Hopestonia Report - October 2010

 In the summer a dream holiday in Bournemouth was given to 28 children and teachers from Estonia.

 Many individuals and several churches were involved, including House of Destiny; St Andrews of Kinson, with St Philips; Cornerstone in West Howe and Watersedge in Parkstone.  These provided hot dinners, sandwiches, mini-bus drivers, gifts, finance, accommodation and prayer.  In addition they gave help with crabbing; put on a street-dance workshop, a BBQ; assisted on days out and at fireworks; loved the children and gave child focused gospel messages with great activities.  It was a brilliant time for everyone.

 Plans for 2011 include:

a) To enable the installation of a new bathroom in the house of 
     the leaders of the Children’s Home.

 b) To investigate the logistics of linking with Christian radio and
     the media to enable a mini tour for Bournemouth-based
     Gospel rock band, BOSH. 

c) To begin plans for a holiday for a new group of children and
     leaders from a Government run institution.

 d) To explore ways to link worship and to strengthen church
     groups thereby.

 e) A visit to Estonia by a new family from Poole, strengthening a
     relationship formed during the holiday.

 Future hopes include:

a)  Charitable status in UK for Hopestonia.

b) To facilitate placements in the children’s home, working more
     in rural villages.

c) To make placements in the Lutheran church, helping with
     worship and large age range children’s work.
        (English is widely spoken)

d) To hold quarterly fund-raising events.

e) To raise awareness of Hopestonia in Bournemouth and
      Poole through school assemblies.

 Further information is available from Jane and Stuart Chalmers on 01202 575099.