SPRING ‘14
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HOW COULD A MOTHER SELL HER CHILD? Discover the heartbreaking reasons www.tearfund.org
WE ARE FAMILY
ELAINE STORKEY SPEAKS
HELP EXPOSE CORRUPTION
Spiritual life at Tearfund
Why Tearfund supporters are the best
Speak out and bring justice
Following Jesus where the need is greatest
2 . TEAR TIMES
Following Jesus where the need is greatest 08
At Tearfund we really love our supporters, for how you respond in prayer, giving and action. At meetings and times of prayer and worship at Tearfund, I am always encouraged and often blown away by accounts of the incredible, exciting and sacrificial ways that you support Tearfund. You will hear from many supporters in this issue of Tear Times. People like Kandi (page 30) who volunteers at events, Matthew (page 12) who’s a passionate campaigner against corruption, and young Joel (pg 31) who took part in Tearfund-supporting musical Love Beyond – and a whole (heavenly) host of people who recently visited Tearfund in our Teddington offices (page 22). Of course, the real love we share is a passion for Jesus Christ and his call on our lives to help the poorest and most vulnerable people on earth. Among the most vulnerable are children in India who are cruelly trafficked – forced to work in unsafe factories or in the sex trade.
04 Philippines emergency Your support is reaching communities
‘HOW CAN A PARENT EVEN THINK ABOUT SELLING THEIR CHILD?’ 25
05 In the news... Ben’s cycle challenge, BigChurchDayOut partnership and an unusual donations box
FEATURES 08 Boy for sale Why some Indian women sell their children 12 Called by Jesus to expose corruption You can help uncover injustice this year 15 What happens in a crisis How Tearfund responds to disasters
‘WE UNDERESTIMATED HOW DIFFICULT IT WAS GOING TO BE.’ 16
19 The Choice competition Writing competition winner My Choice 22 We are family Inspiration from Tearfund supporters 25 One Big Mountain Bringing water justice to Uganda
PULL-OUT POSTER
Jamie Fyleman, Tearfund’s Head of UK Church Relationships, takes us on a very personal and moving journey to India (page 8) to unearth the heartbreaking reasons why some mothers sell their children. And he finds out how innovative Tearfund projects are keeping children safe from trafficking, by providing sustainable long-term solutions. It’s a life-changing and challenging read. I hope you enjoy this new-look Tear Times, and I’d love to hear your views on the re-design so we can continue to develop and improve the magazine. As Elaine Storkey says in her interview on page 28, Tearfund has the best supporters in the world – and we want Tear Times to reward and thank you for all you do to serve the poorest people on the planet.
CONTENTS NEWS
WELCOME... ‘WE SHARE A PASSION FOR JESUS CHRIST.’
TEAR TIMES . 3
16 Photo competition winner ‘I choose an education’
REFLECTIONS ‘I CHOOSE AN EDUCATION.’ 28
20 Spoiling our Sundays Can worship and poverty mix? 28 Interview: Elaine Storkey Q&A with Tearfund’s outgoing president 30 ‘Volunteering brings me close to God’ Why Kandi gives time to Tearfund 31 ‘Playing Jesus is scary’ Young Joel on starring in Love Beyond
Editor
Peter Shaw twitter @ TearTimes | email editor@tearfund.org Photo: Ralph Hodgson/Tearfund
‘I THINK TEARFUND HAVE THE BEST SUPPORTERS IN THE WORLD.’
Copyright @ Tearfund 2014. All rights reserved. Permission is granted for the reproduction of text from this publication for Tearfund promotional use. For all other uses, please contact us. Cover image: Cover image: Child trafficking is rife in India. Jamie Fyleman/Tearfund
Following Jesus where the need is greatest
Following Jesus where the need is greatest
IN THE NEWS...
WINNER’S CHOICE
YOU ARE PROVIDING SHELTER, WATER, FOOD AND HEALTHCARE IN THE PHILIPPINES Thanks to your amazing outpouring of support, Tearfund’s partners in the Philippines – supported by our emergency aid workers – were able to act quickly to support communities devastated by Typhoon Haiyan.
We started providing shelter to vulnerable families within days – distributing kits including tarpaulins, rope, corrugated-iron roof sheeting, bedding and kitchen equipment.
On 8 November, one of the most powerful storms ever to hit land tore through the Philippines, with sustained winds of up to 320 km/h (199 mph). Thousands of people died and more than 11 million people are affected in nine regions across the Philippines. Of these, some 670,000 people have been forced from their homes.
The extent of the devastation means that it will take many months to rebuild and repair homes, roads and other infrastructure. Your generosity will help to speed the recovery.
Clean water is key to preventing sickness spreading. Our partners have stationed water filtration systems close to people’s homes. Hygiene and sanitation kits have been distributed to thousands of the most vulnerable families. We’ve supplied emergency food, including rice, canned goods, coffee and sugar, and personal items such as soap.
In the summer, we ran a competition inviting our Facebook and Twitter followers to explore the theme of choice through the medium of photography or the written word. The theme was based on our Harvest resource pack which followed the story of Sina, a young mother in Cambodia who longed to make choices that would allow her a better future but who felt trapped by poverty (see Sina’s update, right).
So far, Tearfund’s emergency appeal has raised more than £2.5 million. Thank you on behalf of desperate families across the Philippines.
Please continue to pray for people in the Philippines who have lost loved ones and whose homes and livelihoods have been destroyed. Pray that God will give people the strength to rebuild. Please also lift up in prayer our partners and emergency response staff as they give essential support where it’s needed most.
Poverty robs many of their choices. In this issue of Tear Times we’re proud to feature the competition winners. Darren Anderson’s photograph in the centre spread champions a young girl who makes an admirable choice every day. Sachi Shah reflects on a life-changing choice she made in her article on page 19. Well done Darren and Sachi!
