Help for the poor comes from Sherwood forest

It’s not quite the Robin Hood legend, but recently in Sherwood Forest there was a band of merry men – and women – helping those less fortunate.

It began when the Rev Andrew Spademan of Leamington Pentecostal Church organised an assault course challenge to raise money for underprivileged children.

Siloam Christian Ministries works in partnership with local churches in Eastern Europe to provide Bible camps for these children. Andrew and his team raised almost £800 for this summer’s Bible camps.

"We as individuals and as a church are very much focused on helping others," explained Andrew. "We have the greatest example of this given to us by Jesus whose whole life was about helping others. This is where our inspiration comes from and the reason we have and will continue to do what we can to help those in need."

The nine member team that gathered in Sherwood Forest included friends and relatives as well as church members. Most originally came from the area. ‘We didn’t know how much money we’d raise," Andrew said.

"It was just something we could do. With an assault course, you have to do it together, working as a team to get through it together.

"Those of us who climbed over a high wall first then helped others to get over it."

Many children who will benefit from their fundraising by attending the camps suffer from malnutrition. Bible camps aim to nurture children and teenagers both physically and spiritually. Games and recreation combine with spiritual teaching and nutritious food to provide the happiest possible experience.

"Over the years we have helped thousands of young people enjoy a time away at camp. We have seen many young men coming into the ministry in Eastern Europe as a direct result of them previously attending a children’s Bible camp," explains Siloam UK Director Richard Norton.

"With the breakdown of marriage, the redundancy of parents and the increasing sense of lawlessness, there is an even greater need for this ministry than ever before."