The Quarterly News Magazine of Torch Trust
OUR AIM: To overcome sight loss as a barrier to finding a personal faith in Christ and to living a fulfilled Christian life.
From:-
TORCH TRUST, Torch House, Torch Way, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 9HL, U.K.
Telephone: (01858) 438260, Fax: (01858) 438275, email: info@torchtrust.org
Charity Number 1095904.
When an expert in Old Testament law confronts Jesus with the contrived question, 'what must I do to inherit eternal life?', Jesus turns it back on him, asking for his expert understanding of the law. The answer he gives is a good one: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbour as yourself.' Still looking for an angle he poses a supplementary question: 'And who is my neighbour?' (Luke 10)
Whatever his motive, I'm glad that man asked the question - because the answer Jesus gave is such an important one. The story of the Good Samaritan is one of the best known Bible stories and it packs a powerful message.
Our immediate understanding of 'neighbour' is of someone near to us. And that's a correct interpretation of the Greek text. Our neighbour lives in the same street, living in a similar house, neither greatly richer nor poorer, and probably of the same ethnicity.
Jesus' story extends the scope of the word in a surprising way, a way that anticipates the era of globalisation in which we live. The neighbour in Jesus' story is the most unlikely member of the parade. Crossing boundaries of prejudice, he becomes a neighbour by his response to the need.
The 24-hour media machine bombards us with needs from all over the world: people lying desperate on a thousand roadsides. We are so often hampered and inhibited in our response because of the corruption that compromises our charitable inclinations. It's been heartening to see the global community respond so spontaneously to the victims of the Haiti earthquake - and with a generosity of spirit that hints at the 'blank cheque' undertaking of the Good Samaritan.
Jesus portrays a neighbourliness that transcends the expected. Aid meets need in relationship. 'Do likewise,' he says. A faith that's not expressed in action isn't worth much (James 2:26).
From these pages the need of our Malawian neighbours cries out to us. What an extraordinary privilege we have to peek over the shoulders of Michael and Janet Stafford as they travel the roads of Malawi.
Gordon Temple
[Following her recent visit to Malawi, Janet Stafford writes:]
Our pre Christmas shopping consisted of 320 packs of rice, maize flour, salt, tea, sugar and cooking oil. The food was made up into bags.
One hundred blind people were identified in each of three different areas in the Lower Shire Valley of Malawi. Early each morning of the 22nd, 23rd and 24th December we went to distribute the food packages. Lapson's orphan lads killed eight goats, and a kilo of meat was bagged up for each person.
Other orphans helped bag up the remaining items. A lorry was hired for the three days to distribute the food. Once everything was prepared we all climbed aboard the lorry – yes, including me! - and off we went.
It was truly wonderful to see the gratitude of those who received the food packages! Many had been without food for weeks, scratching an existence by eating nyika, the iris bulb from the river bed, and some even grinding dried grass and adding hot water to it! Can you believe that?
One elderly blind lady, with a huge boil on her back and obviously suffering badly from malnutrition got to her feet and said that although she was ill she could not keep silent. She had to praise God. Jesus was her Saviour, she said, but that day we had been sent as her 'saviour' with food and she would never forget the day 'God remembered them at Christmas'.
It was very moving to see the blind folks going off home with their packages on their heads!
So, what now that Christmas has passed?
Many in the area had no harvest this year so have no food. The rains have not come again and plants beginning to grow have withered and died – a double catastrophe for many who have no prospect of a harvest again this year.
Please pray for our brothers and sisters, that they will get food in some other way.
Due to the many problems Mr Kusowa faced as a blind man, he had decided to commit suicide. He was not interested in religion but the thought of a free ride and food made him decide to come to the 'overnight for blind people' at Easter last year at Konzere in Malawi.
After eating he lay down and slept as he didn't want to hear the testimonies and preaching. However he was awakened by Lameck preaching, which captivated him as nothing had ever done in his life before.
Lameck's message brought conviction in his heart and he was faced with a decision. Wonderfully he repented and gave his life to God.
In December Mr Kusowa was one of those who received a pack of food for Christmas. Immediately he received it he stood on his feet and began to shout, 'Glory to the Lord!' He was so surprised to see what the Lord had done for him. A bag of rice! He had not eaten rice for well over a year as he couldn't afford it. This was just overwhelming and he clutched it to his face saying, 'My God, this is too wonderful!'
