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Christianity in the United Kingdom may be struggling due
to materialism and secularism, but that certainly is not the
case as far as the so-called 'Dark Continent' is concerned.
Britain, which once sent missionaries to bring Christianity
to Africa, is now grateful for the ardent message conveyed
to this nation by the African Christians who are so totally
committed to the faith and to the cause.
Many British churches depend on the large numbers of African
and West Indian Christians who crowd their pews, and their
enthusiasm is a real boost to the faith in an increasingly
secular country.
All this is taking place against a backdrop of a rich and
affluent UK, and a poverty-stricken and disease-ridden Africa.
If ever there was a case where the rich could extend a helping
hand to the poor, this is it.
Here in Northern Ireland many churches and denominations
support the work in Africa, with their cash donations, and
their convoys of medical supplies and foodstuffs.
That's to be welcomed, and for the Orange Order there is
an onus to help the brethren of Ghana and Togo which are among
the most enthusiastic in world Orangeism.
The brethren and sisters of the Orange Lodges in West Africa
would put many of their Orange brethren in this country to
shame. They don't have much in the way of riches, but they
do have an abundance of energy, enthusiasm and dedication
which seems to compensate.
However, they do need all the help they can get, and the
Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland is playing its part. The Order
has been raising funds to purchase a minibus which can be
used by the brethren in isolated parts of Togo.
A substantial sum has already been raised, but there is still
some way to go, and hopefully the balance can be cleared in
the New Year just starting.
It should be the aim of all Ulster Orangemen and women to
pull out all the stops to pay for this minibus, and also to
help in any other way, their Orange brethren in Togo.
Let's do the same where this minibus appeal is concerned,
and also generally help some of the most ardent Orangemen
in the world.
We have our own Orange financial commitments here in Northern
Ireland and the Republic, and no-one would deny this. But
there should still be enough to spare, and ensure that the
brethren in Togo do not have to struggle without a helping
hand from Northern Ireland, a country which has always been
quick to respond to worthy and deserving causes.
To date £25,000 has been raised for the Togo appeal.
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