Christian Aid Magazine Spring/Summer 2019

The magazine for supporters

Spring/Summer 2019

We have a dream of a world free from poverty

‘Beryl’s looking down from heaven saying: “I’m happy with that.”’

Bob, Beryl’s friend and executor of her Will

Wouldn’t you be happy to leave the gift of life?

Beryl Hadwin died in 2015. But ever since then, she’s been helping to bring happy children into the world – like baby Hassan here. Because after a lifetime caring for others, Beryl chose to include Christian Aid in her Will. Now her gift is supporting our maternal care work in Sierra Leone. Having been a midwife, it seems perfect that Beryl is still helping some of the world’s poorest mums. If you’d like to continue spreading love, life and happiness for years to come, contact Ali to find out how to leave a gift in your Will.

To find out more, just ask for our free guide to gifts in Wills.

You can request your free Will Guide by completing the form below. Or you can call our Legacies Manager, Ali Linwood, in complete confidence, on 020 7523 2173.

Name: Address:

We would love to keep you up to date on the important work Christian Aid is doing. If you would like to stop receiving information by post, or you would like to change the way in which you hear from us, please call our Supporter Care team on 020 7523 2493 or email info@christian-aid.org including your full name and address. We promise never to share your details with any other organisation for marketing purposes. For more information please visit caid.org.uk/privacy

Please complete the form, cut it out and return to: Christian Aid, PO Box 100, London SE1 7RT

A033117

Postcode:

Christian Aid Magazine Issue 11: Spring/Summer 2019 Editor: Rachel Addis Sub-editor: Natasha Fiala Art editor: Juliet Blackledge Design: Rachel Irwin, Christina Lock, Rebecca Gray, Txabi Jones Production: Graham Winter Circulation: Ben Hayward Published by Christian Aid 35 Lower Marsh, London SE1 7RL 020 7620 4444 info@christian-aid.org caid.org.uk UK registered charity no. 1105851 company no. 5171525 Scot charity no.

SC039150 Christian Aid Ireland: NI charity no. NIC101631 company no.

NI059154 and ROI charity no. 20014162 Company no. 426928. The Christian Aid name and logo are trademarks of Christian Aid © Christian Aid April 2019.

The acceptance of external advertising does not indicate endorsement.

Speak out for justice It’s clear to see that our world is rife with injustice. We see a global economic system that is hardwired to increase inequality, practices that are causing climate chaos, and a rise in intolerance that is robbing our neighbours of dignity.

We are inspired by the churches, who challenge the status quo and point people to how God intended things to be.

The time is now for us to use our prophetic voice to challenge the power structures that leave many of our sisters and brothers behind. I strongly believe that we are called to speak truth to power.

In this edition of Christian Aid Magazine, we’ll explore this in more depth and I hope that in reading the following pages, you will

Cover story Mamun and Momotaj in Bangladesh are lifting their family out of poverty through tea farming.

Photos this issue copyright Christian Aid, except: Cover Traidcraft Exchange/ GMB Akash; page 2 Christian Aid/Adam Finch; pages 4-5 Christian Aid/Simon Williams; page 6 Christian Aid/Jo Mountford; pages 7-11 Christian Aid/Tom Pilston; pages 12-13 Christian Aid/ Elaine Duigenan; pages 14-15 Christian Aid/Amy Sheppey, Billy Knox photography, Christian Aid/Jo Mountford; page 16-17 Christian Aid/Matt Gonzalez-Noda; pages 18-21 Traidcraft Exchange/GMB Akash; pages 22-23 Christian Aid/Sarah Malian, Christian Aid/Adam Finch; pages 24-25 Andreea Campeanu, Amos Gumulira/AFP/Getty Images; pages 26-29 Christian Aid/ Adam Finch; page 30 The Baptist Union of Great Britain; page 31 Greenbelt Festival.

Amanda Khozi Mukwashi, Chief Executive

Contents

4-6 Speak truth to power Inspired by the biblical prophets, we expose and call-out injustice globally.

