Our Church lies in the heart of Falkirk and is part of the Church of Scotland. We worship in the historic town centre building known as ‘The Faw Kirk’, from which the town takes its name. But more than simply a building, we believe the Church is first and foremost a people. We aim to transform the lives of not only our members but also people in the local community and those further afield – transforming them spiritually, practically and emotionally.

Exciting news!                                                                                                                                                                              We are supporting the Vine Trust, a Scottish charity which started in Bo’ness and works with partner organisations based in Tanzania & Peru, building family homes and orphanages and providing primary medical care through medical ships.

We set ourselves the target of raising at least £30,000 to cover all the costs of sending a team of 12 volunteers from the Church to Tanzania at the end of May. The money raised will cover the travel, accommodation, food, in-country transport and the purchase of construction materials and resources. The team will start work building the first two houses in a sustainable village called Kazunzu Village of Hope on the shores of Lake Victoria. The complex will consist of a cluster of over 40 houses, constructed to home widows and orphans from the surrounding islands and shores, and will eventually be developed into a village which will include a primary school, vocational training centre and healthcare provision. This expedition will give the team an opportunity to make a difference to the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in the world.

Within six months, a total of £36,365 has been raised from fundraising events, personal donations, sponsored walks and cycles, donations from local businesses and organisations and from the congregation. This means that as well as covering all the costs of the trip, Trinity will be able to donate £7820 towards future Vine Trust construction projects and the development of the Vine Trust’s programmes. We are very grateful for all the support we have received.

Iain MacSween, who visited the area last year and is going once more in May, said “This project will bring hope to the people who live in the Kazunzu area, many of whom are suffering from HIV and Aids. A very high percentage of the children are orphaned as a result and desperately need accommodation. I hope the team can make a start on what is a very worthwhile project and encourage others to get involved. We are delighted with the support we have received for this project and the level of funds raised.”

We leave on the 26th of May, taking with us the blessings of Falkirk Trinity congregation and you’ll be able to follow our trip on our Facebook page.