Thanks to your support, our partners have been able to provide health kits to give emergency care to 120,000 people, to avoid outbreaks of disease. Our partners have also been working with the Department of Health to establish early warning alerts.
NEWS TEAR TIMES . 5
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT THIS HARVEST Thank you to everyone who prayed, donated and shared Sina’s story with their church. Here’s an update from Tonle Batie village in Cambodia...
Sina had never been to church when we met her. But, inspired by the church’s plans to help her village, she and her children are now regulars. Praise God for this great news, which means Sina will have the opportunity to get involved with Pastor Ke Pich’s church project even sooner than hoped, and start growing in the skills and confidence she needs to overcome poverty. ‘I go to church every week. I enjoy it. I’ve learnt that Jesus can show us the way through prayer – he is a God of love. Sometimes when my children get sick and I don’t have money, I pray that God will heal them and they get better,’ says Sina. Please continue to pray for Sina, and for Ke Pich’s church as it prepares to reach out to the wider community.
YOU PLANTED HOPE THIS CHRISTMAS Your Christmas tree messages have reached Nepal. In November, we sent out a letter to Tearfund supporters with a Christmas tree card enclosed, inviting them to decorate the card, return it and send an encouraging Christmas message to struggling families in Nepal.
Photo: Marcus Perkins/Tearfund
In countries vulnerable to flooding like Nepal, trees can be a lifesaver. They form a natural protective barrier against floods and are a very effective way to save lives. As well as encouraging people to decorate the cards, we invited them to give a donation so we can plant more trees to protect communities.
‘THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS AND GIFTS FOR FAMILIES DEVASTATED BY THE TYPHOON.’
Photo: Ralph Hodgson /Tearfund
4 . TEAR TIMES NEWS
Pictured are just a few examples of the hundreds of colourful and inventive trees we’ve received. We’d like to pass on the thanks of our partner, United Mission to Nepal. They have received all your amazing decorated messages and passed them on to Nepalese families. Thank you for showing the love of God to the people of Nepal at Christmas!
Following Jesus where the need is greatest
6 . TEAR TIMES NEWS
Following Jesus where the need is greatest
IN THE NEWS...
Giving thanks for
JOIN TEARFUND AT BigChurchDayOut Book a date in your diary, and order some tickets, to join Tearfund at the BigChurchDayOut 2014, when more than 20,000 Christians will gather for a weekend of worship and music. This event, which is in its sixth year, hosts Christian artists from around the world, with Israel Houghton, Casting Crowns and Hillsong United all having played before.
To find out what it’s like to be a Tearfund volunteer, see page 30. We are seeking more than 200 volunteers to help out, so if you want to be part of this amazing event, email volunteer@tearfund.org
For the first time, Tearfund is partnering with the event which will be staged in the grounds of Wiston House in West Sussex from 24 to 25 May. Event co-founder Tim Jupp says: ‘The BigChurchDayOut’s strapline has always been “‘a celebration of all that is good”, and our partnership this year with Tearfund further endorses that.
Photo: Chris Buckley
‘Together, we want to celebrate all the good things that Tearfund are doing in seeing lives transformed, people released from poverty and communities rebuilt God’s way.’
‘Toilet Twinning should be an ongoing part of our church activities.’
Donations to our Democratic Republic of Congo emergency appeal, supporting people uprooted by conflict, enabling them to resettle and rebuild their lives
Our Tearfund Tea Tent will be there, offering giant scones and other fantastic refreshments throughout the weekend.
We would love to see you at the BigChurchDayOut 2014 – visit www.bigchurchdayout.com for more details or to book tickets.
BEN CYCLES 3,000 MILES TO REMEMBER HIS BROTHER AND SUPPORT TEARFUND Inspired by his late brother’s love of amazing cycling feats, Tearfund supporter Benjamin Franklin is getting into the saddle himself for a two-wheeled trip across the United States.
LEAVE A DONATION IN THE LOO!
Starting this month (January), Benjamin (pictured left) will be cycling 3,100 miles from Miami to San Francisco to support Tearfund’s ‘fantastic work’ helping vulnerable children in poverty. He also wants to pay tribute to his brother and best friend, David Franklin (pictured right), who died suddenly from a heart attack at the age of 37.
As collection boxes go, the one that Chris Buckley has made for his church in Greater Manchester certainly stands out.
‘I have embarked on a mission to complete some athletic feats that would have made him proud,’ says Falmouth-based Benjamin. ‘He was a fanatical cyclist and had already achieved some spectacular feats on two wheels.
Adorning the wall of All Saints’ Church in Marple is a hand-crafted toilet-shaped box to raise money for Tearfund’s Toilet Twinning initiative, which aims to flush away poverty overseas.
‘I’m raising money for a charity that’s very close to my heart and does fantastic work with children who are abused, trafficked, orphaned or destitute. No child deserves this but what I do think they deserve is for those who have a great deal to help those with nothing.’
Chris Buckley says he wanted to create a durable box that was an obvious reminder of what the collection is for. ‘Toilet Twinning should be an ongoing part of our church activities, rather than a one-off collection,’ he says. To find out more about Toilet Twinning and how you can link your loo, visit www.toilettwinning.org or call 0300 321 3217.
NEWS TEAR TIMES . 7
Support Benjamin at www.justgiving.com/Benjamin-Franklin You can also remember a loved one and support Tearfund by entering the Ealing Half Marathon: for details, visit www.tearfund.org/ealinghalfmarathon
More than 16 years of service to Tearfund by Dr Elaine Storkey who stood down as president in the autumn The dedication and invaluable work of volunteers who go and promote Tearfund to church congregations across the UK
PRAYER
PULSE
Praying for The psychological recovery of children traumatised by the Syria conflict and our partners’ efforts to help restore their childhoods People to get behind our new Secret’s Out campaign to stop corruption, tax evasion, money laundering and smuggling, which deprive developing countries of vital income Stability in Mali following a lengthy civil conflict, so our partners can expand their work to help people get back on their feet
Following Jesus where the need is greatest
8 . TEAR TIMES FEATURE
Following Jesus where the need is greatest
FEATURE TEAR TIMES . 9
Photo: Jamie Fyleman/Tearfund
BOY FOR SALE WRITTEN BY JAMIE FYLEMAN
THE DAY I TALKED TO A MOTHER WHO SOLD HER SON, AND DISCOVERED THE UNCOMFORTABLE TRUTH ABOUT WHY CHILDREN ARE TRAFFICKED.
