Railway Mission News 2018 Issue 3

Support on life’s journey

Issue 3 2018

3 4 6 7 8 9 Support on life’s journey

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Inside From the top On to glory Wellbeing week IRM Board meeting in Lunteren Introducing New Chaplains The story of the Unknown Warrior Remembrance 100 Remembrance Services The Permanent Way Chaplains’ prayer and info pages Railway Mission’s calendar for 2019 is out now!

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Railway Mission is a registered charity in England and Wales (1128024) and in Scotland (SC045897). A company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (06519565).

Photo by Network Rail Air Operations Team

Cover: Llangollen Railway photo by Liam Johnston

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Ensuring things will last

God has called us to something greater. Railway chaplaincy is not ‘tea and sympathy’ but it is the hard edge of a divine sword that pierces the darkness.

It’s been an interesting year for Railway Mission.

We’ve taken on five new chaplains and said goodbye to two chaplains as they retired. One of our Trustees was awarded an honour

by Her Majesty the Queen for services to the railway industry.

We’ve been given an award for our work in supporting the British Transport Police and have been acknowledged by the secular press for the work we do.

I am genuinely excited about the opportunities God has given your chaplains. God has opened doors and made straight a path as Railway Mission continues to help and support men and women on the railway.

Nevertheless, we can easily become complacent and begin to fall into a routine of visiting railway stations and having cups of tea in the places we feel comfortable.

But God has called us to something greater. Railway chaplaincy is not ‘tea and sympathy’ but it is the hard edge of a divine sword that pierces the darkness.

from the top

So please pray for all of the Railway Mission team: for wisdom, guidance and integrity, so that as each one of us seeks to do what is right before God and man, God will continue to make things interesting for Railway Mission.

Liam Johnston is the Executive Director of Railway Mission

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On to glory EWART HELYAR (1920 – 2018) former General Secretary of Railway Mission

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wart Frederick Bertram Helyar, lately an Elder of South Street Free Church, Eastbourne, was called into the presence of the Lord on 29th August 2018, just five days short of his 80th Spiritual Birthday.

Crusader Class, and, on Sunday 3rd September 1938 he accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Saviour, under the preaching of the late Captain Reginald Wallis.

Ewart had recently been experiencing a period of poor health, and following a fall at home on the evening of Sunday 26th August 2018 was admitted to the Eastbourne District General Hospital where he remained until his home call.

During World War II he served in Yeovil in the bomb disposal unit of the Home Guard, being in a reserved occupation with Westland Aircraft. Ewart’s lifelong interest and participation in sport became apparent during this time in Somerset. Even in his nineties he could be found playing tennis at the Meads Tennis Club in Eastbourne or cheering for Boro’ on the terraces of Eastbourne Borough Football Club.

He was born on 19th May 1920 at Plumstead in south-east London.

Following the sudden death of his mother when he was 14 he was unable to complete his schooling, and was taken by his father to live with his grandparents in the small Somerset village of East Coker on the outskirts of Yeovil.

It was here that he started an apprenticeship as a maintenance electrician at Westland Aircraft Ltd. His grandmother was a Christian and encouraged him to attend the local church. He started going to the Boys

After the war whilst still working for Westland Aircraft Ltd, Ewart became aware of a persistent call to full-time ministry. Thoughts turned to study at London Bible College, but the Lord closed the door on this route and Ewart was led to take on the role of Secretary of the Young Life Campaigners. During this time he met a young music teacher, Ethelwyn Howell, youngest daughter of

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the then treasurer of the Railway Mission.

They fell in love and were married in Romford, Essex on 16th October 1948. A little later that year Ewart joined the staff of the Mission.

moved from the responsibilities of Pastor to that of an Elder under the Pastorships of Philip Laver and subsequently David Batchelor, the present Pastor at South Street.

After a brief spell in Brighton, he became Pastor of the Colchester Branch where Ewart and Ethelwyn ministered until 1959. In 1960 he was appointed to the position of General Secretary with the supervision of 25 branches.

