On 15 November, Coventry Cathedral was transformed into a warm, cosy campfire scene, complete with trees, crackling firepits and a large bell tent – all to celebrate a century of the Church Pastoral Aid Society (CPAS) holidays.
Over 200 guests comprised of past and present volunteers, participants and supporters, gathered to give thanks for a century of life-changing ministry. In the dimmed lights, old friends embraced, children played with giant Jenga blocks and worship songs echoed out on acoustic guitar.
Tim Friend, current Ventures and Falcons Principal, led the service. He reflected on the roots of this ministry: in 1942, a small group of leaders passionate about sharing the gospel took twenty-four young factory girls, aged 12 to 15, camping in the fields of Coldharbour, Surrey. Gathered around a campfire, they sang songs, shared stories and heard the good news of Jesus Christ. One of the girls wrote home, ‘my brother and I have given our whole selves to Jesus’. A century later and tens of thousands of young people have experienced a CPAS holiday.