Whilst dancing with others who had received food packages Mr Kusowa was praising God for saving him from committing suicide. 'I'm very glad today that I am with my friends and I really thank God for protecting me and for the provision he is giving me,' he said. Asking him if he still had challenges, Mr Kusowa said that the only problem he faced was loneliness and no one to take him to Church on Sunday.
It's really true that God has done something miraculous in Mr Kusowa's life; looking at his face no one can question his salvation. Glory to God for protecting this man. Hallelujah!
To enable our Malawi production operation to respond more effectively to day-to-day demands for braille Bible volumes and other small quantity requirements for African language Christian literature, we are aiming to provide a new computer driven braille embosser. We already have in hand half of the £7000 and are seeking God for the provision of the balance so that this can be purchased and shipped out in time for Michael Stafford's planned visit in the summer. Any additional funds donated above this target will be applied to the work in Malawi.
News of the earthquake in Haiti has affected us all. In an amazing way we were alerted to the needs of St Vincent's Centre for Disabled Children (including blind children) in Port-au-Prince, having been passed email correspondence from a Christian at the centre. Some of the children at the centre died in the earthquake and the buildings were severely damaged. Subsequently the place was looted and supplies, medicines and food stolen. The surviving children were moved to a football field at Montrouis to safer surroundings. As a result 1000 dollars (approx £625) has been sent with our love and prayers to help provide some care and provisions for the children.
Stella Heath - reflecting on the story of Torch - wrote just weeks before she died: 'Now, 50 years after the start of Torch in 1959, what a lot of joy has been growing in the Lord. Dear friends, I do feel so deeply about the wonders that God has done - and is still doing. I am so glad that I had a little part in it all.'
As the end of his life approached, Joshua reflected on the time he led the people of Israel - probably a period of around 50 years: 'You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the LORD your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed' Joshua 23:14.
He could see - as we can see - how God's promises have been fulfilled, one after another, time and time again. But his thoughts were on the future, a future secured in the promises of God.
2009 was Torch's golden jubilee year. The concept of jubilee, celebrating the passing of 50 years, comes to us from the Old Testament (Leviticus 25). For the people of Israel it was a milestone, a pause on a much longer journey, punctuation in a much greater story.
So many lives have been touched and so much achieved - but the need has never been more compelling. Never have we known such an appetite for what Torch does among blind and partially sighted people and among the organisations that serve and support them.
It's that sense that God has more for us to do - much more - that has led us to declare 2010 Torch's Year of Promise. Our vision, our passion has been and remains that every blind or partially sighted person may:
•Explore the Christian faith and discover Jesus
•Grow as a Christian
•Have a fulfilling devotional life
•Access Christian resources
•Join a church of their choice
•Develop their invaluable God-given gifting
•Contribute to the life of the church
These are goals which will not be easily achieved - requiring energy, imagination and resources.
We go forward trusting our God of promises, recognising that it is only in his strength that we achieve anything that really matters.
With your help I can advance against a troop;
with my God I can scale a wall.
As for God, his way is perfect … (Psalm 18:29-30)
Gordon Temple
Our most popular title is, of course, the Bible, in all media including DAISY audio. 2011 will be the 400th anniversary of the Authorised Version and we are again working with RNIB and Wycliffe Associates to introduce a DAISY version of the King James Bible, so look out for further announcements when this is ready.
Whilst continuing to support our cassette users we will be gradually introducing our readers to the easy to use mp3 CD medium, alongside the existing DAISY option. Most of our DAISY books will be available to be played on an mp3 CD player. At around £30 and available from high street stores, an mp3 CD player is affordable as well as accessible. Please pray for this new service, which will be launched this year, that it will enable more people to access Christian literature.
We owe a great debt of gratitude to the people who painstakingly hand-transcribed the majority of our giant print library books. They have been read and re-read, some for over 30 years! This year we are revamping and revitalising the giant print library with new titles as well as some of the classics, so that loss of sight doesn't have to mean loss of reading.
We are also asking our giant print readers what they would like in Bible Reading Notes and hope to work with publishers to bring you a new publication in this media option later in the year. Pray that we reach more giant print readers with our resources.
There is an unsatisfied demand to make Anglican services more accessible and we are working with RNIB, Guild of Church Braillists and Church House Publishing to find practical ways of making liturgical service materials more available in braille and giant print. At the same time we are seeking to develop links with the Church of England that will raise awareness of those with sight loss across this network of over 16,550 churches.