He also developed strong links with the International Railway Mission, attending conferences in Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Switzerland and was responsible for organising the International Conference at Swanwick in the UK in 1972. The position of General Secretary necessitated moves firstly to Purley, then Watford and finally to Derby.

In 1977 Ewart resigned from the Mission largely due to the ill health of Ethelwyn, and his own tiredness.

Ewart will be greatly missed at South Street, and in many other churches in the area, where he preached regularly until very recently. Indeed, he preached his final sermon just a week before entering hospital for the last time. He used to drive himself to most of the venues until just a year or so ago. We shall all miss his gracious greeting, warm smile and friendly word within the fellowship as well as his thought provoking, Bible based ministry. He had time for everyone who wanted to speak to him, and was a great example to all of how to live a godly life; his love for the Lord was evident in everything he did and said.

He took every opportunity to witness for the Lord, whether the recipients of his word had asked for it or not. He was a great mentor to new Christians and old Christians alike being readily approachable at any time.

They had a period of recuperation in Ashbourne in Derbyshire before Ewart was called to the Pastorate of an FIEC church in Lindfield, in Sussex, and they remained there until 1990, when they retired to Eastbourne. Here, Ewart had a period as an Elder in St Anthony’s Evangelical Church, before he was called to the Pastorate of South Street Free Church (affiliated to the Countess of Huntingdon’s Connexion) in Eastbourne.

His ministry was characterised by his unswerving adherence to Scripture, to his trust in Christ alone through faith alone.

We rejoice, however, that Ewart is now free from pain and infirmity, and have that joyful assurance that he now sees his Lord and Saviour face to face and will do so for evermore. Serving the Lord until the very end, Ewart was an inspiration to us all.

Obituary kindly contributed by Tony Thomson, Elder of South Street Free Church in Eastbourne

Following a protracted period of illness Ewart’s beloved wife, Ethelwyn, was called to be with the Lord, and Ewart

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t r o p e R Wellbeing Week Railway Mission chaplains were very active during Wellbeing Week as the rail industry focused on ensuring that there are initiatives for taking care of staff and the travelling public.

A number of stations, including Leicester, hosted the RUOK event once again, as the travelling public were asked about their wellbeing by volunteers from several agencies, supported by BTP and the Train Operating Companies.

Several chaplains attended the GTR Conference in East Croydon (pictured above) where John Robinson was one of the speakers for the GTR CareTeam annual gathering.

John was able to talk about the support work of the chaplains, who are well respected amongst CareTeam volunteers as ‘part of the team’.

Steve Rowe was invited, meanwhile, to speak to Network Rail staff at the new offices at Waterloo Station, where he shared on the vital support work of the rail chaplaincy. It was considered an eye opener by some staff, who had not realised the depth of work provided by chaplains, especially following fatalities and major incidents.

RUOK? Chaplains Ralph Coleman and Mike Roberts talk to a staff member in Liecester.

RUOK is a joint initiative of Railway Mission and several other care agencies.

Whilst Railway Mission’s main focus is on rail staff, there are times when the wellbeing of the traveling public as well as staff needs to be taken into consideration, especially as a suicide prevention measure.

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RUOK volunteer Karen Stead writes on the wall of encouragement at Leicester Station.

Liam Johnston of Railway Mission says, “Asking the simple question ‘are you OK?’ can often be the difference between someone feeling unloved or unrecognised and put a little bit of hope into their life”.

Christopher Henley was one of the chaplains invited by Chief Inspector Tara Doyle to be part of BTP ‘B’ Division’s Wellbeing Week at Force HQ in London, where several initiatives were presented that addressed the need to recognise and act on health and wellbeing needs amongst staff, and to not become complacent about even everyday health requirements.

Christopher mentioned speaker and former Commander John Sutherland’s advice to “remember when you’re on an aircraft and you’re advised that if the oxygen mask comes down, think about your safety first in order to be able to help others”.