When you meet children who have been trafficked, and see the deep scars that has left in their lives, it’s hard to be sympathetic to the parents who took the money and sold their children.
But, at the end of a long, distressing day asking questions – trying to work out the economics – I still couldn’t understand why. How can a whole community look on and fail to act?
Travelling to India with Tearfund, I met with a group of such parents in a school classroom. Brought together by a Tearfund partner, they had come to tell me their stories of trafficking. I wanted to understand their position. In truth, I had already judged them for what they’d done.
My head was full – I’d run out of questions. So I asked Ranjit’s mum one last question. To my shame, I don’t know her name, perhaps because of the disdain I felt for her at that moment. ‘What was Ranjit like?’ I asked.
How can a parent even think about selling their child? For me, the proud dad of a five-year-old, the idea is inconceivable. I could never, ever, sell my son, Zeph. The concept is sickening. WHY WOULD A PARENT SELL THEIR CHILD? Ranjit, six, is one such child who has been trafficked. His mum was in the room, and she told me about him. She sold him to work on a farm, where he cleans out the animals. In return, his mother, a widow, was paid £110. That’s a small fortune for a poor family in northern India – a much better price than many others we heard about that day.
Suddenly, she welled up. As tears rolled down her cheeks, she simply said, ‘He was my world.’ I will never forget those words – the same words I use to describe my relationship with Zeph. And I started to understand how she felt. She believed she had no choice. She loved him deeply. And, in that, we connected as parents. But grinding poverty, hunger and natural disasters led her to believe selling Ranjit was the best thing for him. Perhaps Moses’ mother, Jochebed, felt something similar when she put her baby into his basket on the Nile (Exodus 2:1–4).
Photo: Peter Caton/Tearfund
‘HOW CAN A PARENT EVEN THINK ABOUT SELLING THEIR CHILD?’
Following Jesus where the need is greatest
10 . TEAR TIMES FEATURE
Following Jesus where the need is greatest
FEATURE TEAR TIMES . 11
YOU CAN HELP CHILDREN AT RISK ACROSS THE WORLD Would you consider giving a regular gift to help the most vulnerable children? Children faced with grinding poverty, conflict, trauma, homelessness, hunger, starved of love and exposed to sexual abuse or exploitative labour. Please complete and return the form between pages 8 and 9 or visit www.tearfund.org/dreams
Jamie Fyleman, Tearfund’s Head of UK Church Relationships, with his son Zeph aged five.
Photo: Jamie Fyleman/Tearfund
‘THE IMPACT OF THIS WORK IS LIFE-CHANGING – YOUNG WOMEN ARE BEGINNING TO BELIEVE THEY ARE VALUED AND ARE STARTING TO DREAM AGAIN...’
THE HUGE PROBLEM OF CHILD TRAFFICKING According to US government estimates, between 20 and 60 million children in india are affected by trafficking. The problem is endemic. Some children end up in brothels in Mumbai, ‘servicing’ men for a few pence. I met with some of those children and heard their horrific stories. Others work in factories producing food we eat, clothes we wear and rugs we use to decorate our homes. For all of them, the scars are deep. In the midst of this, Tearfund – through our partners in India – is doing incredible, innovative work, thanks to you. Your support is rescuing trafficked children and giving them new hope and a future – and we want to build on that.
and teachers, to help others and improve life in India. God’s love allows dreams to germinate and flourish, even when the scars remain. But, arguably, the most crucial work is carried out in communities where children are trafficked. Like the village where Ranjit grew up. In communities across India, Tearfund partners are working through local churches to give parents choices. Thanks to your prayers and gifts, we are cutting off trafficking at the root.
For example, Oasis India, a Tearfund partner in Mumbai, provides a three-year rehabilitation programme for former sex workers. Seema, one of the staff members, told me, ‘I can’t think of doing anything else. I truly love these girls.’
For example, Pastor Paswan from Bihar is a determined community leader who has decided that enough is enough. Supported through your gifts to Tearfund, he has set up self-help groups to empower mothers and encourage them to start small businesses. With a sustainable income for their family, mothers have the confidence to say ‘no’ to trafficking. Yet, there are still many communities we want to reach to offer the same support.
The need is still great, but the impact of this work is lifechanging. Young women are beginning to believe they are valued and are starting to dream again. They want to train to become lawyers, police officers
KEEPING CHILDREN SAFE AND FAMILIES TOGETHER I met with women from one self-help group who had pooled resources and saved enough money to buy an electricity
generator for their village. Not only does it provide an income, it has many benefits for the whole community. Children can do homework in the evening and the light provides effective security against traffickers at night. Pastor Paswan’s church are also working with the community to teach parents about the risks of selling their children. Families are often misled by traffickers about their intentions: traffickers lie to them, saying their children will be taught a trade – given an opportunity. The church wants to tell families the truth, and to extend this effective and empowering work. Self-help groups cost very little to set up, and their impact is powerful and long-lasting. I met with one woman from a self-help group who had set up a fishing business. She was thankful to Christians from her local church for giving her the strength and opportunity to achieve this. She told me she will keep her children safe from traffickers: she knew what they would do, and didn’t need their money. We want to expand and develop this work, so that children like Ranjit – who mean the world to their mothers – never end up sold to traffickers.
