Text from Maurice & Susan

We thank God and yr prayers - the conference was more than we could hope. All is well here. It is a joy to see Alene doing so well at college. We have much to share. Bles u.

Maurice & Susan in Ethiopia

Maurice and Susan are flying today (23/01/10) to Addis Abbaba. They will be in Ethiopia for three weeks. Their first task is to speak at a Rural Evangelistic conference on Monday and Tuesday. They are the main speakers at this event so please pray that God will inspire them to encourage the church there.

To see their full itinerary visit follow the following link:
itinerary.

NEWSLETTER SUMMER 2009

Since our last newsletter we are delighted to let you know that EEA has been through a busy and exciting six months. We have moved forward in unexpected ways and thank God for the wonderful opportunity to return to Ethiopia again at Easter time and take a group of four people with us. EEA has also received Charity status, which means we can reclaim tax on many donations through gift-aid.

During our previous visits to Ethiopia, we’ve had the privilege of working with Pastor Yohannes on left-hand side of picture and other members of Emmanuel Baptist church, in Addis Ababa. However, during our October visit he asked us if we could return to Addis Ababa to deliver a three day teaching programme to his church workers, and to work with the Sunday School. This was a new opportunity for EEA, and following careful thought, prayer and discussion with our Church Leaders we agreed to return to Emmanuel Church!

It is amazing how it all came together….first we needed to find others to help us. We couldn’t have been more delighted that three members of our own church would join us…… Eileen Winter, Peter Dunn, Donna Matthews and friend Rona Barton from St Leonards Church, Exeter – now we had our team! We had much to prepare beforehand as well as taking with us Sunday school materials, and clothes - in fact a quarter of a ton in goods were taken to Ethiopia including a sewing machine!

We quickly became a family unit as we worked together to deliver training in Pastoral Care and Counselling to a group of church workers, to enable them to be effective in supporting their own church members. Peter was invited to preach on Sunday at Church.

Next we were almost overwhelmed by the sheer number of children who attended our Saturday children’s programme……so many children came. We were able to tell bible stories in drama and we had lots of fun with artwork and creativity. The children loved singing with Donna, who playing her guitar. Donna had learnt songs in Amharic, the local language.

Whilst visiting Emmanuel Church we met some of the “Emmanuel children”, which through EEA you are sponsoring. These children are delightful, but also destitute and living in very difficult circumstances due to AIDS and other sickness within their families. It is hard for us to imagine what life would be like without support during times of sickness and crisis. We hope to increase the number of destitute children we support in Addis Ababa at a cost of £10 per month.

Following a very busy week in Addis our group flew to Lalibela, to meet and encourage the young people EEA are sponsoring through education. Also we had some time to rest a while and enjoy the beauty of Lalibela, a world heritage site, famous for its rock-hewn churches and located in the mountains of Northern Ethiopia. We met lots of new people, some with medical problems, others seeking education and bible teaching. As always we faced difficult decisions with so many needing support.

One of the joys in Laliblela was meeting Pastor Zewdu Mamo and his wife Tsigie, who lead a small Evangelical Church. Pastor Zewdu shared with us the difficult early days of his Church when members were put in prison for their faith. Even today they face persecution! We would love to support this small church and will continue to meet them during future visits.

Our final leg of the journey took us to Bahir Dar to visit Yeshambel an orphan, aged 18. He is responsible for his brother and sister and they live in a mud and straw house. Yeshambel was 15 when we met him and he made his living on the streets cleaning shoes or helping on the market. Through your support EEA has helped Yeshambel return to full time education and given him hope for future employment.

Before returning to the UK we spent our final day with sponsored students Mulugeta, and Alene, both in further education in Addis Ababa. Mulugeta completes his Tourism Management course in October 2010 and will be EEA’s first graduate!

Not every story is happy! Meseret, age uncertain, probably 17 yrs lost her mother at birth, was brought up by an uncle, had a baby at 15 and lived on the street. Now she’s living with a family, trying hard to adapt to family life and having to deal with the pain of her past. However, she has returned to education and we warmly thank you for supporting EEA so we can help young people like Meseret.

Two weeks after returning home Maurice embarked on a major fund-raising journey from Lands End to John O’Groats! He cycled 971 miles in 17 days and raised nearly £5,000. We hope to support more young people. Well done Maurice!

As we look to the future……and our next visit in Jan/Feb, in the meantime, we plan to work on improving our website which can be found at www.ethiopiaeducationaid.org, and continue to raise funds through sales of second-hand books and plants. We have been invited to give presentations of our work with EEA, and are seeking more opportunities to share how God is leading us in this beautiful country to work with young people. Thank you everyone for making this possible – God bless you.

