OUR UKRAINIAN FAMILY ARE NOW HAPPILY INTEGRATED INTO THE U.K.
On May 24th, a family of 5 Ukrainians came to live with us. Two parents and three children, 15, 11 and 5. They settled in quickly and happily. We renewed our trampoline, swings and climbing frame. Our splash pool, in the hot weather, has been a treat. We filled the house with toys and language learning tools. In four weeks we had the family registered with the local G.P. and dentist, equipped with bank accounts and U.K. mobile phone numbers, enrolled on English language courses, interviewed for Universal Credit, processed with their biometrics, and each of the children accepted into local schools and equipped with uniforms. After eight weeks, the children have been attending school daily, their English language skills are developing well, one parent has secured an excellent job, the other has applied, they have met other Ukrainians living locally and we have celebrated three of their birthdays. They have been welcomed warmly by the community and experienced only kindness at the schools.
The other family of five Ukrainians, two parents, a 5 month old baby, and a 2 and 4 year old, who I arranged to be met at Gatwick airport by the local Council, and accommodated at the Gatwick Hilton over their first weekend, have also been welcomed warmly. They were transferred to a Travel Lodge, then to a hostel and temporary accommodation while the Council find sponsors for them. Since being here they have loved the parks, seaside and the parents have been married in the local orthodox church.
ARCHBISHOP JONATHAN BLAKE - MY LIFE - PART ONE
ARCHBISHOP JONATHAN BLAKE - MY LIFE - PART TWO
I AM PROUD OF MY WRITING, FOR JESUS’S SAKE, THAT HAS HAD ME FOUND INNOCENT IN HEAVEN, BUT TWICE A CRIMINAL ON THE EARTH. THE FIRST IN 1990 WHEN I WROTE A BIBLICAL TEXT ON THE HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT IN PEACEFUL PROTEST ABOUT THE BOMBING OF YOUNG IRAQI RECRUITS DURING THE FIRST GULF WAR. THE SECOND, IN 2016 WHEN I WROTE ON MY BLOG, TO ALERT THE PUBLIC ABOUT A PAEDOPHILE, AND WAS SUCCESSFUL IN FORCING THE AUTHORITIES TO STOP HIM HAVING ACCESS TO CHILDREN. THERE WAS ALMOST A THIRD! IN 1997, WHEN I WAS ARRESTED FOR NAILING MY PROPOSALS FOR REFORM OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND ON THE DOOR OF CANTERBURY CATHEDRAL. WORDS ARE POWERFUL MESSAGES THAT CHALLENGE CORRUPTION, CONFRONT THE WICKED AND CREATE A BETTER WORLD. JESUS IS THE WORD OF GOD AND HIS FOLLOWERS ARE CALLED TO COMMUNICATE HIS WORDS, IRRESPECTIVE OF THE COST.
"You brave, courageous and wonderful man. To stand up for the truth
in the face of suppression and oppression is truly an act of a pure heart."
posted by Bishop Jonathan Blake | 1:19 PM
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