12 . TEAR TIMES FEATURE
Following Jesus where the need is greatest
Following Jesus where the need is greatest
FEATURE TEAR TIMES . 13
CALLED BY JESUS TO EXPOSE CORRUPTION
a Matthew Rutter, is Tearfund supporter, . r against corruption gne pai cam ate passion
TEARFUND SUPPORTER AND CAMPAIGNER, MATTHEW RUTTER, REVEALS WHY HE FEELS CALLED TO SPEAK OUT ABOUT JUSTICE AND POVERTY, AND WHY HE’D LOVE YOU TO BE INVOLVED WITH TEARFUND’S LATEST CORRUPTION CAMPAIGN, SECRET’S OUT…
For me, being a campaigner starts with my relationship with God – that’s what drives and informs me to engage with issues of justice and poverty. In Christ, we see someone determined to transform the lives of poor, vulnerable and lost people. When you encounter Jesus, you become like him, and share in his vision of a just world. I remember praying in the shadow of the European Parliament with a group of Christian campaigners from across the world as part of Unearth the Truth, Tearfund’s successful corruption campaign. It was an immensely moving experience to visit Brussels and lobby Members of the European Parliament.
We were a stumbling bunch of inexperienced campaigners but we knew that God chooses foolish things to shame the wise, and that the King of Kings is much more powerful than any institution on earth. If it was God’s will, we believed we could change the world. A few months later it was exciting to hear the news that the European Union had passed legislation that protects poor communities, holds big businesses and governments to account. Big corporate lobbyists didn’t water it down – the church had won the day! If these new laws brought about through Unearth the Truth are enforced, it could redress the balance of power
between big companies and poor communities. It’s a profoundly unjust situation that mineral and oil wealth is often found in desperately poor communities, but that governments don’t always safeguard their right to benefit. This hugely important new legislation will give communities the tools they need to hold governments to account for how they use the money that companies pay them. In return, local people can receive the benefits from the resources that are rightfully theirs, as well as protecting their way of life and communities.
‘BEING A CAMPAIGNER STARTS WITH MY RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD.’
Following Jesus where the need is greatest
14 . TEAR TIMES FEATURE
I would encourage all of you reading this to be part of Secret’s Out. You don’t need to be overwhelmed by the scale of the problem: you can do something. And Tearfund will give you the support you need. For me, being a campaigner has been really inspiring. If you feel you can’t influence decision makers, I’d ask you to think again.
‘I WOULD ENCOURAGE ALL OF YOU TO BE PART OF SECRET’S OUT.’
And it’s really simple to get involved. We can pray wherever we are, whenever we like, and it takes just a few minutes to complete and return a campaign card or fill out an online form. Surely we can all spare that much time? As a worldwide Church we must stand together so that corruption is exposed, so that just leaders and decision makers can prevail.
GET THE SECRET OUT – WHAT YOU CAN DO TO END CORRUPTION
This is not about ‘rich’ countries who have ‘got it all sorted’ helping corrupt nations – we are a broken people speaking out together, calling for a more just world. Please join with us as we join with Christ.
In 2010 developing countries lost £555 billion because of illicit money flows – money stolen through corruption, smuggling, trade mispricing, money laundering and tax evasion. That’s money that could be spent on services such as schools and hospitals in the world’s poorest communities. But as we approach the G20 summit in Australia, Tearfund, together with the churches from many countries, linked by Micah Challenge, is calling on world leaders to act.
Following Jesus where the need is greatest
FEATURE TEAR TIMES . 15
WHAT HAPPENS IN A CRISIS? When a disaster like Typhoon Haiyan strikes, we’re busier than ever. Here’s what happens behind the scenes at Tearfund... International Director David Bainbridge speaks to the BBC about Typhoon Haiyan.
The key to fighting corruption is greater transparency. If businesses and governments were made to publish their payments, citizens would be able to see what money is coming into their community and make sure their leaders spend it well. Oenone Chadburn speaks to partners on the ground.
G20 STARTS HERE
DAYS -2 TO 0, BEFORE DISASTER STRIKES Up to 48 hours before an expected natural disaster, our Head of Humanitarian Support, Oenone Chadburn, receives a text message from a global disaster alert system indicating large-scale trouble is forecast. This triggers the beginning of the disaster response. We put our logistics staff on standby and alert partner organisations in the affected area. We ask them to confirm they are prepared, and contact staff and local organisations so we can quickly gather information to form and implement a disaster response.
For more details of how you can be part of Secret’s Out, joining in prayer and action with Christians across the world, visit www.tearfund.org/secretsout or email campaigns@tearfund.org or call 0845 355 8355.
DAYS 1 TO 3, WHEN DISASTER STRIKES When the expected disaster hits, our regional representatives and Humanitarian Support team decide on the best action based
Tearfund partners were able to reach communities within days of the Philippines typhoon. Photo: Marcus Perkins/Tearfund
on the information gathered. This might include sending expert UK staff to help with assessment or give technical advice. We make sure that the UN and the wider NGO community listen to the voices of local and national organisations in the disaster area. As part of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), we contribute towards the committee’s perspectives on the scale of the disaster and its capacity to respond. Prayer is at the heart of all we do. Staff come together to pray for the emergency effort. Our communications staff get to work updating supporters through news updates on our website, church resources and opportunities to give and pray. Tearfund staff are often asked to give expert commentary on radio, TV and in national newspapers.
DAY 4 ONWARDS, LONG-TERM PLANNING We begin to help the disasterhit communities make long-term plans. This might involve creating new roles in the affected country to help communities and local partners to develop their recovery plans. Responding to a large-scale disaster such as Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines requires determination and perseverance. When poor communities are hit by disasters, we commit to serve them in the long term, tangibly bringing the love and hope of Jesus to desperate people – thanks to your support.
