain here.
However there is no sign of anyone joining us who could replace the
work we do: Phil oversees the computer network at our International
Office and helps colleagues overseas with their computer problems.
Brigid is responsible for answering communications from members and
others, distributing news, and coordinating applications from our
six sending countries. However, we have been humbled recently to
receive gifts to help this year and are most grateful! In spring
next year we will need to return to UK for a while to make decisions
following termination of the lease to an old property. We are then
considering buying somewhere where we could retire to in a few years
time. FamilyPhil's mother continues to enjoy her new flat in Eastleigh, Southampton. Brigid plans on returning to care for her 92 yr old Mum for a couple of weeks each year. Jenny is spending this year at All Nations Christian College in Herts, in preparation for service overseas. We look forward to her joining us for a couple of weeks on 21st Dec. HAPPY CHRISTMAS!
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