IN ACTS 4:32 to 4:35 the work of the early church is described, where disciples shared their possessions, and passed money to the apostles to give to anyone who had need.

Two thousand years later, the Archbishop of York used the passage to name a new charity that mirrors these deeds. Acts 435 exists because helping those in need becomes urgent at times of economic crisis. It puts people who can give in touch with those who are finding things tough, with the Church as the face-to-face forum.

Now Dr Sentamu’s online giving charity has announced that its 5,000th request has been granted. This is spectacular. We’re used to hearing about the ‘me’ society, but as Acts 435 proves, that is not always the case.

The charity runs to a clever format, where requests can be seen online, allowing donors to give directly while maintaining confidentiality. The Archbishop says in meeting other people’s basic human needs, we ourselves are blessed. These simple words act as a powerful endorsement.