This is Darren Anderson’s winning photo for our photography competition, The Choice – see page 5 for details.
‘I WALK TO SCHOOL, EVEN THOUGH IT’S DIFFICULT. BECAUSE I CHOOSE AN EDUCATION.’
16 . TEAR TIMES TEAR TIMES . 17
18 . TEAR TIMES FEATURE
Following Jesus where the need is greatest
le op pe to er os cl et G th wi y rt ve po in ng livi h rc hu C d te ec nn Co
Through Connected Church, your church, small group or school can get up close and personal with people in poverty. You’ll discover how you can develop an enriching two-way relationship of encouragement, support and learning. See lives transformed through the love of Jesus – including your own. Visit our website to find out how…
www.tearfund.org/connected Photo: Ralph Hodgson/Tearfund
Following Jesus where the need is greatest
FEATURE TEAR TIMES . 19
MY CHOICE WRITTEN BY SACHI SHAH
A few months ago, my boyfriend Harry, a Christian, handed me a Bible and pleaded for me to ‘just try it’. He knew that I had no interest in his faith, but Harry was desperate to introduce me to the God he knew and loved.
I felt something book-like, which surprised me, but as I pulled it out, I realised that it was the Bible. I rolled my eyes and decided that I might as well see what all the fuss is about. From then on, my life changed forever.
So I just shoved it to the bottom of my bag and forgot about it. The next few weeks were like any other. My days consisted of going to the shops, buying cheap clothes and coffee from high street shops, without thinking where they get their supplies. I did my usual ‘avoid-all-eyecontact’ when I noticed the charity workers, and repeated the same behaviour when I passed the local homeless people in the street.
After I read a few pages in the New Testament, I was hooked. I poured over John’s gospel, Acts, and 1 and 2 Corinthians. I wanted to know everything about Jesus. When I told Harry the news, he was over the moon! He introduced me to his church, and we went to Christian events and festivals together, like Soul Survivor.
Charities are no longer invisible to me. As soon as I grew in my faith, I did everything I could to find out how I could help these organisations bring about equality and change the world for the better. The day I opened the Bible, I made a choice. I chose to care about the people around me, to make a difference to the world and to change my lifestyle for the better. Most importantly, I chose to become one of Jesus’ disciples, to live a life dedicated to his teachings, spreading faith and joy wherever I go. On 13 June, I made my choice. When will you make yours?
‘ON 13 JUNE, I MADE MY CHOICE. WHEN WILL YOU MAKE YOURS?’
When I arrived home, I cooked myself dinner – way too much as usual! – and threw the leftovers in the bin. Switching on the TV, I sighed and flicked past the charity adverts, asking me to spend £2 to save a little girl’s life in Syria, £3 to give water to a family in Africa. ‘Why should I care?’ I thought. ‘Poverty is never going to end, it’s not like I could make a difference anyway.’
That Friday, I was on the train to see Harry when I realised I had forgotten to bring anything to entertain me. Rummaging in my bag, I was desperate to find something to keep me occupied for the next few hours.
The more I started to discover about my faith, the more my actions changed. Now, when I go into the high street, I no longer choose to shop at the major retailers that exploit workers and turn a blind CONNECT WITH TEARFUND eye to child labour. When Receive daily inspiration, updates I buy coffee, I make sure and prayer requests from Tearfund that it’s from a fair trade on Twitter and Facebook. Join company where a the conversation with thousands percentage of the profits of Tearfund supporters across they make goes towards the world. helping the workers who grew the coffee beans. twitter www.twitter.com/tearfund facebook www.facebook.com/tearfund
20 . TEAR TIMES REFLECTION
Following Jesus where the need is greatest
Following Jesus where the need is greatest
REFLECTION TEAR TIMES . 21
This is the first in a series of reflections in Tear Times about faith, poverty and Christian lifestyle...
‘IF THIS IS A MOVEMENT OF GOD, IT WILL COME DOWN FROM THE WORSHIP INTO REAL ACTION.’ ‘The connection between worship, poverty and justice is uneasy.’ Rev Steve Stockman
SPOILING OUR SUNDAYS WHERE ARE THE WORSHIP SONGS THAT SPEAK OF POVERTY AND JUSTICE? WE ASKED REV STEVE STOCKMAN, MINISTER AT FITZROY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, BELFAST, FOR HIS PERSPECTIVE...
Worship in Manzvire village church, Zimbabwe.
It was a challenging moment for a rock concert, but it made quite a prophetic point. I was in the white, middle-class suburbs of Cape Town. The poverty and injustice of the townships of the Cape Flats were as fresh on my soul as they were to the band on the stage. Jars Of Clay, an American Christian rock band, were visiting HIV-ravaged townships and playing a concert to highlight their plight. It was the encore and they had the crowd of South African churchgoers in the palm of their hands. Singer Dan Haseltine started stoking it up. ‘There is a great worship movement happening in where we’re from in America...’ Cue wild cheers from the crowd… ‘I imagine there is one happening here in South Africa.’ Even wilder cheers! ‘Well... we are waiting...’ Haseltine took a dramatic pause and changed the mood. ‘... Because if this truly is a movement of God, then it will come down from the worship into real action on social issues. ‘It hasn’t happened yet… but if it is really of God, it will happen… so we are still waiting… unless of course…’ It tailed off. The cheers were subdued, and the band kicked back into their song. POVERTY, JUSTICE AND WORSHIP The connection between worship music and poverty and justice is an uneasy one. The New Church movement – where contemporary worship songs have flourished – has been the source of a real awakening from what John Stott called the greatest evangelical heresy of the 20th century, the lack of social justice.
Photo: Clive Mear/Tearfund
But songs like Tim Hughes’ brilliant God Of Justice are few and far between. Martin Smith, speaking of writing songs for Christian rock band Delirious?, explained the dilemma he has as a writer. ‘There has been a lot of talk in the Christian community about writing more songs about injustice and social issues.