Maurice and Susan Clarke

LEJOG Log, days 13 to 19 (end)

Day 13 - Thursday 21st May

Rest day in Edinburgh staying with my son, Simon, at the Officers' mess, 3rd Battalion Rifles, Redford Barracks. No cycling but went into town by bus!

Day 14 - Friday 22nd May - (Edinburgh) Kilmarnock to Lochgilphead

A day of 10 parts

1) Set off 0650 to cycle to Edinburgh Waverley station.

2) 0730 train to Glasgow Queen St

3) Cycle to Glasgow Central

4) Train to Kilmarnock

5) Cycle to Ardrossan

6) Ferry to Brodick, Isle of Arran

7) Cycle across Arran

8) Ferry from Loch Ranza to Claonaig

9) Cycle to Tarbert

10) Cycle to Lochgilphead.
A very varied and interesting day. Cycling across Arran was great - up to 650 feet but beautiful scenery. Loch Ranza is lovely (I remember sailing in there nearly 20 years ago). Unfortunately I hadn't booked accommodation in Tarbert and it was their annual regatta so the picturesque town was heaving and full hence stage 10. The last 14 miles were glorious - level alongside Loch Fyne with a following wind. I arrived at Lochgilphead at 6.30. It was run down and dead. It seemed the only accommodation was the rather tired Argull Hotel - £32.50 and no breakfast on Saturdays! However the evening meal was good. Walking round later I came across a reasonable looking guest house just round the corner - oh well next time!

Stats: Distance 57.3 (plus 5 in Edinburgh) Cumulative 679.6 Moving average 11.7mph Time moving 4hr 54min. Start 0950 End 1830

Day 15 - Saturday 23rd May - Lochgilphead to Barcardine (North of Oban)

I followed the cycle route alongside the Crinan Canal, a lovely path with a following wind, then turned north at Bellanoch. This all brought back memories of sailing holidays - past Ardfern, Craobh Haven and Arduaine with lovely coast views Then I had my first (and only) puncture beside the loch. In a quiet cafe behind Kilmelfort post office i had a fish soup and then the rain started. It was very heavy and cold in Oban for nearly an hour whilst I sheltered in a bus shelter. I set off in light rain across Connel Bridge to meet Antony at Benderloch and another 4 miles to the camp site at Barcaldine and a warm welcome in his campervan. Apart from the rain it was a lovely ride with 3 climbs of 650, 550 and 400 feet.

Stats: Distance 52.7. Cumulative 732.3 Moving average 11.0 mph Time moving 4hr 47min. Start 0830 End 1730

Day 16 - Sunday 24th May - Barcardine to Fort William

My shortest day! Another grey day but peaceful night in Antony's van. Wonderful ride following the lochside most of the way with no climbs and a following wind but the road got busy after Ballachulish. It was a short day, perhaps just as well as the rain started just as I arrived at Glen Nevis camp site. The ascent of Ben Nevis was called off - too cold, too wet, too windy and the wrong clothes.

Stats: Distance 34.0 Cumulative 766.3 Moving average 12.5mph Time moving 2hr 44min. Start 0905 End 1205

Day 17 - Monday 25th May - Fort William to Muir of Ord

My longest day! There was heavy rain on the camper van roof so there wasn't much enthusiam for the 8 o'clock start. The rain eased a little but kept on all day mainly as fine drizzle except for half an hour mid-afternoon. I started out on the Caledonian Canal tow path. It was gravel and good at first but later deteriorated - the Great Glen Route - great for walkers. I eventually joined the A82 at Kilfinnan after adjusting the front brake which had worn in the gravel and the wet. I was grateful not to have any punctures on the rough track - slow going. The A82 was faster but busy and it was a relief to turn off at Drumnadrochit alongside Loch Ness. The climb out on the A833 to 850 feet was steep and I walked for nearly a mile. I should have stopped at Beauly, a pleasant little town, but went on to Muir of Ord, not so nice, where after 3 attempts I found an excellent B&B right next to an hotel for a meal. I arrived wet from head to foot but received a good welcome.

Stats: Distance 71.6 Cumulative 837.9 Moving average 10.5mph Time moving 6hr 51min Start 0905 End 1815

Day 18 - Tuesday 26th May - Muir of Ord to Brora

A bright and sunny morning at last with a freshening west wind. I made excellent progress to the north coast of the Black Isle averaging 13mph with a following wind. The road climbed to 400 feet with lovely views across Cromerty Firth. On arrival at Cromerty - DISASTER!. The ferry I believed started in March did not start until 1st June. I tried all means to get across or get back - other boats (none), taxi (no answer), bus (not that way) so I had to cycle all the way back to the A9 into a strong headwind and over that 400 foot hill. From here on I followed the A9 except for a few small diversions where there was a suitable B road. The rest of the day to Brora was good fairly level cycling with a couple of sharp showers. My last night en route was in a pleasant waterside B&B with a warm welcome after the initial shock of seeing a tired and wet looking cyclist on the doorstep.

