2023-12-31-accounts - Linguae Christi

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Annual Report Narrative Portion

1 January 2023 - 31 December 2023

Submitted by

Rev. John Robinson, Chairman Board of Trustees

and

General Director

STATEMENT OF PUBLIC BENEFIT1:

The Charitable Aims of Linguæ Christi (hereafter, LC) are “The advancement of Christian faith in such ways as the Charity Trustees may from time to time decide.”

LC believe that the Christian Faith is inherently of public benefit, both to the individual in spiritual and emotional development and to the community at large, when the teachings of Jesus related to loving and serving one’s neighbours and the world are applied in earnest, through the process of personal discipleship and corporate worship, service, and missions.

Toward the fulfilment both of our charitable aims and public benefit, LC has a distinctly missionary character, exhibited in the propagation of the Christian Gospel message to those who have not accessed or received it, the nurturing of new believers in Christ through discipleship and community, and the encouragement and strengthening of existing believers through cooperation and mutual assistance.

LC seek to manifest this missionary mandate through focus on ethnolinguistic people groups within the greater European context , namely those communities who speak one of the minority, indigenous (autochthonous) languages. This focus affects the work of LC within the UK in two ways: (1) a direct approach to evangelism among such people groups within the UK itself, which would include but not be limited to Welsh speakers, Scottish Gaelic speakers, Cornish speakers, Scots speakers, Irish Gaelic speakers, Ulster Scots speakers, and Manx Gaelic speakers; and (2) mobilise believers from the UK, particularly those from the language groups mentioned above, to participate in LC’s mission efforts, coordinated from our headquarters in North Wales, among similar autochthonous language groups in other parts of Europe/Eurasia. A more thorough understanding of the vision and missiology of LC in this regard is available in our introductory paper, which is available upon request.

The details of LC’s activities to these ends are included in the following information, regarding the charity’s activities during this specific reporting period, namely 1 January - 31 December 2023.

PREFACE: EXTRAORDINARY CIRCUMSTANCES

As with the reports for previous years since 2020, LC has continued to feel the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic in terms of opportunities related to ministry and activities, albeit to a significantly lesser extent than the previous three years. The related impact is more due to the loss of momentum in certain initiatives and activities, due to the years of adverse effects resulting from these restrictions, and many of our activities and efforts over the past year (the focus of this report) have been attempts to make up for “lost time” and “picking up where we left off” immediately before the COVID-19

1 This introductory segment is static, remaining the same from year to year.

Pandemic and its restrictions. Consequently, while infinitely more opportunities for activities and travel were possible than in the previous years, where there are issues related to the “knock-on” effects of the previous restrictions, the COVID-19 Pandemic will hereafter be referred to simply as “the Pandemic,” as needed and appropriate.

ACTIVITIES DURING THIS REPORTING PERIOD:

The following is a bullet-point description of some of the most important activities of LC during this reporting period. These items will be organised into three primary categories: (1) Trustee Matters; (2) Networking, Partnership, and Training; (3) Specific Projects and Direct Involvement, and (4) Future Plans and Initiatives.

(1) Trustee Matters.

During this reporting period, the Trustees met a total of four times on the
following dates:
20 February
2 May
25 August
5 October

All meetings were conducted via video conferencing due to the physical distance between Trustees. On occasion, specific issues of a time-sensitive nature were discussed and decided via e-mail conversations between the trustees.

(2) Networking, Partnership, and Training.
We have struggled to continue to develop our social media and on-line

presence due to a lack of available personnel2. However, we have been able to have an ongoing social media presence, even if significantly less than desired or for optimal functionality.

Regarding the work of developing relationships and ministry partnerships with national believers from these language groups, as very few of the previous travel restrictions remained as an effect of the Pandemic, the General Director (GD) was able to take many more site visits during this reporting period, than during the previous year to various areas in Europe for ongoing discussions, related to the possibility of mobilisation and partnership on-field with various missions initiatives, even though several such projects were planned prior to the Pandemic. The following are some of the locations visited and the languages or language groups specifically covered in those discussions:
The GD was in the United States for the final month of 2023 (From 1 December and continuing into 2024 - for both mobilisation possibilities as well as personal family concerns. During this time, there were several opportunities to speak with individual Churches as well as other missions agencies about the possibility of partnership initiatives.