WORSHIP SHOULD LEAD TO TRANSFORMATION It is my belief that music is socially transformative and so should worship songs be. If our worship, that we now play as much on our iPods as we do in church, marinates our minds and souls in selfindulgence, then we will live self-indulgent lives.
‘Is it possible to write congregational songs about poverty, grief or child trafficking and not spoil everybody’s Sunday? Is it possible to highlight some of these issues so that in time they move from our heads to our hearts, and we start to respond to them as Jesus would have done?’
If those songs in their art form and biblical content fire our imaginations to seek God’s kingdom on earth as it is in heaven, then I believe that those songs can fuel the justice and peace that we are called to live.
ARE WE IN A STATE OF WESTERN COMFORT? The concern not to ‘spoil everybody’s Sunday’ might be the tell-tale sign of a church in a state of western comfort – that worship songs are not to be too disturbing or dangerous. As a result, the preacher who is preaching on Jacob wrestling with God should not expect that the latest worship CD release has something about leaving God’s presence with a limp. That could spoil everybody’s Sunday or journey to work as they listen to the modern worship hits. The desire to have our lives spoiled by the truth of how the world is, and what God wants to do about it, is not welcome in all congregations. The prophetic edge of the hymn writer is paralysed by our desire to be undisturbed.
Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase of Amos 5 is a poignant paraphrase of God’s judgement, ‘I’ve had all I can take of your noisy ego-music. When was the last time you sang to me? Do you know what I want? I want justice—oceans of it. I want fairness—rivers of it. That’s what I want. That’s all I want.’ Back to Dan Haseltine in Cape Town. The songs must become flesh and move into the poor neighbourhoods. If they are for our own enjoyment, or to elicit a warm fuzzy feeling, then God will be unimpressed. If they are a resource for the Holy Spirit to use in our spiritual formation that results in social transformation, then we will know they are of God.
Rev Steve Stockman blogs regularly about faith and culture (stocki.typepad.com) and is the author of Walk on: The spiritual journey of U2 and The rock cries out: Discovering eternal truth in unlikely music. We’d love to hear your response to Steve’s article: email editor@tearfund.org
Following Jesus where the need is greatest
22 . TEAR TIMES FEATURE
WE ARE FAMILY
Following Jesus where the need is greatest
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a group of ed t vi in e w , er ob ct La st O join us for s, ce fi of r ou t si vi supporter s to a bout th e s ie on m ti es t r a he sta ff prayer s an d od is doing, made possib le amazing things G gifts an d a ctions. Her e’s b y you r prayer s, a bout th e exp erien ce… what th ey s aid
Spiritua l life at Tearfun d FUND’S OFFICE SUPPORTERS VISIT TEAR IN IN WORSHIP, IN TEDDINGTON TO JO IMONIES. PRAY AND SHARE TEST us t our relationship with Jes At Tearfund, we believe tha ng asi rele ies ivit act our n for all is not just the motivatio seeking justice: it is at the and y ert pov people from and every day. We seek God heart of everything we do al ritu spi and al ctic pra to find study the Bible together or t, jec pro new a of The start inspiration for our work. with a time of prayer – and ins beg en oft rk, area of wo to the very end. prayer continues through ERS TEARFUND STAFF PRAY , all staff in our offices in 9am at y sda dne Every We prayer, e together for an hour’s Teddington, London, com us – an opportunity to help reflection and fellowship ff sta rld and each other. More engage with God, the wo a by all over the globe join us from across the UK and for the pray and call out to God Skype video link – as we world. major issues affecting the
g th ings like al in havin su u n part u is d tually feel ‘Tearfun here you ac rs w ye rs ra P ye ra ff P ta Staff g part in S in ak T . ily of the fam perience.’ powerful ex was a really wn, er David Bro nd speak upporter a s d un rf a Te
‘It has been wonderful to visit and hear about the way in which the work has developed – far further than I could have imagined when I left [Tearfund]. I spent many years here, so I’ve seen a lot of development. I was encouraged by hearing how things are going on – seeing an enormous number of changes and innovations.’ Alan Dunningham, a supporter who also worked at Tearfund for 22 years
ally hearing ‘What has really struck me was actu t people wha of es stori all the amazing, real-life the ss acro le peop – nd grou the are doing on vision. I world working as a team towards one Tearfund. don’t have loads of money to give to here’s g, sayin at good y reall are fund But Tear will that and in a campaigns card you can fill le peop poor of lives the to e make a differenc tical prac y reall e thes do can you And too. , that things, like praying and campaigning e.’ renc diffe actually make a orter Jennie Bowdler, a Tearfund supp
Photos: Tom Price/Tearfund
Following Jesus where the need is greatest
24 . TEAR TIMES FEATURE
t sometimes we feel ‘I heard someone say tha do when faced with can there’s not much we I feel that. When poverty. And sometimes nce do Christians ere peo ple ask me what diff w that Tearfund kno do I t tha make, I can say nce. When peo ple is making a huge differe Tearfund.’ to ask, I can point them nd supporter Philip Bowdler, Tearfu der and church lea
r how much God ‘It was wonderful to hea e I visit, it brings is at the centre. Every tim d and prayer Go t tha t me back to the fac ’ nd. rfu Tea to is central
‘It was great to be here – that’s why Tearfund is my favourite organisation. The fact that you start every Wednesday with worship and prayer makes Tearfund such a special place.’
