Christmas cheer from Christian ministry

Dec 24 2010 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

MANY of Scotland’s top companies have generously provided gifts and financial support to make Christmas special for more than 900 Perth senior citizens.

Co-ordinated by Perth-based Christian ministry People With A Mission Ministries (PWAMM), the gift-bags contain items such as biscuits, mince pies, chocolates, toiletries, book and a Gospel CD.

Local youngsters have been distributing the gifts to the elderly in sheltered housing complexes and the wider community in the run-up to Christmas.

PWAMM director and senior pastor Mervyn Milne, declared: “Christmas is a time when we celebrate the giving of a special gift in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ.

“Our generous donors are helping to show the senior citizens in our community the real meaning of Christmas through the provision of a special gift.

“These people, many who live on their own, have given valuable service over the years to their community and nation, and the gift is a great way of showing how much we appreciate them.”

The church arm of PWAMM, Perth Christian Fellowship, provides extensive support to senior citizens in Perth and Kinross, including a free monthly lunch for nearly 300 people in the National Christian Outreach Centre, practical help, a weekly fellowship hour and weekly church services in nine nursing homes/sheltered housing complexes.

During its tent missions, PWAMM also runs Tea in the Marquee events for senior citizens, with music, song, drama, talks and afternoon tea.

Companies and organisations who joined PWAMM in providing support for the senior citizens include Asda, Marks and Spencer, Walkers Shortbread, Scottish Fine Soaps, Kingsway Music and Authentic Media.

Perth Common Good Fund and the Stagecoach Group provided financial support and young people from Perth Christian Fellowship have been participating by raising cash to help buy gifts by bag-packing in Marks and Spencer and carol singing in Asda.