2 This item is similar to the 2022 report, as this activity is long-term and ongoing.

The GD was able to attend the Llanw Conference in Llangrannog during the second week of Easter, where he had the opportunity to share more about the work of LC. This was the first full, Llanw Conference since the beginning of Pandemic restrictions in March 2020.
As in 2022, the GD was able to return to Estonia to visit the Baltic Methodist Seminary for further development of our existing partnership as well as to discuss specific collaborative projects within the parameters of our partnership. There was also the opportunity to establish connections with other entities, sharing LC’s interests in developing missionary involvement with speakers of Uralic languages in the Nordic areas and Ural Mountains regions. These visits to Estonia for ongoing partnership development tend to occur annually, and generally in the Autumn.
The GD was able to make research site visits to some new language areas, namely the Samogitian language in Lithuania, and the Latgalian language in Latvia. The time in these areas was very productive in gaining new insights for the possibility of developing new missionary initiatives in these language groups.
As part of the general travel and series of meetings mentioned above, the GD had the opportunity to meet with potential ministry partners in (1) Sweden, both for student project recruitment and Uralic language initiatives development, (2) Denmark, for student project recruitment, and (3) the Netherlands for student project recruitment, specifically with Cornerstone Bible College for Missions training.

(3) Specific Projects and Direct Involvement.

During the year, LC representatives serve numerous local, Welsh-speaking Chapels with pulpit supply in scheduled and emergency situations3. In contrast with previous years due to the Pandemic, these opportunities were exclusively in-person interaction. These Chapels tended to be almost exclusively in North Wales and in the Welsh language
The children’s club in the Dyffryn Nantlle, which LC personnel had run previously was able to meet at different points during the school term, though recruitment of additional personnel to assist with the programme continues to be a need and a challenge.
We were able to resume some of our summer intern opportunities in partnership with GEM4 and the BSM5 from Baylor University in Waco, Texas, USA.
We were able to develop a partnership opportunity with Dawson Memorial Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama focusing on the Northwest area of Wales (centred on Caernarfon). In June 2023, the Church sent its high school choir, which had a combined number (both the young people and their adult sponsors) of over 150. The sharing of their musical gifts was very warmly received and a blessing to people in the area, as the choir had the opportunity to sing in local Chapels, Schools, and to present a concert in a professional venue (Y Galeri) in Caernarfon, in benefit of the Banc Bwyd Charity.

3 This item is the same as in the 2022 report, as this activity is long-term and ongoing.

4 Greater Europe Mission - an organisation with whom LC has a long relationship and ongoing partnership.

5 Baptist Student Ministries

(4) Personnel Issues and Disruptions.
As mentioned in the 2021 and 2022 Reports, the GD has had to spend a certain amount of time in the USA each year, due to family medical issues. However, as the GD is still in active working position during these times, he is involved in many opportunities for recruitment and reporting on the ongoing work of LC.
Fortunately, LC was able to resume many of its pre-Pandemic activities. However, the need for new personnel has created certain stresses and delays in implementing many of our initiatives. This will be an ongoing situation until such time as we fill certain roles in LC’s structure and ministry, and it may involve a process of several years.

(5) Future Plans and Initiatives. For 2024 and beyond, LC would like to move forward with plans and initiatives in the following broad categories6.

(A) Local Ministry7. The Associates with LC are committed to ongoing efforts and activities related to local ministries, particularly in Northwest Wales, which would include but not be confined to the areas of evangelism, encouraging local believers, discipleship, ministry, and Church planting.