7 News: a safer world for all We are committed to safeguarding, and we stand together with survivors of sexual abuse.

F2450

18-21 EqualiTea Pour yourself a cuppa and enjoy a heart-warming true story of hope from Bangladesh – made possible by generous supporters like you.

8-11 Christian Aid Week 2019 You can help mums like Jebbeh to thrive.

22-25 Your impact

12-17 Frontline: campaigns

Christian Aid is a member of

be inspired to exercise your prophetic voice and celebrate the change that can be achieved when we all do so together.

I’m challenged and encouraged here by the words of Martin Luther King in his letter from Birmingham Jail, who said that, in ancient times: ‘The church was not merely a thermometer that recorded the ideas and principles of popular opinion; it was the thermostat that transformed the mores of society.’

Our new global strategy re-commits us to focusing on those who need change the most, through our cornerstones of poverty, power and prophetic voice.

Thank you for joining us on this journey.

Throughout history, from the civil rights movement to the struggle against apartheid, Christians have rallied against injustice. Now is the time to act on one of the most pressing issues of our times – climate change.

Find out how your donations are changing lives for families and communities around the world.

Plus, read how you can help us respond to emergencies.

26-29 Events 30 Last Word With the Rev Wale Hudson-Roberts, from the Baptist Union of Great Britain.

3

Editorial: Speak truth to power

Women march for their rights in Delhi, India, as millions of people are forced off their land due to industrialisation.

4

The almighty power of people For over 70 years, we’ve spoken out fearlessly against the scandal of poverty, inequality and injustice worldwide. And we won’t stop now.

C

hristian Aid was founded in 1945, out of a desire for British and Irish churches to help refugees who were in desperate need after the Second World War. Those at the start of our journey looked at their present reality and were dissatisfied. They decided to do something to bring about change for good for those who needed it the most.

This has been our story for more than 70 years, as we have provided relief and long-term support for poor communities around the world, while highlighting suffering, tackling injustice and championing the rights of all people made in God’s image.

At times, this desire to bring about positive change has meant telling uncomfortable truths to those in power who might not want to hear it. It has meant looking not just at the poverty and inequality that exists in the here and now, but the structural and root causes that have led to the situations in which so many of the world’s most vulnerable find themselves.

Speaking truth to power has been a fundamental part of Christian Aid’s approach for decades. We take our inspiration from the biblical prophets, who often had to go against the grain in order to paint a picture of

the way in which they believed God wanted the world to be.

Sometimes that meant ‘doomsaying’ – lamenting about what was wrong. But ultimately, the mission of the prophets was to turn things the right-way up – even if it made people uncomfortable.

As reflected in our report, Song of the Prophets: a global theology of climate change: ‘Prophets call people to behave differently, to keep the good laws they have been given, to do what is right… but, even more than these things, they show us what a renewed humanity and a renewed Earth, a different present and a different future, might really look like.’

We’ve made notable prophetic successes since our very beginning – times in which our challenge of the status quo has led to real and lasting change. For example, in the 1980s, we worked in South Africa to tackle the structures of apartheid. There was profound transformation in South Africa after this, and enhanced political and social rights were achieved for more South Africans.

Now, we continue to help people speak up for their rights and lift themselves out of poverty.

The almighty power of people can change the world.

Chine McDonald Continued overleaf

5

Editorial: Speak truth to power

Prophetic voice in action Peace on Earth Last Christmas, we called out the UK Government’s complicity in the humanitarian conflict in Yemen, through our Resourcing War and Peace report.

Over 2,500 supporters signed Christmas cards to the Foreign Secretary, urging them to stop selling arms to Saudi Arabia and other states which are violating international law. And we weren’t afraid to speak out, as we unveiled a 16-metre mural in London to expose the UK Government for fuelling the conflict.

Clean energy Together, since 2015, we’ve been calling for institutions and policy makers to stop fuelling climate change. As part of the Big Shift campaign, more than 5,500 churches have switched to clean energy, the UK Government has agreed to phaseout finance for dirty coal, and the UK’s biggest banks have taken steps to stop funding coal projects around the world.

