Students from Kantor King Solomon High School a Jewish school in Barkingside, London Borough of Redbridge, have started volunteering with the British Pakistani Christian Association (BPCA). Image of Blessing Maimuli with Hannah, Naomi and Leah Chowdhry.
Up to six teenagers will volunteer at least one afternoon a week with the association, for a year or more to collect points towards a community
award being promoted at their school.
Last week, Year 8 pupils Hannah Chowdhry, Aliyah Kokkoz and Blessing Makimuli started their work with us at our offices based in Green Lane, Ilford.
Their first project saw them build a Nativity scene which will be displayed in the BPCA main office window.
Aliyah, 12, said she was excited to give back something to the community.
She said: “I’m really looking forward to it.
“I can’t wait to help out with the Easter parade next year also.”
Wilson Chowdhry, BPCA chairman, said the art project was eagerly anticipated by residents.
He said: “It’s fantastic. We know it means a lot to people around us as a similar project last year received very positive comments.
“Our borough is bereft of any public nativity scene. Churches across the borough stopped displaying them after they found they were being vandalized and
they have been non-existent (except inside churches) since at least the 90’s.
“We have taken a big risk considering the threat of vandalism, but one we feel is worth it considering the tradition of making nativity scenes is an ancient
custom practiced by Christians across the world.
“The nativity reminds people of all faiths of the story of the birth of Jesus Christ the saviour of mankind – God in human form who gave his life that
we might have eternal life. The greatest gift anyone will ever receive.”
The girls transformed recycled material into a stable, manger, three wise men, a shepherd, mother Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus.
The project has been sponsored by printing company Ex Nihilo, and creative director Joel Kyari said he wanted to remind people of the real meaning of Christmas.
He said: “Being a Christian, I wanted to remind people of the true story behind the celebrations.
“It’s important; I think that the true meaning of Christmas has been lost in an ever more materialistic society.
“People loved the nativity last year; they were constantly stopping to take photos. It brought real excitement to the local community especially local
children”
Ex Nihilo a Christian owned business have offered 10% of all their profits every year to support the work of the BPCA. Learn more about their services by clicking (here)
The students were inspired to start volunteering after learning about Yoni Jesner in a school assembly.
A volunteering scheme was set up in 2002 after the 19-year-old Glaswegian was killed in a suicide bomb blast in Tel Aviv.
Hannah said: “He was really inspiring and loved volunteering, so we wanted to do something special with our volunteering that would make an actual difference.”
Over the year the young volunteers we will be helping build databases and will also help with the project management of Redbridge Easter Parade.
They will also help with projects that raise funds to help asylum seekers, victims of bomb attacks, rape victims and our slave emancipation project.
Please pray for the volunteering role to be an opportunity for those involved to gain a better understanding of God’s love and for those who may not hold a Christian faith to see the truth of the salvation he offers to everyone.