Following Jesus where the need is greatest
HOW CARRYING WATER IN UGANDA IS AN OLYMPIAN TASK
(Literally)
Andrew Michelmore, Tearfund supporter and International Citizen Service volunteer
supporter and Avril Brown, Tearfund Created Gifts seller
COME AND JOIN US!
join the Tearfund family. s for you to meet us and tie uni ort and opp re mo ng We are planni upcoming Tearfund events be kept informed about to Ireland like ern uld rth wo No ), you 55 if 83 ch 5 Get in tou nd.org or 0845 35 rfu tea s@ irie qu 21). (en 36 les 2 and Wa rg or 0141 33 opportunities in England nd (scotland@tearfund.o tla Sco and g) .or nd rfu tea (028 9073 0060 or ni@ Photo: Marcus Perkins/Tearfund
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26 . TEAR TIMES FEATURE
Following Jesus where the need is greatest
Following Jesus where the need is greatest
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‘The walk down towards the lake is difficult – it can be really dangerous and slippery. Peter and I underestimated how difficult it was going to be.’ Richard Chambers
IN UGANDA, YOUNG GIRLS COLLECT WATER JUST TO STAY ALIVE. Last autumn, we took Team GB and Olympic silver medal-winning rowers Richard and Peter Chambers from Northern Ireland to Uganda to visit our partners working in areas where water is scarce. Richard Chambers reveals how carrying water like Ugandan children proved one of the toughest challenges he’s ever faced... ‘As Olympic rowers, water is very important to us. Drinking six litres of water a day is vital to our training – that’s what keeps us going. If we couldn’t access clean water, it would be very difficult to row, or get the right nutrition and food into our bodies. Clean water is essential to us performing. ‘We came to Uganda to see if we could collect water like Ugandan girls do. Doreen, 13, and Jouvllet, 11, have to walk down a 3km mountain, collect water from a lake, and walk back up again – every day. That’s just to provide clean water for themselves and their families. ‘The walk down towards the lake is really difficult. When it’s wet it can be really dangerous and slippery and it’s really steep on the way up. We’re not talking about a tarmac road: it’s a gravelly, muddy road. It’s difficult. Both Peter and I really underestimated how difficult it was going to be. ‘We get up at 6.15am and we train five hours each day. Doreen and Jouvllet get up at 6am and their two walks to collect water take four hours in total. We choose to do what we do: to row everyday and to compete at the Olympics. These girls struggle to collect water every day just to stay alive. It’s wrong.’ This spring, we are asking churches to tell Doreen and Jouvllet’s stories, to highlight and raise money for Tearfund’s life-saving work providing water to isolated communities in Uganda. We need your prayers and support, so please complete and return the form between pages 24 and 25 to order the One Big Mountain church resources.
Olympic Rowers Richard and Peter Chambers visited Uganda to experience what life’s like without water on tap. Photo: Marcus Perkins/Tearfund
ORDER YOUR AMAZING FREE CHURCH RESOURCES Our One Big Mountain church resources tell the story of the Olympic rowers got on with their water challenge and how one simple solution can move the mountain Doreen and Jouvllet have to climb. Find out how you and your church can get involved in moving the mountain that stands in the way of Doreen and Jouvllet. If you are not sure how to excite and envision your church to make a difference, don’t fret! Everything you need to know is in our free pack – order yours using the form on page 25.
Pack includes: - Film of the Chambers brothers in Uganda - Children’s activities and session plan - Prayer resource - Details of how to give a talk on this subject
Following Jesus where the need is greatest
28 . TEAR TIMES REFLECTION
Following Jesus where the need is greatest
Now you have come to the end of 16 years as president of Tearfund, can you sum up that experience, and what are your future plans? What I have enjoyed most is meeting Tearfund’s partners and looking at the incredible integrity and sacrificial nature of following Jesus Christ across the globe. And the way our partners had to meet challenges that we wouldn’t begin to know how to cope with.
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they all are always grateful for their supporters, they don’t feel the way I feel about our supporters. What I have is a tangible bond with them – the bond of the gospel.
church denominations. I was told I would face hostility, but that they wanted to speak to the Tearfund president. At the meeting, people asked me a lot of very good, penetrating questions:
‘I THINK TEARFUND HAVE THE BEST SUPPORTERS IN THE WORLD AND I HAVE A TANGIBLE BOND WITH THEM – THE GOSPEL.’
BRINGING JUSTICE IS OUR AGENDA
They have done it with incredible tenacity and integrity. That has just been so encouraging to me. My future plans will be as before really. I am a global Christian and that won’t change. I want to finish a book I’ve been writing, Scars across humanity, which looks at the institutionalisation of violence against women, and how it happens in every society, but in different forms, and it’s nearly always ‘justified’.
Q&A WITH ELAINE STORKEY INTERVIEW BY PETER SHAW
Retiring Tearfund president Elaine Storkey on future plans, facing hostility from secularists and from outraged Christians in the Democratic Republic of Congo...
As president, part of your role was to represent and engage with supporters. What has been your experience of Tearfund supporters?
After 16 years as president of Tearfund, Dr Elaine Storkey stood down from the role in September 2013. The renowned academic, theologian and preacher has served Tearfund as president since 1997, visiting projects around the world and helping the organisation communicate the church’s calling to tackle poverty and speak up for justice. Elaine has written several books including What’s right with feminism and Mary’s story, Mary’s song, and has been a presenter of Radio 4’s Thought for the Day for more than 20 years.
