The Patna Partnership
The Ashbourne Churches Together - Patna Partnership grew out of a visit to Derbyshire by Bishop Philip Marandih of the Church of North India in 1998 when he stayed with Christopher Harrison, the Rural Dean. The Church of North India is an ecumenical church, formed in the early 70's by the amalgamation of five denominations. A party from Ashbourne visited Bihar for three weeks in 2000. Bihar state is one of the poorest in India. During their stay they spent three days at St Luke's hospital, Hiranpur. ACT decided to support the partnership by launching an appeal to raise money to re-roof parts of the hospital.See Photographs
The St. Luke's Hospital Appeal
This hospital is a very special place. It is a Christian Foundation, serving people regardless of caste, creed or religion. It caters mainly for for the indigenous tribal people and its conditions are extremely basic. The hospital was built over 70 years ago and is heavily used by local people. It is self-funding for its day to day running costs (just!!) but the buildings are in poor condition and there is no money available for repairs. Hence the appeal. All the roofs leaked! The first priority was the operating theatres and the inpatient wards. They had to close completely in the monsoon rain.
Ashbourne Churches Together raised £12,000 within three years, to re-tile the whole roof. If you would like to know more about this exciting venture telephone 01335 342859
2004 visit
In June 2004Bishop Philip brought a party of four headteachers (including his wife Lily) to Ashbourne. They spent two weeks in and around Ashbourne.
2006 visit
A party of nine people visited Patna in early 2006. Click here for their report 
The Patna Partnership Child Sponsorship Scheme
Taljhari is a rural village in the eastern part of the Diocese of Patna.
St. John's School was founded in 1864 by British Missionaries who wanted to offer education to the predominantly Santali tribespeople of that area and to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with them.
The school now educates children at primary, middle and high school levels. However, many of the children come from very poor families and during term time those from outlying areas have to live in hostels at the school. The school does not have the resources to give board and lodging to its full complement of children and so many poor children are currently unable to benefit from the education offered by St. John's. At present only 100 of the 300 places for girls are filled.

However the cost of board and lodging for one child is only Five Pounds (£5.00) per month This is not a large sum for most of us but it could make a tremendous difference to these children.

Will you sponsor a girl at St. John's?
Five Pounds a month will cover all her accommodation costs and enable her to benefit from the education the school offers.

If you are willing to participate in this scheme please contact either
The Revd Christopher Harrison tel 01335 390226, email christopher.d.harrison@btinternet.com or
Mrs Elizabeth Hurfurt tel 01335 342859, email jandehurfurt@supanet.com

The Ashbourne Patna Partnership is part of the Derbyshire Churches - Church of North India link.   Click here for their website

Home  Services  Church Groups   Methodism   Message   Churches Together   Ashbourne   Circuit   News