(B) Recruitment8. LC remain committed to numerical growth of serving Associates in local missions service as well as contributing expertise to broader organisational needs. In terms of Affinity groups, this would of course include the Celtic Languages Affinity Group, where LC currently have personnel, serving with Welsh speakers in North Wales. However, it is LC’s intention to enlist and place personnel in more Linguistic Affinity Groups.

(i) Students9. One area of emphasis for short-term and medium-term projects is in utilising University students, who are Christians, in specific projects. These short-term and medium-term projects often produce longer-term personnel (see below). To this end, we are moving forward with three specific initiatives:

(1) Attending Conferences, Events, and Missions Emphases to recruit

actively for new students.

(2) Doing more recruiting in new areas, particularly in the UK and Europe and more specifically with Christian students already from one of these minority linguistic communities.

(3) Diversifying project opportunities into more Linguistic Affinity

Group Areas.

6 This entire final section (Section 5) is the same as that for 2021, as all items are long-term projects and initiatives with ongoing engagement and development.

7 Due to the long-term nature of this goal and the disruptions caused by the Pandemic during 2022, though less severe than in the previous year, this goal will be carried over into 2024.

8 Due to the long-term nature of this goal and the disruptions caused by the Pandemic during 2022, though less severe than in the previous year, this goal will be carried over into 2024.

9 Due to the long-term nature of this goal and the disruptions caused by the Pandemic during 2022, though less severe than in the previous year, this goal will be carried over into 2024..

(C) Partnership/Networking10. LC have made some good initial contacts in expanding our presence in Linguistic Affinity Groups outside of the Celtic languages. The following are possibilities for ongoing conversation and networking toward the goal of partnership and cooperation.

(i) Ibero-Romance Languages11. LC have had some good initial conversations with believers in the Basque and Galician languages communities in Spain and to a lesser extent, Catalan speakers. LC would like to continue and augment these discussions and make more active and new connections in the Catalan-speaking community.

(ii) Uralic Languages12. Some good initial connections were made with believers involved with Uralic minority languages, particularly in Russia. LC would like to move these conversations forward to more formal partnership relationships and jointprojects.

(iii) Other Languages13. LC would like to move forward with new inroads to at least 2 or 3 other Linguistic Affinity Groups. Some initial contacts have already been made with speakers within the Italo-Romance Languages Affinity Group, which have good promise to be advanced. LC would like to make some initial contacts in other Affinity Groups. The site visits in new linguistic areas of Samogitian (Lithuania) and Latgalian (Latvia) are a part of this ongoing development.

(D) Research and Training14. LC remain committed to careful research on these languages and communities, assimilating this information and knowledge into our missions and ministry plans and objectives. This would include taking advantage of both Christian and secular conferences and training events with a focus on these languages and communities, and innovative methods for propagation of the Christian Gospel among them.

10 Due to the long-term nature of this goal and the disruptions caused by the Pandemic during 2022, though less severe than in the previous year, this goal will be carried over into 2024..

11 Due to the long-term nature of this goal (long-term), this work will continue into 2024 and beyond.

12 Due to the long-term nature of this goal (long-term), this work will continue into 2024 and beyond. .

13 Due to the long-term nature of this goal (long-term), this work will continue into 2024 and beyond.

14 Due to the long-term nature of this goal (long-term), this work will continue into 2024 and beyond.

31 DEC 2023

Balance Sheet

Linguæ Christi

As at 31 December 2023

Current Assets

	Cash at bank and in hand
	Linguae Christi 35,119.32
	Petty Cash - Euro 65.92
	Petty Cash - Pounds 163.13
	Transferwise EURO Account 124.75
	Transferwise US Dollar Account 9,445.02
	Total Cash at bank and in hand 44,918.14
	Accounts Receivable 4,975.46
	Multi-currency payments (0.60)
	Reversed Payments 153.87
Total Current Assets 50,046.87 Creditors: amountsfalling duewithinone year
Accounts Payable 66.01
Historical Adjustment (0.02)
Rounding (0.09)
VAT (202.56)
Total Creditors: amounts falling due within one year (136.66)
Net Current Assets (Liabilities) 50,183.53
Total Assets less Current Liabilities 50,183.53
Net Assets 50,183.53 Capital andReserves
Current Year Earnings (2,854.37)
Restricted Assets 494.95
Retained Earnings 51,776.79
Unrestricted Assets 766.16
Total Capital and Reserves 50,183.53

Exchange rates used to convert foreign currency into GBP are shown below. Rates are provided by XE.com unless otherwise stated.

