This November marked my fourth visit to Arunima Hospice and ten years of supporting this remarkable ministry. The children, staff, and volunteers have become like family, and returning was a profound joy. I am grateful to the Provincial Global Partnerships Committee for funding my travel, and to all who supported recent fundraising events at St Columba’s, Perth Cathedral, and the Stanley and District Women’s Institute along with many family & friends. Together, an amazing £3,500 was raised. This enabled refurbishment of the communal area, a new water tank, an electric moped for university students, six bicycles, clothing, toiletries, essential food, a day trip to Nicco Amusement Park, support for the Geonkhali cultivation project, and fifteen textbooks.
A particular joy this year was celebrating five older teenagers securing university places in subjects including nursing, social work, and fashion design. I also had the privilege of speaking on Queer Theology at Bishop’s College, engaging with more than 30 postgraduate students. Conversations there have opened the possibility of funding future theological study for Arunima students.
I was warmly welcomed by the new Moderator of the Church of North India to concelebrate at St Peter’s, and later visited Arunima’s outreach among sex workers in South Kolkata—an experience both challenging and deeply moving.
For groups wishing to hear more, I would be delighted to visit mid-week or for special events. Contact: revd.ross@hotmail.com / 07947 321687.