Railway Mission is committed to assisting the rail indistry in Safety, Care and Wellbeing initiatives and improvements.

IRM Board meeting in Lunteren Board Members and Representatives from around the globe met in Lunteren in the Netherlands for their biannual Board Meeting to discuss arrangements for the next IRM Conference to be held there in August 2019.

Lunteren is a popular resort town in the middle of a forest, which has scenic walks in idylic surroundings.

The Global Conference Centre will make an excellent meeting place for the many attendees expected next year for the Conference proper, when chaplains, pastors and supporters will be encouraged and enthused in their support for rail workers across several continents.

UK Representative Ian Markey, along with Board Members Steve Rowe and Liam Johnston also enjoyed a rail excursion into Amsterdam on the way back to England following a successful meeting in Holland.

If you would like more information or to discover how you can be part of the next IRM Conference, go to www.railway-mission.net.

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n i s a l p a h c w Introducing… ne We are really pleased to introduce five new chaplains. These new team members are still settling into their new and challenging roles as chaplains to the railway industry.

Andrea Smyth, serving London North has not worked in the rail industry before; but does have experience of working in Christian mission, spending three years travelling around the UK, France, Belgium and Spain sharing the love and compassion of Jesus Christ.

John Roe, serving London South West, was born and bred in Swindon, the famous GWR railway town. “Being a Railway Mission Chaplain to the GWR brings together my love of people, and my love of the railways, but I stress I do not train-spot anymore.”

Mike Roberts, serving the North West of England, says “Being a Railway Chaplain has opened doors and conversations that have been great ways of getting to know people and start to journey with them.

I’m excited about what God has in store for the future.”

Colin Fraser, serving the East Midlands has for the last three years studied Applied Theology full time with Moorlands College. This was a significant step in his calling to formal pastoral ministry. Colin says “I am grateful for the support throughout the demands of fulltime study from my wife, Tammy, who I met when we worked with Operation Mobilisation in overseas mission.”

Levi Lee, serving London Southern, is an accredited Baptist Minister and was previously involved in prison ministry. When asked about his ability to empathise with the situation on Southern Rail, Levi said, “I have experience of both workplace chaplaincy at the Bluewater Shopping Centre in Kent and I have experience of the pressures of the workplace. I’m interested in people and their wellbeing, I think it’s important to be a listener.”

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THE STORY OF THE UNKNOWN WARRIOR This Remembrance Weekend will be significant for one railway group in particular, as the LMS-Patriot society dedicate the crest of their newly-built steam locomotive.

The Patriot-Class steam locomotive, named by public vote as The Unknown Warrior, is not yet fully complete but will be seen in an assembled form at the Crewe Heritage Centre for the first time.

The Railway Mission Chaplain for Greater Manchester and the North West, Mike Roberts, has been asked to lead part of the service of dedication on 10th November

as part of the 100th anniversary of armistice. Mike said, “it’s been encouraging to hear the story of the Patriot project and the significance of the name The Unknown Warrior as we remember the sacrifice of so many.

“Remembrance services are already significant in the year of all the Railway Chaplains and this is the start of another important journey of our promise that we will not forget those who have sacrificed so much.”

Find out more about the project at www.lms-patriot.org.uk Railway Mission chaplains will be conducting Remembrance Services at 35 locations throughout England, Scotland and Wales this year, which marks the centenary of the end of WW1. Please see page 11 for locations.

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Remembrance 2018 marks the centenary of the end of world war one and the beginning of armistice day remembrance services in UK. Whilst we remember the courage of those who gave their lives for their country in all conflicts, this year we especially remember those who sacrificed all from 1914-18.