31 Dec 2023
1.15342 EUR (Euro)
1.27312 USD (United States Dollar)

4 Oct 2024 Page 1 of 1

Balance Sheet Linguæ Christi

Profit and Loss

Linguæ Christi

For the year ended 31 December 2023

Profit and Loss Linguæ Christi For the year ended 31 December 2023
	2023
Turnover
Donation Income - Restricted	39,160.58
Donation Income - Unrestricted	7,065.31
Other Revenue	31.07
Total Turnover	46,256.96
Cost ofSales
Direct Expenses	7,640.60
Total Cost of Sales	7,640.60
Gross Profit	38,616.36
Administrative Costs
Advertising & Marketing	682.76
Audit & Accountancy fees	410.40
Bank Fees	342.91
Bank Revaluations	408.05
Charitable and Political Donations	545.40
Conferences	24.89
Consulting	65.00
Entertainment-100% business	188.20
Gifts/Honorariums	227.67
Housing	13,676.76
IT Software and Consumables	877.27
Meals/Food	8,605.58
Missional Activities	1,149.93
Motor Vehicle Expenses	25.00
Postage, Freight & Courier	1,961.55
Printing & Stationery	1,058.15
Realised Currency Gains	(9.61)
Rent	240.00
Subscriptions	245.00
Supplies	1,281.73
Telephone & Internet	24.00
Training/Research	193.82
Travel	9,171.71
Unrealised Currency Gains	74.56
Total Administrative Costs	41,470.73
Operating Profit	(2,854.37)
Profit on Ordinary Activities Before Taxation	(2,854.37)
Profit after Taxation	(2,854.37)

Profit and Loss Linguæ Christi

4 Oct 2024 Page 1 of 1

Rev. Dr. Rhys Llwyd 24 Ffordd Eryri - Caernarfon - Gwynedd - LL55 2RH 07834 556202 - rhys@caersalem.com

To whom it may concern:

Independent examiner's report for the 2024 Annual Report of the Charity known as ‘Linguae Christi’.

Having reviewed the accounts and seen that their gross income is more than £25,000, but not more than £1 million I am happy that a full audit is not required and that an independent examiner’s report will sufficiently be able to look over the Charity’s account and operations.

I confirm that I am a suitable person to provide this independent report because of my experience as an officer of similar charities working in the same sector. Mainly:

My role in the preparation of the annual report for the Charity known as Caersalem Church Caernarfon (Charity number: 502317) for several years.
My role on the management board of the charity known as Y Coleg Gwyn (Charity number: 525779).
My role as superintendent of Cymanfa Bedyddwyr Arfon, which is not a charity but a Church organization managing an investment portfolio of over £200k to invest in Christian ministry.
This being my fifth year serving as their independent examiner I have gained a better understanding of Linguae Christi’s operation.

Because of my involvement in the three organizations named above which work in the same field as Linguae Christi I am well placed to examine the account and judge if the operations of the charity are in line with it’s said aims. I have also read and understood the Charity Commission’s Directions and guidance.

After reviewing the accounts I suggested an alternative way to present expenses for overseas travel projects, and their officers responded positively. They agreed to provide a clearer breakdown in next year's accounts, allowing the charity's trustees and supporters to better understand the cost-benefit of each project.

Having reviewed the accounts of Linguae Christi, read their written statement of activities during the accounting period and conversed with their officers about various matters, nothing that raises any concern has come to my attention.

They have shown good practice that is in accordance with the Charities Act 2011.

Yours,

Rev. Dr. Rhys Llwyd

DATE: 14th of October 2024