Stats: Distance 69.3 Cumulative 907.2 Moving average 11.2mph Time moving 6hr 10min Start 0850 End 1740

Day 19 - Wednesday 27th May - Brora to John O'Groats (JOG)

The final day! The wind was favourable to start - a westerly for the north east direction. I made good progress to Helmsdale then the coastal raod climbed to 750 feet dropping down to Berriedale then up the other side with a very steep hill and hairpin bends. Much walking! I adjusted the brakes for the descent and made good progress to Wick. Relieved to be in contact with Susan on her way up from Edinburgh. After Wick the road turned north and the wind became gale force. Occasionally the road turned slightly west and I had real trouble making headway - down to 5mph on the flat in places. I halted 2 miles from JOG and after about 15 minutes was overjoyed to see Susan appear over the hill in my car. The final run down to JOG and arrival was felt with much relief. After much celebration we motored to Tongue about 65 miles away for a much enjoyed 4 night break.

Stats: Distance 63.4 Cumulative 970.6 Moving average 10.8mph Time moving 5hr 53min Start 0815 End 1600


Overall stats:

Total miles en route: 970.6 (Plus 10 in Edinburgh)
Time moving: 86.5 hrs
Moving average: 11.2mph

Approx number of pedal revolutions: 290,273

Captain's Log - Days 3 - 12

Day 3 Monday 11th May
Okehampton - Tiverton Parkway
Susan took me across Dartmoor to yesterday's finishing point and I set off into the east wind. Lovely Devon scenery on B and A roads via Crediton and Tiverton to Tiverton Parkway Station. All the time the wind was full into my face taking so much energy. The sun shone but if only I'd been going the other way. Stopped for lunch in a field with lovely views over the Devon countryside. The bike was locked up at the station and I took the train home to Totnes.
Stats: Distance 38.4 Cumulative 137.4 Moving average 9.5mph Time moving 4hrs 1min Start 0945 End 1445
Day 4 Tuesday 12th May
Tiverton Parkway - Bristol
The 7.30 train from Totnes got me back to Tiverton for 0845. I was on the A38 almost the whole way to Bristol - it was much busier than expected. I was expecting a quiet A road by-passed by the M5. The wind was again very strong, perhaps 30mph, full in my face. Even cycling across the Somerset Levels it was a struggle. When I turned northwards the wind seemed to turn too. Through the Mendips the road rose to over 600 feet past Bristol airport - all very tiring. Eventually I reached Clifton Suspension Bridge via Long Ashton and Ashton Court - what a relief. Stayed with Albert, a friend of 55 years, and wife Pramila in Clifton
Stats: Distance 63.8 miles Cumulative 201.2 Moving average 9.8mph Time moving 6hrs 31mins Start 0855 End 1700
Day 5 Weds 13th May
Bristol to Hereford (Fawley)
Damp and drizzly but no wind - wonderful. The ride north out of Bristol was via Cribbs Causeway (past 305 Passage Road - my shared rented house 40 years ago). Just over an hour to the Severn Bridge then up the Wye valley. A hot chocolate at Tintern Abbey was very welcome to warm up. The route from then on was was relatively quiet and with some lovely scenery. Stopped at Monmouth for a bit of shopping - extra fleece needed! (Probably slowed my average speed as the GPS recoreded my every slow step) The ride out on the A466 rose to 650 feet but little traffic - then down to the Wye and round to Albert’s cottage. What a beautiful place right on the bank of the Wye. The best day yet in spite of the drizzle and the cold.
Stats: Distance 51.5 Cumulative 252.7 Moving average 10.4mph Time moving 4hrs 58mins Start 0850 End 1615
Day 6 Thurs 14th
Hereford (Fawley) to Shrewsbury
A pleasant days cycling through Hereford and Shropshire - overcast with a bit of drizzle at times. Along B roads from Albert’s to Hereford the A4110 to join the busy A49 just north of Craven Arms. a detour through Church Stretton gave a break from the busy road - situated between the Long Mynd and Wenlock Edge, both invisible in the cloud. Arrived at Shrewsbury on cycle paths and paused in town before staying with Andrew and Loes Pattison (church contacts)
Stats: Distance 68.2 Cumulative 320.9 Moving average 10.9mph Time moving 5hrs 59mins Start 0850 End 1615
Day 7 Fri 15th
Shrewsbury to Willaston (Wirral)
Manoeuvred around Shrewsbury on cycle paths. Drizzle most of the morning but lovely level route on A528 not too busy. Stopped at Ellesmere to buy lunch - it looked lovely beside the lake. Through Wrexham, very run down, and then traffic got busier except through Hawarden. Took the parallel B road across the Dee parallel to A550. Then A550, narrow and busy, to A540. Arrived at Nigel (friend of 50 years) and Clare at Willaston not very tired.
