Whilst many people will be having a rest over the half–term holidays, two members of Archbishop Holgate’s school community will be working hard putting the school value of Compassion into practice. Maths teacher Phil McBride and Year 10 student Matthew MacFarlane will be spending the week engaged in community work in Romania. They will be accompanying other members of the congregation of St Paul’s Church in Holgate, York, to visit the city of Medgidia in the south-east of the country, near to Constansa on the black Sea.
Whilst there they will be working with the local Gypsy community, teaching them Bible verses and helping with cooking meals. They are working in the Community Centre to build bridges between the gypsy and local communities. All of this is part of the Stepping Stones ministry. In preparation for the project and to pay for the resources needed they have been engaged in lots of different fundraising activities including a sponsored cycle ride to Bridlington starting from Archbishop Holgate’s, a talent show and even a drama evening entitled Blazing Grannies (not really setting fire to old people!)
Mr Mc Bride said: “I feel this is a really important ministry to do at this time. In a period when Europe’s borders are under ever increasing scrutiny it is important to show compassion and understanding to different communities and this will give us the opportunity to do this. I am worried about the culture changes and leaving my family behind, but it is only for a week and I really think that God will make this a fantastic experience.”
Matthew said: “I have decided to go to help in Romania to gain a greater understanding of the wider world and what some people go through. Also as part of my faith I felt that I was called to help these children and show them compassion. I’m a bit nervous about travel and safety during the trip. However, I am excited about working alongside others to help people less fortunate than myself.”
We wish them every success in their project and look forward to hearing more about their visit upon their return.