Armistice Day Lest we WW1 forget

Centenary

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Remembrance services 2018 Location

Date

Time

25 October

10:00 Plymouth Station • Unveiling poppy display

Steve Cosslett

3 November

10:50 Blackpool North

Richard Cook

4 November

10:45 Accrington

Richard Cook

5 November

10:45 Southampton • Freightliner Depot Naming Ceremony

Christopher Henley

7 November

10:45 Lancaster

Richard Cook

8 November

10:45 Birmingham New Street • War Memorial

Andrew Hall

8 November

10:45 Chester

Richard Cook

8 November

14:30 Liverpool James Street

Richard Cook

8 November

09:30 Dover Western Docks

John Robinson

9 November

10:45 London Marylebone

Andrew Hall

9 November

10:45 London Hoxton Train Station • War Memorial

Andrea Smyth

9 November

10:45 Manchester Victoria

Mike Roberts

9 November

10:45 London Paddington • Platform 1

John Roe

9 November

10:50 Bristol Temple Meads

Alan Thorpe

9 November

10:45 Derby • North End Platform 1

Ralph Coleman

9 November

10:45 Leicester Station • Concourse

Local Minister

9 November

10:45 York Railway Memorial, Station Rise, York

Angela Levitt-Harwood

9 November

10:45 Liverpool Lime Street

Richard Cook

9 November

10:00 Cardiff Central

Hannah Tuck/D Hardy

9 November

10:50 Baker Street • War Memorial in station

Dan Godwin

9 November

10:45 London Euston

Stephen Rowe

9 November

10:45 London Liverpool Street

Michele Ashton

9 November

10:45 London Kings Cross Station

John Robinson

10 November TBA*

Crewe Heritage Centre • See feature article page 5

Chaplain

Mike Roberts

10 November 10:45 Barrow-in-Furness

Richard Cook

11 November

10:45 Kidderminster Town • SVR

Andrew Hall

11 November

10:45 Manchester Piccadilly

Mike Roberts

11 November

10:45 London Waterloo

Steve Cosslett

11 November

10:45 Sheffield • Victoria Hotel (former GCR Station)

R Coleman/C Fraser

11 November

10:45 Preston

Richard Cook

11 November

14:30 Oxenholme

Richard Cook

11 November

10:45 London St Pancras Internatiuonal

Dan Godwin

11 November

10:40 Glasgow Central

Graham Whitehead

11 November

10:40 Edinburgh

Local Minister

12 November

10:45 Birmingham Moor Street

A Hall/R Coleman

12 November

14:00 Leamington Spa

A Hall/R Coleman

12 November

10:45 Crewe Station

Mike Roberts

*TBA: please contact Mike Roberts for details of times for the Crewe Heritage Centre dedication event on mike.roberts@railwaymission.org

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THE PERMANENT

WAY

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he tracks and bridges that constituted the permanent way required tens of thousands of men to construct and maintain, from civil engineers to platelayers who worked on the track.

The platelayers on the Great Western Railway were served by “The Platelayers’ Mission” and whilst it is unclear whether it ever merged with the Railway Mission, its activities were reported in the Railway Signal.

In the years before modern signalling fog presented a particular hazard and platelayers took on another role described by W J Gordon: “As soon as a fog comes on the platelayers go off duty... the platelayer [then] appears in another character in the railway programme, and... comes forth as a 'fogger.'... his only task being to interpret the sign language of the semaphore [signal] into the sound language of the detonator.”

For example in 1890 Misses Carter and Moore described their visit to permanent way staff. “We began our work with a meeting of about fourteen in the waiting room of the Cirencester Station, followed by a similar gathering at Kemble Junction, at which places both gangers and men received us most kindly. Taking a carriage the following day, we drove from Cirencester to the opening [viz. mouth] of Sapperton Canal Tunnel.

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Jesus said I am the Way, the Truth and the Life; and preachers and writers have looked to railways to provide illustrations and metaphors for the Christian’s journey of faith, such as the Railway Mission’s ‘Up and Down Lines’ poster and songs including ‘The Gospel Train’.

