Lent appeal to buy 4x4s for ministry work in Angola and Mozambique

The Bishop of London is asking Christians in the capital to consider donating a portion of their travel costs during Lent to support ministry work in Angola and Mozambique.

The Rt Rev Richard Chartres suggested that Christians give a percentage of their Oyster card usage or a portion of their fuel costs.

This year's Lent Appeal will go towards buying three 4x4 vehicles for the Diocese of London's ministry partners in Angola and Mozambique.

Mobility is hampered in both countries as a result of the poor public infrastructure. Bicycles remain the main method of local transport, but the only way to travel long distances is in 4x4s - particularly in the rainy season when the largely dirt roads become harder to navigate.

As the season of Lent gets underway today, the bishop is asking the capital's Christians to appreciate the ease with which they travel around the city and the country.

Bishop Chartres said: "It is easy to forget what a privilege it is to have access to a 24-hour bus service, an underground train system and a network of trains and motorways to carry us easily around London and the rest of the country.

"I’m asking London Christians to consider the challenges faced by our partners in Angola and Mozambique each time they use their oyster card or pay for a London taxi."

The new 4X4 vehicles will enable diocesan staff to travel throughout their dioceses so they can carry out pastoral visits, confirmations and training, as well as resourcing and helping with community development work and delivering HIV awareness and education.

The Diocese of London has been in partnership with the three Anglican Dioceses in Angola and Mozambique (Lebombo and Niassa) since 1998.