One special animal will play an important role this Palm Sunday at an interactive church service in Devon.
Issachar the donkey will lead a procession through the town of Bradninch to St Disen’s Church, and he will be followed by the church congregation and local community.
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, commemorating Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem just before his death. Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, whilst the crowds waved palm branches and shouted an exclamation of praise, ‘Hosanna!’
Issachar belongs to Mike Britton, and his wife Rev’d Hazel Britton, who is the Curate at St Disen’s Church in Bradninch.
He regularly visits churches in Devon for different occasions, including Easter and Christmas services, community groups, holiday clubs, church camps, and fayres.
Mike, who accompanies Issachar on all his visits, said, “Donkeys have always had a place in my heart and my life, especially in regard to stories in the Bible.
Issachar’s visits are loved by all ages. Mike said, “Very few children have had contact with donkeys, and the older generation have fond memories.”
“It’s fitting to involve Issachar in children’s activities as we retell Bible stories, with a practical example that we could load and travel with him to holiday clubs, camps, and into special church services.”
“It soon became clear that this close contact with a donkey, rather than just a talk, made the Bible stories come to life.”
Involving Issachar in service and events is also heartwarming to the community, and for those who may not usually attend church.
Mike said, “Barriers to coming to church drop as they meet a donkey at the door. There is anticipation as to the donkey’s role in the service.”
“There is God given opportunities to bring the Bible stories to life and encourage people to church.”
At the end of the services, the congregation are usually invited to say hello to or for a picture with Issachar the donkey.
Issachar’s Plans
Looking ahead to Easter Saturday, Issachar will be visiting an Easter Fayre at Cranbrook Church. A pen will be put up for him so that those who are attending the fair can meet and interact with him.
Issachar has also recently brightened the day for residents in a care home, where he visited and met them in their lounge.
Issachar will also be busy at Christmas time, as Mike and Hazel often take him to churches for special donkey services. From previous Christmas experiences, Mike said, “Christmas services doubled in attendance, people come early to cuddle the donkey and surprisingly the appeal is to all generations.”
Mike and Hazel hope that the Issachar can continue to help bring biblical stories to life, for all ages.
Mike said, “We pray that people will think about the real truth of the stories as we see people’s faces light up, and spirits lifted as they come into contact with a donkey taking them back two thousand years plus.”