“Here our kind inspector had collected the men, and in the open air we spent a happy half-hour with them, singing, praying, and telling the Gospel story.” At their next stop they halted by the roadside and their guide shouted to the men working in a cutting. About twelve surfaced, and sitting on a wall, “listened with deep attention.”

The Chief Civil Engineer was one of the most senior officers of any railway company and Richard Johnson (left) of the Great Northern Railway, besides being a celebrated

engineer, was also a keen Christian, who lived out his faith in the different spheres of his life. The first edition of the Railway Magazine in July 1897 carried a biographical article on the occasion of his retirement.

The following is an extract: ‘Outside his professional work, Mr. Johnson is chiefly known to the public as an earnest, religious worker, a staunch supporter of the Railway Mission, and a warm advocate of total abstinence from alcoholic drinks. His chief personal characteristics were well described a short time ago, by one who had served under him, as “unflagging energy and constant devotion to duty.” His hatred of scamped work is intense, and has been often forcibly expressed; nevertheless, he has won personal affection as well as respect from those who worked for him.’

Besides presenting this wonderful Christian testimony his support for the Railway Mission included founding a branch of the Mission at Westwood Street, Peterborough in 1887 that he led as superintendent.

Article by Dudley Clark Railway Mission Historian Illustrations: The platelayer as ‘Fog Signalman’ from Everyday life on the Railroad c1890 Richard Johnson from Railway Magazine, July 1897

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“They helped me through the hard times.”

Support on life’s journey www.railwaymission.org

in partnership with

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chaplains’ prayer and info pages 1 News and prayer requests from our chaplains in the field Steve Cosslett South West

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ne of the greatest delights for me recently has been introducing my new colleague John Roe to the various aspects of the

railway.

I have been amazed by the number of ‘divine appointments’ God has set up for us to be in the right place, at the right time to offer a word of encouragement or to meet a key person who has opened up new opportunities. We have been living this verse: ‘Live wisely among those who are not Christians and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversations be gracious and effective so that you will have the right answer for everyone’ (Colossians 4:5-6 (NLT)).

Graham Whitehead Scotland West

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cotland's railways are in the middle of a period of transition, with large infrastructure projects and the introduction of new train fleets and services.

Please give thanks for the dedication and professionalism of Scottish railway people, and pray that the stress of

constant change does not overwhelm them.

Also, give thanks for the partnerships developing around mental health initiatives, particularly suicide prevention, both within the industry and with public sector and voluntary organisations, and for the role of chaplains in facilitating this.

God has been at work in amazing ways on Scotland's railways, and in the wider community.

Angela Levitt-Harwood Yorkshire & Kings Cross

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ver the last few months it has been evident to all that the rail network has had a massive amount of disruption affecting both staff and passengers.

As chaplains we have been supporting those working in the Industry who have been caught up in all this and have found themselves at the sharp end, dealing with the backlash. Thank you for your prayers for all concerned both past and future and thank God too for the media opportunities we have had over this time as an organisation to talk about what we do at Railway Mission.

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chaplains’ prayer and info pages Alan Thorpe Bristol

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ver the years I have had several occasions to help an operational railman concerning a wide variety of issues.

He talks quite openly to anyone who will listen, but on our latest meeting he was more subdued as he has just put his wife in a Nursing Home. Her dementia is such that she no longer recognises him.

I am also dealing with a new member of staff, a Christian railwoman, who has experienced a rather messy divorce. In truth the circumstances mean that I have never met the lady as yet, but she seems helped and encouraged with our texts and emails.

John Roe

Great Western Railway East

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s a recently appointed chaplain to the GWR East area, I praise God for the openings and opportunities to support GWR, Network Rail and British Transport Police, and particularly for the invitations to share my faith.

Please pray for continued opportunities to share the Good News. I am based out of London Paddington and have made a few good connections and contacts there.

In a busy terminus, I am finding it more of a challenge to engage with staff there, given their high and often intense work demands. Please pray for meaningful however short - engagements and offers of support to staff.

