WHEN Rob and Sue’s boiler broke down, it could have spelled the end of Rob’s ordination training.
Rob had sacrificed a more lucrative career, and Sue had given up her job to care for elderly parents. Finances were extremely tight, and the £500 repair bill for a new boiler was not part of their stretched household budget.
Rob and Sue’s prayers were answered when they received a £500 grant from the Train-a-Priest (TAP) Special Hardship Fund. The fund gives grants to ordinands who experience unforeseen money troubles that put their training at risk.
Sometimes, all the money troubles seem to arrive at once. Anne, who was in her second year at theological college, found that her old car, which transported her to classes, had broken down. At the same time, she faced a hefty bill for emergency NHS dental treatment. The TAP Special Hardship Fund stepped in with a grant of £1100 to keep Anne on the road, with sound teeth. She was ordained later that year.
We have received many stories of how a TAP grant has made a crucial difference. We look forward to telling more of them in the coming weeks. We hope it will inspire our readers to give generously, knowing that their donations make a real difference.
How to give
GIVING online is easiest for many donors, and for us. Simply visit www.hymnsam.co.uk/train-a-priest.aspx. This is a secure page with clear instructions.
We also accept cheques, postal orders, cash, and charity cheques, which should be sent to: TAP Fund, Church Times, 13a Hellesdon Park Road, Norwich NR6 5DR.
Spread the word
PLEASE encourage other people to give to TAP — a colour leaflet can be downloaded from the Church Times website. We also encourage churches to hold a special collection, or fund-raising effort. Please let us know about your support, and your stories.