St. Mary’s Church in Partington, on the outskirts of Manchester, came up with a creative way to raise money for Barnabus with a riot of colour, as 1300 daffodil bulbs burst into bloom in the warm spring sunshine. Yet it was a different story, on a cold and wet day last October. That day 20 volunteers from the church and the community came together to dig a trench the entire length of the churchyard and plant the bulbs deep underground.

Whilst we worked with spade and trowel in the cold we had in mind our friends on the streets of Manchester, as many prepared for the cold wet winter nights that were to come. With this inspiration and concern, the daffodil bulbs supplied by church members Ron and Jean, were sponsored by the congregation, groups that used the church, friends and family. Encouragingly £1300 was raised, a pound for every bulb, to help Barnabus ensure the homeless they meet are safe, and empowering people to build new lives through finding a new home.

The long wait is now over and the bulbs have flowered transforming the churchyard into Barnabus’ yellow colour. Bulbs that lay dormant have fulfilled their potential and we are reminded of the prophecy of Isaiah “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:19). We pray this is a sign of the hope Barnabus brings to those who long for security, warmth and a new home.

The good news is these bulbs will continue to flower year after year, a lasting legacy and reminder of this appeal, and help us to keep Barnabus in our prayers.

 

Rev. Andrew Knight.

Vicar of St. Mary’s Church, Partington.