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Andrea Smyth London North

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s the weather gets colder, please pray for all passengers and staff as they go about their travels and work. Pray for their safety and good health. We also think about practical problems for the railways such as leaves on the lines, and for the disruption this causes.

Please pray for patience for the customers and that they don’t take out their frustrations on the staff. We also think about BTP, who are out in all weathers and all times of the day and night. Please pray for energy and courage for them.

Several railway employees are battling health issues at the moment. These are compounded by pressure of work and shortening daylight hours. Please pray for those who are struggling to cope, that they will receive the support they need.

Dereck

Scotland North

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e’ve been planning and co-ordinating suicide awareness activities in Scotland, including Conversation Cafes and stalls at Inverness and Aberdeen stations.

Sadly, a well-known local person was found dead near the railway line near Pitlochry, but I was able to support railway personnel who were close friends of the family. The funeral service of a young signaller at Kingussie was a very poignant moment especially when I saw

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chaplains’ prayer and info pages her grieving husband and two young children. Furthermore, the fatality of a teenager at Aberdeen Station at the beginning of October was another incident where support was needed.

The BTP team in Aberdeen were very appreciative that I was willing to go down the next day to support those affected by the incident.

Levi Lee Southern

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s a railway mission chaplain for just over two months now, I have enjoyed meeting new people and visiting their stations for the first time.

One thing that’s happened is that several staff at Southern on some stations were receiving a lot of abuse from disgruntled passengers because of the changes to the timetable. Some were rude to gateline staff, which has been distressing for them.

Please could you pray for them, and for me that I will be able to prioritise my workload with wisdom from God, and be effective in my chaplaincy, and pleasing to God.

Michele Ashton Anglia

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ambridge station had its first ‘Coffee, cake, chat and prayer meeting’ in September.

I was thrilled to have four station staff attend and was encouraged when a manager, after attending, gave

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permission for a member of staff to have a ten minute break so that he was able to attend. I am planning to hold these meetings once a month. Adverts are on notice boards, inviting all railway staff.

I have also been interviewed by Radio Cambridgeshire regarding proposed fare increases, suggesting solutions to the Transport Secretary and Union reaction.

I was out of my comfort zone but what a privilege to speak on the radio about the work of Railway Mission, offering independent, confidential and caring support.

Helen Bartlett North East

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nother chaplain regularly tells me “Oxygen mask!” meaning it’s time for a breather.

Resourcing ourselves is essential for wholesome support of others. So, I‘m grateful for a week’s leave, especially as my support is in constant demand.

Staff still face enormous challenges in keeping trains running on time.

Durham station has seen an increase in vulnerable people. Three of the staff (and I!) shared experiences regarding Suicide Prevention, on Tyne Tees Radio, helping to inform listeners and encourage support of others facing difficulties.

A Christian Network Rail colleague and I prepared material for ’Wellbeing Week’. On the station, she encouraged conversation about personal wellbeing.

Work is in progress for Interfaith Week in

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chaplains’ prayer and info pages November where we’ll focus more on faith issues.

Christopher Henley London South West

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s a railway chaplain l have sensitive conversations with so many people.

I am honoured and privileged to listen to so many people within South Western Railway, Network Rail and the British Transport Police. I listen to their stories. Most disturbing are the stories of abuse, either physically or verbally. In particular l hear more and more of BTP Officers and railway members being attacked.

May l thank all in the railway industry for the amazing work they do in these challenging times. May I ask you all for your prayers as l continue my role as a Railway Mission Chaplain in the Wessex area.

Ralph Coleman East Midlands

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lease pray for a number of people that I have been connecting with and had the opportunity to talk to about faith, especially those who have accepted invitations to come to church.

Also for those who have accepted the Gideons New Testaments that we have been provided with. Pray that the seeds will produce fruit and that people will recognise their need of God in their lives.

