We are delighted that Magnus Bendu and his wife, Rugie, have successfully been granted visas and are due to arrive in the UK on 23 June for a three-week visit.

Securing visas is rarely a straightforward process, so we are especially grateful for this positive outcome. We thank God for His provision in making the visit possible.

This trip will be particularly significant for Rugie, who has never travelled outside Sierra Leone before.

As the date approaches, we would greatly appreciate your prayers for a safe and trouble-free journey, good health, and a memorable time during their stay in the UK; and that Rugie will feel encouraged and relaxed as she embarks on her first international trip.

 

Jonathan Redmayne has been working hard to put together an itinerary that will enable Magnus to visit church members and leaders from as many Connexion churches as possible during his stay. He has also factored in some much-needed days of rest, plus time to enjoy the sights of London and Cambridge.

The three-week visit will take Magnus and Rugie across several counties, including Hertfordshire, East and West Sussex, Berkshire, Gloucestershire and Cornwall. A short stay at Sheldon Retreat Centre is also planned, where they will be joined by committee members from the Sierra Leone Mission (SLM).

Plans are also being made for a meeting with the Director of the Cheshunt Foundation and a Sunday service and interview with Pastor Simon Ogborn at Ridgeway Church in St Albans.

Jonathan hopes to finalise the full itinerary with Janet O’Shea on her return from Sierra Leone later this week.

We greatly look forward to welcoming Magnus and Rugie to the UK and will hopefully be sharing more updates with you in the weeks ahead!