Lydia Tebbutt
There's interest in starting Torch Fellowship Groups in towns and cities right across the country - stretching our ability to support the local teams and prayer groups. And then there are many existing Groups that seek new leaders and helpers. Many areas lack the support of a Regional Coordinator (the volunteers that provide support and encouragement to local Groups).
The opportunity is there, the need clear. As Jesus said, 'The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.' (Matthew 9:37). What we need is an army!
In the 1980s Dave Bilbrough composed a song entitled, 'An army of ordinary people, a kingdom whose love is the key.' It's a song expressing a belief that the 'ordinary' people who are not necessarily humanly speaking the most talented or gifted can corporately help grow and advance God's kingdom.
The song goes on to say, 'A people whose life is in Jesus, a nation together we stand'. People with differing skills and talents, who can trust God to use them to bring encouragement and blessing to isolated and lonely blind people through the ministry of Torch Fellowship Groups.
As Paul states in 1 Corinthians 4:7: '... we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.' It's not our own strength that matters but God's strength at work in us. But he does want us to mobilise.
We seek an army of ordinary people.
David Palmer
If you want to know how you can help the work of Torch please contact us at volunteers@torchtrust.org or phone 01858 438260.
The 50th anniversary weekend at the end of November was a truly wonderful and uplifting occasion. As well as a Thanksgiving service in the Leisure Centre sports hall, attended by 440 people, there was a packed weekend conference at Hothorpe Hall near Market Harborough and a vibrant exhibition at Torch House. Here are some comments from those who came ...
'Thank you for such a wonderful weekend... The fellowship at Hothorpe Hall was very special and the extra touches, such as the welcome cards in each room.'
From a local friend who came to help out: 'Thank you for the opportunity to be useful - and Saturday worship in the morning was awesome.'
'Thanks for a wonderful weekend - it was brilliant... It was all centred on Jesus. Great to see so many people at the Leisure Centre and to hear the stories from some of those at the receiving end of the different aspects of the work of Torch. There was a real sense of family, of God's goodness and an exciting future.'
'What a brilliant weekend and what a great time of fellowship and togetherness. We came home thrilled with the sense of love and unity and openness that was so evident all through the weekend... Everything fitted together so perfectly... The exhibition was brilliant and worthy of the occasion. It was so good to meet many people from the Torch history books still actively involved. The Thanksgiving time in the Leisure Centre was really excellent.'
'The times of prayer, worship and praise were really special. The music and singing couldn't be other than good, with Peter, Marilyn and Trevor leading us. The communion service was outstanding. I loved the Thanksgiving Service on Saturday... The love, laughter, sharing, prayer, praise and worship were wonderful and will stay with me for a long time. I travelled home on a cloud of worship as well as trains!'
'The weekend was amazing. It was very moving. So up-building to be understood and spoilt for a while.'
'Truly it was a fitting climax to a year of thanksgiving and celebration of Torch's 50th year. It ranks as one of the best of my life. Whilst the weekend was a real time of thanksgiving for God's faithfulness and provision, you also managed to instil the challenge of a new beginning.'
Around 50 people attended the Christmas houseparty at High Leigh last December. Here are some comments from guests ...
'It's the best Christmas I have ever had, I have enjoyed the services, the bell ringing; it was fun playing pass the parcel and making objects out of Play-Doh. I have a belief and I have found God to be nearer to me now.'
'I liked the sermons, I liked the handbells, the talent evening, forfeits and Scottish dancing. I really enjoyed the speakers; I have been able to hear everything because the loop worked very well. People have been very patient with me after having had my stroke.'
'Highlights from the Christmas houseparty for me were firstly receiving the warm welcome. The pantomime was really great fun and I surprisingly really enjoyed it! The Scottish dancing was fun! Other highlights were the fellowship which I don't get at home because my family aren't Christians. And I am now on a diet because of the amount of food we had! The games in the banquet hall were great because they involved everyone. I love the Christian company, sharing stories about one another's lives.'
'Absolutely wonderful, great fellowship and fun, working together as a team and learning to look out for people. I came with the feeling that I would gain more than I would give and I certainly did. Some of the highlights would be: humour and laughter ... sitting around the table for Christmas dinner with the games and the sense of lovely family ... the joy of seeing everyone so happy.'
Our holidays are booking up fast for this year so book now to avoid any disappointment. How about your Torch Fellowship Group coming for the May bank holiday weekend? Or treat yourself to a holiday in Wales with amazing outings to fascinating places. So much choice, and a great time is guaranteed.
For a complete list of Torch Holidays request a leaflet from Torch House or visit www.torchtrust.org and select Holidays and Retreats.