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Pray for those families that are trying to deal with the loss of losing someone close to them, whether through health or through deliberate acts, that I will have the right words, love and compassion.

Ruth McBean Scotland East

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n July, I had the privilege of joining the police chaplains at their annual conference at The Hayes Conference Centre.

It was an interesting time of encouragement, learning and networking.

I’ve been asked and agreed to join the core group for Prayer for Scotland, a charity that meets three to four times a year, which will also help increase the profile of Railway Mission in Scotland.

Summer has been quite a time for staff with ill health, including a heart attack, cancer scares, and so on.

Recently, I visited a lady whose husband had taken his own life on the track. Please continue to pray as we deal with the coalface of issues, including bereavement. Thanks for your support.

Richard Cook

Cumbria, Merseyside, North Wales

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he year has had many blessings and trials and I have also started getting around the new patch to visit new places and meet new

people.

Truly God is great. As we near the end of the year to be able to mark the

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chaplains’ prayer and info pages centenary of the end of the war to end all wars is an honour.

Mike Roberts

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Please remember him in your prayers and ask God to minister to him and his family in the days and months ahead.

Greater Manchester, Stafford, Stoke, Huddersfield & Halifax

Dylis George

ne of the prayers I asked friends to pray as I started with Railway Mission was that God would open the right doors and provide the right opportunities.

Well, God never bothered opening doors, but just demolished walls to make new contacts. The first few months have been much more demanding, but equally much more rewarding than I imagined.

I’ve had some brilliant times working with various train companies and getting to know people, but I’ve been aware of the challenges too of a fragile infrastructure, brittle working patterns and strike action which has affected the North West weekend after weekend, as well as a network full of people who are vulnerable and hurting. Please pray I find words of hope to accompany the journey that I have begun with some amazing people in this region.

y day to day work-life is always innovative and fulfilling.

What a privilege to be an integral part of the London Underground chain of care for staff members of the Piccadilly, Jubilee, Northern and Victoria Lines!

Staff members are always in awe, as and when they experience first hand, our Chaplaincy support.

We are committed as chaplains to make positive and meaningful impact in the entire Network and therefore pray for “Access” and “Favour.” We particularly remember staff members who are at the frontline helping and serving commuters on a daily basis, in a very diverse working environment.

There is the urgency for continuous prayer support for all levels of staff members bearing in mind the usefulness of the Underground network in our city London.

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John Robinson Southeastern

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would certainly value prayer for a specific staff member situation that will shortly arise.

I have been working with him and his family since mid 2017. In that time, he has repeatedly attempted suicide and is threatening to do so again due to the nature of the severity situation he is in.

London Underground

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RM Supporters Support Railway Mission chaplains through your giving... ...Find out how on page 23 19

chaplains’ prayer and info pages Dan Godwin

London Underground

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his quarter has been a very productive time on the London Underground!

Key events included establishing a working partnership with the Suicide Prevention Team and building bridges with the TfL Faith Support Group and Wellbeing teams. (I’ll provide more information about these in future letters.)

In tandem with this, management have agreed to cascade information about the chaplaincy I wrote for them to all staff alongside other awareness opportunities to draw attention to our services.

Please pray that coupled with our imminent free calendar deliveries, we will have unimpeded access and opportunities to visit all staff over the Christmas period.

Colin Fraser

East Midlands

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aving only been with the mission a little over two months and covering the East Midlands I am extremely grateful to be shadowing Ralph Coleman, my predecessor in chaplaincy for East Midlands.

His experience of chaplaincy and the contacts that he has built up is incredibly valuable.

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Please pray that I continue to settle into the role, building on existing contacts and developing new ones. Pray also for the railway staff as they adjust to a new chaplain.

Hannah Tuck

South, Central Wales and the Marches

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am fortunate to often assist with event days in Cardiff alongside BTP and rail staff.

But for National Armed Forces Day this year I went up to North Wales with some Cardiff and Shrewsbury officers for the day. This, and also doing a ride out with an officer, has helped me better understand the amazing work that BTP do, but also see the increased pressure they are under.

