At the beginning of this month 25 years ago the Letson clan set foot in Moston. We came first of all in September ‘on a view’ and had a good look round. We were looked after by Bill and Hannah Coulter. They ferried us around the area looking at shops, schools and housing. We also spent some time talking to the church leaders and speaking at meetings. We then went home to Belfast and as a family made a united decision to come to Moston. It was a difficult and traumatic decision for us all but very momentous as it turned out.

During our time here we have seen many changes not only in the church but in the family and the city as well. All our family has been married during our time here and some of our grandchildren born here. Harry obtained three degrees and has been involved for some time in the former Greater Manchester District Council and then the Regional Council. So there is a lot of water gone under the bridge. Our health too has taken quite a knock in recent years, especially Harry’s yet God has proved faithful in it all.

The whole purpose of our coming, however, was to bless the church and the community. There have been big changes here and a lot of people coming through the church doors; sometimes we feel the back door is bigger than the front door but that’s church life. The most lasting achievement of course is the establishment of the Pais Project under Paul Gibbs but with help and encouragement from Harry. What began with one man tramping round schools trying to minister to needy kids has now become a global enterprise with 1,000 workers in seven countries worldwide reaching in excess of 1 million kids a year. This must be a credit not only to Paul but to the whole church for supporting the initiative.

Last weekend was a wonderful demonstration of love to us both and we wish to express our sincere appreciate for all the expressions of love in the form of gifts and cards. The watches are beautiful and very timely (no pun intended) as Henny’s watch has stopped working. The biggest shock of all was the cheque for £1,000 donated by many in the church.

Thank you one and all for the love and kindness shown to us