|PIC1|Bishop Bakare travelled nearly 4,000 km in NSW, his itinerary embracing 33 venues from Wagga Wagga in the south to Coffs Harbour in the north. Perhaps uniquely among Anglican Bishops, he preached at St Mary's Cathedral and St Stephen's Uniting Church on the same day. In Perth on Thu 4 December Bishop Bakare addressed a major event at the Churchlands Christian Fellowship, organised by CDP WA.
Bishop Bakare shared his message with clergy including one Anglican archbishop and five brother bishops plus a cross section of pastors and priests. He met the Premier of NSW and State Ministers and parliamentarians, fifteen Federal parliamentarians, Mayor of Shoalhaven Paul Green and half a dozen other Lord Mayors and Mayors, local groups of expatriate Zimbabweans, very many CDP members and supporters and large numbers of interested Australians. He appeared in a major SBS TV report and was interviewed by Christian radio and by prominent media personalities from networks operated by 2GB, the ABC, 2UE, 2SM and even the BBC. Through the Bishop's sincerity and eloquence, many more Australians now understand how serious is the plight of our brothers and sisters in Zimbabwe. By bringing Bishop Bakare to Australia, the Christian Democratic Party has demonstrated its compassion and exhibited its willingness to take the lead in a vitally important issue. This has been our most successful project since the 2007 State Election.
Tour organiser Michael Darby reported: "The Bishop inspires everyone he meets, and while alerting Australians to the horrors of starvation, cholera and brutality suffered by Zimbabweans, he never ceases to express his profound Christian Faith. Bishop Bakare and Reverend Fred Nile make a great team."
During Bishop Bakare's visit more than $15,000 was raised to support the Bishop's Christian charitable efforts in Zimbabwe. With your help and prayers and through the Grace of God, we can be confident that the flow of donations will continue. CDP and the Bishop will ensure that money donated to save children from starvation will reach those children in the form of nourishing meals. Bishop Bakare has identified several priorities in saving lives in Zimbabwe. CDP is energetically supporting the Bishop's school meals program, which beginning with the Anglican Schools in the Harare Diocese, will with God's help spread throughout the nation and save countless lives.
Readers may donate to save children from starvation and promote Bishop Bakare's Christian message of peace and hope by sending a generous cheque to: Christians Saving Children, c/o CDP, GPO Box 141, Sydney NSW 2001.
I am pleased to report that Management Committee having approved a budget of $6,000, the Bishop's Tour was completed under budget at $5,859. Sponsors for the Bishop's Tour have been coming forward, helping to offset CDP's costs in what has proved to be a very worthy endeavour. Further contributions will of course be welcome. Please flag your donation to tour costs so we can list you as a sponsor in the full report of the Bishop's Tour on the website.
The Christian Democratic Party will enter 2009 with a sound financial base, a strong leadership team and a powerful humanitarian focus. This is a good time to renew your CDP subscription and invite your friends and members of your congregation to join CDP. Australia deserves more Godly influence in Government, so let's build together the strength of CDP.
Elaine thanks you for your prayers, and joins with me in hoping that the Good Lord will richly bless you and your loved ones at Christmas.