I was also able, in August, to stay on the Cambrian coast to spend some time with staff working there. This was supported

by Arriva. Please pray that this will continue as I was able to have some very valuable time with staff.

Our Bible study in Cardiff is beginning to grow and I have been asked about setting another one up. Please pray that these Christian communities will continue to grow.

Earlier in September I led a service for a Victoria Cross plaque unveiling for a former GWR member of staff.

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chaplains’ prayer and info pages Stephen Rowe

Area Manager South

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n August we were privileged to add five new chaplains, three in the south, who have hit the ground running.

Andrea Smyth in London North, Levi Lee with Southern, and John Roe on GWR from Paddington. This frees me up to oversee the nine chaplains in London and the South as well as work on media production for Railway Mission, including calendars for 2019.

I’m presently working with our TfL chaplains to raise awareness of their support work with London Underground.

We’ve also been dealing with several incidents at various locations, some up close, where we get to see the incredible work done by BTP and rail staff members at times.

The good news is that Railway Mission is progressing well, so please keep up the prayers for us and for people we support.

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Andrew Hall

Birmingham New St and West Midlands. Area Manager North

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t has been a delight to welcome the new chaplains to Railway Mission and to interact with them as they settle into their roles.

In my area we have Mike Roberts taking over the ‘Greater Manchester’ area and Colin Fraser who is taking over the East Midlands from Ralph. Meanwhile Andrea Smyth is taking over Chiltern South for me and Ralph will take the Snow Hill lines and Chiltern North.

This means changes for me as I will no longer be chaplain to Chiltern after nearly 10 years but I will be released to spend more time with the 13 chaplains in the ‘North’. Please pray for wisdom to divide my time well and to be a help and encouragement to my colleagues.

Please pray also for continued opportunities to demonstrate Jesus in the workplace.

Scott’s pier to pier challenge Scott is raising money for Railway Mission more

info www.totalgiving.co.uk/mypage/ scottspiertopierchallenge

Hi, I’m Scott Wilson, I’m 50 years old and over the weekend of the 18th/19th May 2019 I will be challenging myself to cycle approximately 225 miles from Brighton Pier in East Sussex to Cromer Pier in North Norfolk in aid of a really great charity…

Railway Mission 21

Railway Mission’s 2019 Calendar is out now!

Order your copy of the wall calendar or our desktop calendar online today Allow for £6:50 postage on orders.

2019

urney n life’s jo o t r o p Sup

Our chaplains deliver calendars free of charge to rail staff in their areas.

Donations gratefully accepted.

Christmas Cards are also available for order online at

www.railwaymission.org/merchandise

order yours today!

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Six ways to help us support rail staff…

Cheque or Postal Order

A one-off or regular donation by cheque or postal order sent to: Railway Mission, Rugby Railway Station, Rugby, CV21 3LA.

Standing Order

A one-off or regular donation through your bank. Email our Administrator for more information… office@railwaymission.org

Web Donation

A one off or regular donation through our website. Visit www.railwaymission.org, and click on the Donate page, where you will find easy to follow directions.

Wills & Legacy

To include us in your will, our charity name is Railway Mission, our charity number in England & Wales is 1128024, and in Scotland is SCO45897.

Gift Aid as an extra

UK taxpayers can claim an extra 25% on donations via HMRC, as long as you meet their conditions and complete, sign and return a Gift Aid form to us.

Payroll Giving*

Because every donation is taken from your gross pay, every pound you give will only cost you 80p, or only 60p if you are a higher rate tax-payer.

*For more information on Payroll Giving, go to:

www.railwaymission.org/giving

Support on life’s journey www.railwaymission.org

in partnership with

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MILLIAN

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES

MILLIAN PRESENTS

CP6 LAUNCH EVENT 14th March 2019

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www.Millianevents.co.uk

01244 470858