AN intrepid Alcester reverend is about to begin a 500-mile pilgrimage as part of a sabbatical that will also see him raise money for two local charities.
On Monday (May 7) Rev Martin Mills, pastor of Alcester Baptist Church, will be heading off on a journey that will see him walk 500 miles along the Camino de Santiago (The Way of St James) through northern Spain as part of a three-month sabbatical. The period of extended study leave, which all accredited ministers are encouraged to take by the Baptist Union of Great Britain (BUGB), is intended to stimulate and refresh them in their vocation.
Rev Mills will be spending time with a mix of Christian communities on his travels, including the Taizé in eastern France and on the island of Iona in the Hebrides.
As well as walking pilgrimage routes, the Pastor is encouraging people to support him and his chosen charities as he goes.
Money raised will be split equally between the Alcester Day Centre, which supports people with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia in Alcester, and BMS Action Teams, a programme through which young people volunteer on short-term projects overseas.
Rev Mills said: “I hope to hear the stories of other pilgrims and find out what motivates people to undertake this arduous journey. It is also a chance to raise money for Alcester Day Care, which provides care in the form of a safe and supporting environment for people with dementia to enjoy.”
People can share Rev Mills’ journey by following his progress Facebook at http://bit.ly/2pbU4Fs and he will be providing updates where internet connections allow.
Visit http://bit.ly/2pVN7s2 to support Rev Mills and the chosen charities.
