THESE are the last few days of TAP Africa, the Church Times Train-A-Priest Fund appeal, which has focused this year on raising funds for those training for ministry in Africa.

This week, I received an email from the general secretary of the Council of Anglican Provinces of Africa (CAPA), the Ven. J. W. Kofi deGraft-Johnson. He writes: “Our office has been inundated with requests and enquiries about support for theological education.”

CAPA are our partners in TAP Africa, and will be responsible for the disbursement of everything raised during this year’s appeal: the first of its kind in the 70-year history of the TAP Fund, which, until now, has concentrated on Church of England ordinands. CAPA’s network extends right across the African continent, and it knows better than anyone where the greatest need resides.

So far, we have told Archdeacon deGraft-Johnson nothing about the amount raised, hoping to see it rise each week, which, thanks to the generosity of our readers, it has.

Will you help to give TAP Africa one last boost? After all, what better time to contribute to the building up of another part of the universal Church than when the Church is celebrating its founding in the feast of Pentecost?

Donors can be confident that every penny that they give will go directly to helping ordinands in the poorest provinces in Africa.

How to donate to the TAP Fund

Every penny you can give goes to ordinands in Africa who face financial difficulty, to support them as they complete their training. Nothing is retained to cover administrative expenses.

Donate online quickly and securely: www.hymnsam.co.uk/donations/tap-fund/

Or you can give by cheque or charity voucher. Please make cheques payable to: “The TAP Fund” and send to:

TAP Fund, Church Times, Hymns Ancient & Modern, 13a Hellesdon Road, Norwich NR6 5DR

If you are a UK payer of income or capital gains tax, a payment by Gift Aid means that the Church Times, through the Hymns Ancient & Modern charity, can recover 25p for every £1 that you give.

If your donation is eligible for Gift Aid, please include a completed TAP Gift Aid form with your cheque. You can also opt for Gift Aid when making an online donation.