News from our Voluntary & Part-Time Chaplains 

Rev Neville Barnett

Bexhill Irvine Stroke Rehabilitation Unit
 

Looking back on the winter months, the pressure on the Unit’s staff has been relentless.  As soon as a bed becomes vacant, a new patient is admitted.  How we need to pray regularly for all who work in the NHS.
 
Despite this, we celebrated our Saviour’s birth with a full programme of Christmas activities. Local churches provided carol parties.   Because of Covid they had to sing outside the building.  As they broke into song ward windows and doors were swung opened, so that the joyful sound could be heard! When the members of Beulah Baptist Church, Bexhill arrived it rained throughout the evening. Undeterred they kept going – bringing delight to all who heard them – even though their carol sheets turned to mush!
 
Margaret, a Christian, was admitted with a severe stroke – she was with us for six weeks. Each Saturday we would meet for communion.  Just before she was discharged she said, ‘Neville, I don’t only feel much better physically, but I feel spiritually alive!’
 
Recently the East Sussex Health Care Trust informed me that I have served for 40 years as a chaplain.
 

O honour, higher, truer far
Than earthly fame could bring,
Thus to be used, in work like this
So long, by such a King !
 
( Horatious Bonar )