Stats: Distance 51.7 Cumulative 372.6 Moving average 11.5mph Time moving 4hrs 30 mins Start 0830 End 1400
Day 8 Rest day Visited Chester by bus
Day 9, Sun 17th
Willaston to Lancaster
Set off with Nigel with a strong following wind all the way to the Birkenhead Ferry. Much derelict land. caught the 0905 ferry across the Mersey to a deserted Liverpool. After navigating through the city, I set off north on the A59 stopping at Ormskirk for a loo stop at Morrisons. It was mainly a following wind but sometimes from the right but a flat route giving a good average of 12.8mph. had to shelter in a church lytch gate just north of Preston for prolonged shower. Arrived early in Lancaster so had a long wait until 6 to arrive at scheduled time at David Beddings (church contact). Enjoyed a prolonged hot choc in Costa's. rain between 5 and 6.
Stats: Distance 66.5 Cumulative 435.6 Moving average 12.3 Time moving 5hrs 7 mins Start 0810 End 1510
Day 10 Mon 18th
Lancaster to Penrith
Met Mark, brother in law, at Lancaster station - drizzling. Set off and found a good canal path to Carnforth. mark had the first of 3 punctures on new tyres. Punctures had to be mended and new tube bought in Kendall. Slow progress in the morning. The canal path became mud and we had to take to the A65. Some back roads via Burneside before getting to Kirkstone Pass which climbs to 1500 feet. Not too bad some walking for me but Mark ok with low gears. Wonderful run down to Patterdale. Wind behind all day. Lovely ride along Ullswater. Arrived Penrith Station perfect timing for Mark’s train back to Lancaster and meal and accommodation at Thelma and Graham Allen (church contacts). It was good to have Mark’s company today.
Stats: Distance 61.1 Cumulative 496.7 Moving average 10.4mph Time moving 5hrs 34mins Start 0850 End 1800
Day 11 Tues 19th
Penrith to Dumfries
After a cooked breakfast I pedaled off up the A6, a good wide fairly quiet road with a following wind – made it to Carlisle non-stop 17.8 miles at 14.5mph. Enjoyed a Costa coffee before setting off for Scotland. Crossed the border at Gretna – worth a photo. Turned west on the B road to Annan and Dumfries. Wind on the “beam” so buffeted and rather tiring. Sunny and very breezy spending time beside the river at Dumfries. Annan and other places along the Solway rather run down. Stayed with Lesley and Graeme Tait (church contacts)
Stats: Distance 59.7 Cumulative 556.4 Moving average 11.9 Time moving 4hrs 33mins Start 0825 End 1500
Day 12 Wed 20th May
Dumfries to Kilmarnock
Early start out on to the A76 – very busy. On advice took B roads via Monaive. Lovely Borders scenery. Very quiet roads, sometimes no cars for 20 minutes. Two climbs of 1,000 feet dropping in between to 500 feet at Carsphairn. After Patna I took B roads again through Drongan to Kilmarnock. This latter part was a series of ups and downs across rolling hills. I was trying to get the 14.55 from Kilmarnock but missed it by 10 minutes and had ¾ hour wait. Changed stations at Glasgow for fast train to Edinburgh. At the end of a long day the 5 mile ride uphill to Simon’s barracks was very tiring but after a hot bath the 3 course mess dinner was very welcome. This was the longest day so far but probably the best cycling.
Stats: Distance 68.9 miles (plus 5 in Edinburgh) Cumulative 625.3 Moving average 11.2mph Time moving 6hrs 10mins Start 0800 End 1505

LEJOG Bike Ride update

Maurice's journey continues well and he is keeping in good spirits.
Yesterday he cycled from Lancaster to Penrith with brother-in-law Mark. The wind was strong and was pushing them swiftly forward and they had an excellent ride despite the intermittent rain.
He's also been blessed with warm hospitality from church contacts at Shrewsbury, David Bedding at Lancaster, and last night with Graham & Lesley Tait.
Today he reaches Scotland!

Note: A friend has set up a page for sponsoring Maurice on the JUSTGIVING website. This makes it really easy to sponsor him. See www.justgiving.com/ethiopialejog

Maurice Riding on Air

Maurice was interviewed for Radio Devon about his cycle ride
by Lincoln Shaw for The Sunday Breakfast Show which goes out on 17/05/09 between 7and 8 am.

You can hear it on 103.4 FM or 104.3 or 95.7 depending where you live. Or you can listen online at

http://www.bbc.co.uk/devon/local_radio