Our local paper has just published a piece about the arrival of Happy, our new ministry trainee. I love the line where the Vicar is described as ‘unlike anyone I’ve ever met’.
As the Express and Star have commented, the diocese is struggling to find clergy for vacant posts. We are praying that God would guide Happy as he explores full time ministry. And we are praying that more folk would come and join us in reaching the lovely people of the Black Country with the good news of Jesus.
The Vicar's Wife 
Just though you might like to draw attention to this story which was published on Saturday and links in with the piece about Happy.
http://www.expressandstar.com/2009/10/03/region-defended-in-vicars-job-ad/
Thanks Tim. Maybe we can get the diocese to put us on commission?
In my experience the Church of England isn’t big on commission! But it would be nice to get these posts filled.
Maybe the reason the posts are vacant is because the CofE hasn’t been big on commission over the years – the Great Commission, that is (Matt 28:19).
I hope your prayers for workers to the Black country will be answered soon-I’ll help in guiding a friend to your neck of the woods. You never know, we may end up there one day ourselves, God-willing!
Thank you Alex – keep me posted on your friend. The recent pioneer minister (lay or ordained) post in our deanery that was advertised had no applicants. I don’t suppose….
Nice article.
p.s. Hinckley is in Leicestershire!