Gail Millar writes:
Clean dishes!
Our new dishwasher is now installed - praise the Lord!
A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to make it happen. We are so appreciative of your kindness and generosity.
Our nine year old people carrier has served us well and has provided essential transport for guests on our holidays. Sadly, the vehicle has succumbed to major engine problems and so we find we need to replace it and soon! Please pray with us that the means will be found to meet the need.
On the day this article was written, we received in the post a cheque for £44,000. It came from a legacy, long written off as unlikely to materialise in the near future and of uncertain and minimum value; however, several parts of the Estate were unexpectedly unravelled at the same time, releasing funds needed for the Lord's work. In addition, two of the beneficiaries under the Will had relinquished their entitlement to a substantial part of the Estate, further benefiting a number of charities, including Torch. We praise God for help coming from such unexpected places.
As we enter our Year of Promise with an awareness of the need and opportunity in every area of our ministry, we face an enormous challenge. In the first three months of the financial year (October–December), and despite the good news reported above, we consumed £80,000 from our reserves. Though we have cut costs, and staff have made salary sacrifices, almost every month ends with a substantial deficit.
We continue to strive to be wise in the use of all our resources God has given us, and in this way, honour him in all we do. Please continue to pray with us for the Lord's provision.
Andrew Nicholson
Question: How many days are there between Easter and Whitsun?
Answer: 50! Which makes it the ideal period of time for the Torch family to use 50 Steps Forward to pray together. Published by Torch to celebrate 50 years of ministry, 50 Steps Forward contains 50 daily Bible readings with notes contributed by fifty authors, along with prayer and praise items for each day.
At just £5 per copy in any media, 50 Steps Forward makes a lovely gift - perhaps instead of chocolate? It's sure to encourage the reader personally, as well as leading them to pray for Torch.
50 Steps Forward is available in braille, giant print, cassette and DAISY, all post free. For print please add £2 extra for postage and packing for up to two copies. If you'd like to pay by credit or debit card please give the office a ring on 01858 438260.
2 – 4 March: Regional Coordinators' Conference at Torch HRC.
3 – 18 April: Torch at Spring Harvest, Minehead
11 – 14 May: Torch at Christian Resources Exhibition, Esher
6 June: Disability Sunday (Resource pack available: see below)
8 June: Day of Prayer at Torch House
8 July: Open Evening at Torch House
12 – 15 July: Torch at Sight Village, Birmingham
23 October: Thanksgiving
Torch will also be represented at a number of other sight loss events and exhibitions during the year, including those run by the Macular Disease Society. Please contact Torch House for more details.
For details of the Torch Holidays programme please either refer to the brochure distributed with the previous issue of Torch Family News, phone Torch House or visit our web site.
Question: What can I do to encourage my church to be more aware and understand some of the issues currently faced by people with sight loss?
Answer: Make one day in your church calendar Disability Sunday.
Why don't we see more blind people in our churches? What is Jesus' attitude to disabled people and what should be ours?
In the pack are some thoughts responding to these questions plus other resources - like prayers and a sermon that you can use on June 6th or another occasion.
Why not ask for a free resource pack and pass it on to your minister or leadership team?
How well prepared is your church to welcome and involve those with sight loss? Why not show the Torch Foursight for the Church DVD to the church or in small groups, ideally following it with a study of some relevant Bible references (listed on the DVD case) and a discussion of what the church could be doing to help blind and partially sighted people to be fully included.
Visit www.torch–foursight.org or call Torch House. The DVD is free and so is the pack that we will send once you are registered on this website.
Every day Torch receives a large delivery of post from around the UK and the world. Some of the letters have varied and interesting stamps and we are able to pass these on to another Christian charity which sells them to provide funds for Christian missions such as Torch.
For many years the stamps have been collected by David Franklin to whom we are grateful for undertaking the regular task of categorising and preparing the stamps before passing them on.
The time has now come when David wishes to conclude this volunteer role and so the door is open for someone else to take this on. If you live in the East Midlands area and might be interested, please call Andrew Nicholson at Torch on 01858 438260.
Office Team for all general enquiries, donations, literature sales and holiday bookings: 01858 438260
•Library Team for existing or new library borrowers: 01858 438266
•Prayer Phone items for prayer, updated fortnightly: 01858 438277
•Insight Programme for responses to the Sunday broadcasts on Premier Radio: 01858 438267.
[The NIV quotations in this magazine were taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Published by Hodder & Stoughton.]