I think our supporters are the backbone of Tearfund, the ones who make it work and make it happen. Without people who are giving and praying for Tearfund, reading Tear Times and taking a concerned interest in all we are doing, we would be bereft. I think Tearfund has the best supporters in the world. I know because I’ve talked to other charity presidents and, while Photos: Tom Price/Tearfund
As a Christian with a recognised media profile, do you face much opposition and hostility? A year or so ago, I was asked to be the Christian presence on a panel of secularists examining the question, ‘What is God?’ It was ghastly because everyone else on the panel spoke for me. They all told the audience what I believed, what I would say, and I wasn’t asked to speak for 15 minutes. In the end, that hostility makes it easy. Because you can say to the audience, as I did, ‘You probably don’t need to hear from me now! If anyone actually wants to hear what I have to say, I am willing to speak but I am equally willing to say nothing.’ Then, you have the moral high ground – they demand you have a right to be heard. So, hostility sometimes works in our favour. You have travelled to some of the most troubled parts of the world with Tearfund. Is there a particular memorable moment from your experiences? While visiting the Democratic Republic of Congo with Tearfund, I was asked to meet with 70 leaders of mostly evangelical
Why does the British media ignore the DRC? Why are you so obsessed with trivia and ‘celebrities’ in the UK? But the worst question was, Can you tell me how British Christians sleep easily, knowing that the munitions manufactured in your country and sold to our country are killing and maiming our brothers and sisters? There was applause through the room. I was stunned and told them the reason is people in Britain don’t know about it; they are not told about it in the media. But, I explained, when I get back, I will tell this story, and all I can say is I am profoundly sorry that we have stood by and let this bloodshed happen. The whole atmosphere changed: it was extraordinary. There was this great wave of praise and worship. They had never heard a white person say they are sorry on behalf of the British. And, in that way, we at Tearfund are bringing justice to them, and that is our agenda.
Following Jesus where the need is greatest
30 . TEAR TIMES REFLECTION
Following Jesus where the need is greatest
‘IT WAS SCARY PLAYING JESUS’
Volunteer Kandi Stewart on why she loves giving her time to Tearfund
Joel tells his story about performing in a new Tearfund-supporting musical
‘WHEN I’M VOLUNTEERING, I FEEL CLOSE TO GOD’
My time in Burundi inspired me. One day, when we were helping at a health clinic, I was given a nine-month-old baby to hold. He weighed only 3kg – the weight of a newborn in the UK. This seemed so crazy – the injustice of poverty really dawned on me that day, and my eyes were opened. When I came back to the UK, I was passionate about raising awareness about poverty, so I started to volunteer with Tearfund. I’d never worked at festivals before. The thought of camping was crazy to most of my friends, and something I hadn’t done since that one time in the Brownies… A year later, I’ve helped at the Enough food for everyone… IF campaign rally in Hyde Park, BigChurchDayOut and New Wine… and I love it. I’m a camping convert! The people I worked with were amazing – everyone pulled together.
Tearfund supporter and budding performer Joel Hunt, 12, played the young Jesus in the musical, Love Beyond, which premiered at The Brighton Centre on 13 October to an audience of thousands. We asked him to share his experience of rehearsing and performing… ‘Love Beyond was very different from other productions I’ve been involved with because we started all our rehearsals with worship. When the big night came, it was a full day from 9am until after midnight. I remember seeing the huge stage at The Brighton Centre for the first time and I was very nervous – but excited too.
Even when we were busy in the Tea Tent, we kept going and kept smiling. Because it is a Christian organisation, Tearfund’s work really inspires me, and when I’m volunteering I feel close to God. My relationship with God has got stronger since the start of my Tearfund journey. I’ve also gained new friends – I’ll definitely keep in touch with some of the people I’ve volunteered with.
Kandi offers her support at the IF campaign rally in Hyde park.
Photo: Corinne Munday/Tearfund
At the end of 2012, I heard that Tearfund was looking for someone to lead a ten-week volunteer team in Burundi. I was working nine to five and wanted to try something different, so I applied…
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‘Waiting backstage just before the live show felt really scary. The cast were great: they gave me cards and lots of hugs and encouragement. But when I got on stage, it was just very exciting. ‘I am really pleased I took part in Love Beyond – it was amazing getting to know the cast, the writer and director. And I’d like to say a big thank you to Richard Haley [writer and producer] and Tabitha Webb
[co-writer and musical supervisor] for giving me this part and such an amazing opportunity. I found playing Jesus fun, and I loved sharing the gospel with people. ‘I am passionate about supporting Tearfund’s work because it helps poor families all around the world. I even lived on £1 per day for five days to help raise money in 2013: I raised £651 for Tearfund.’ ABOUT LOVE BEYOND Love Beyond is a brand-new live musical production performed by world-class artists from London’s West End, and Tearfund is its charity partner. Through stirring music and song, the production tells the incredible love story of the Bible from beginning to end. Written and performed by Christian artists, there are more performances planned for Love Beyond in 2014. For details, visit www.lovebeyondmusical.com
‘My time in Burundi inspired me.’ Tearfund volunteer Kandi Stewart.
Spending time doing something completely different for God by raising awareness about poverty has been amazing. My experiences have ignited something inside me, and normal isn’t enough for me anymore!
working, volunteering or just smiling at someone in the street… I’d love to do more for Tearfund. It’s rewarding, worthwhile and fun… and to anyone considering volunteering, I’d say, ‘Go for it!’
I’ve learnt that everywhere my feet tread is my mission field. Whatever I’m doing, I want to show God’s love through my actions, whether it’s through
WANT TO TAKE KANDI’S ADVICE AND VOLUNTEER WITH TEARFUND? Visit www.tearfund.org/volunteer to find out about UK opportunities and www.tearfund.org/go for visits overseas.
‘I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT SUPPORTING TEARFUND’S WORK BECAUSE IT HELPS POOR FAMILIES ALL AROUND THE WORLD.’ Thousands enjoyed Joel’s performance in Love Beyond, a musical re-telling of the Bible story. Photo: Chris Cloag/Tearfund
REEMA DREAMS OF SELLING HER SON Her dream is that Raj will be healthy, have an education and a bright future. Child traffickers offer Reemer that dream. She doesn’t know it’s a lie. Reema believes traffickers can give Raj a better future than she can. Help reveal the truth to mothers like Reema and restore the hope that will protect children like Raj.
Give £10 a month to help protect the most vulnerable children all around the world. Please fill in and return the form on page 8 or visit www.tearfund.org/dreams To protect individuals, we have changed names and used illustrative photographs.
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