About

St Alban & St Stephen Parish, St Albans, is  fundraising to support Friends of the Holy Land's Pentecost Challenge! A number of us visited the Holy Land on a Diocese of Westminster pilgrimage and we were  moved by the plight of the local Christians so we are raising funds to support them.

A huge number of Christian families across the Holy Land who relied on tourism have been plunged into unemployment and poverty during the last year, with no government support. If their children are to continue attending their Christian schools, they need help to pay the (small) school fees.

For children and young people growing up in difficult places to live, like East Jerusalem, the West Bank or Gaza, and for those with disabilities, a good school is absolutely vital for their wellbeing now and their future prospects.

This year's Pentecost Challenge is to walk, cycle, run or swim the 84-mile pilgrimage route from Bethlehem to Nazareth. Most of what we raise will help to keep vulnerable children at the schools they love, and we'll also be supporting the charity's wider pandemic response across the region.

We did it! All 8 parishioners who walked the pilgrimage have reached Nazareth before Pentecost Sunday. Some of the team have even walked back to Bethlehem! You have helped us to raise £2,300 for  this great casue. So far, we have raised enough to cover the costs of educating 2 children for 1 year at the School of Joy in Bethlehem. A big thank you to all our sponsors. Your encouragement  kept us going!

It’s not too late to donate!