Tax justice In 2018, the UK Parliament agreed to publish full and transparent public registers of who owns which businesses registered in British Overseas Territories.

This was a long‑awaited victory for people like you who’ve rallied together for tax justice for nearly a decade.

6

News: a safer world for all

#AidToo – how we’re speaking out against sexual abuse One year on from when the stories of abuse by development agencies hit the headlines, Amy Sheppey reports how Christian Aid is committed to creating a safe and just world for all.

W

e remember the painful stories of sexual misconduct in parts of the aid sector – #AidToo – which came to light in spring 2018.

We also reflect on the painful yet momentous period of the #MeToo movement. We stand in solidarity with survivors of sexual abuse and harassment, many of whom continue to bravely share their stories with the public, our fellow sector colleagues, and those we support, globally.

Moving forward, we keep this powerful quote in mind, which continues to form the basis of our action: ‘Victims are often the least powerful people, yet they’re often the ones carrying the heaviest load of doing the reporting, breaking the behaviour and educating everybody around them’ (Professor Carole Mundell, campaigner on sexual violence issues). #MeToo broke the silence. This year, it’s been time for the sector to listen more deeply and walk alongside those survivors. As an organisation with gender justice at its core, we recognise that, in every sector, changing culture and shifting the balance of power is key to driving out the inequalities that enable such behaviour to prevail.

Eoghan Walsh, Safeguarding Manager, says: ‘Survivors of sexual abuse must be at the heart of any response. We continue to prevent and Christian Aid Magazine Spring/Summer 2019

condemn such behaviour. None of these are quick fixes, but we have a clear safeguarding policy that is communicated to all staff and those acting on our behalf, accompanied by relevant training.

‘Working with some of the most vulnerable people globally, it’s our responsibility to protect them and help to tackle the roots of exploitation and injustice. We must avoid a tick-box approach and think critically, continuing to challenge structures and behaviours which make exploitation more likely.’

In conjunction with other faith-based organisations, we run regular workshops for staff to address the individual and varied risks our own colleagues face, as women, men and LGBTI staff working in difficult and complex environments. Listening and raising awareness is as important as the tight assurance of policies and procedures, to fully address sexual abuse and harassment.

We must not be complacent. In line with wider sector commitments, we do hope and expect individuals to come forward, as we continue to fight for a safe and just world for all.

Amy Sheppey is a Media and Communications Advisor. She is also the Gender Security Advisor for the ACT Alliance Security Group, running workshops for staff and advising on issues such as sexual harassment and assault.

7

Christian Aid Week 2019

‘All mums should live’ Rachel Addis met Jebbeh Konneh, a courageous mum in Sierra Leone, who prays she’ll give birth safely.

8

Christian Aid Magazine Spring/Summer 2017

W

hen I hear news of friends, sisters or colleagues who are expecting a baby, I share their joy. It’s often a time of hope, happiness, and new life.

But for pregnant women like Jebbeh Konneh, it’s a much more heartbreaking story.

Jebbeh lives in a village in Sierra Leone – the world’s most dangerous place to become a mum.

A few years ago, Jebbeh was pregnant. At that time, there was no health centre in her village.

There are so few ambulances that it would take hours to wait.

So when she went into labour, Jebbeh had no choice but to walk for three hours, under the baking sun, to the nearest hospital.

The road was long, and she struggled to keep walking. With every step, Jebbeh feared for her life and the life of her baby.

But she couldn’t walk any further, and gave birth on the side of the road. Jebbeh and her baby very nearly died.

Recently, Jebbeh’s only sister, Fatmata, was pregnant in a village nearby. She, too, had no option but to walk for hours to the nearest hospital.

She told us: ‘While they were

Stand with mums like Jebbeh taking my sister to the health centre, she was crying out with hunger. She died on the side of the road. She never gave birth.’

No woman should die in childbirth. But for Jebbeh, this wasn’t just any woman. This was her sister – her strength, her comfort, her own.

As Jebbeh told me this tragic news, I cried with her.

Now, Jebbeh is pregnant again. As her baby grows, her joy is overshadowed by fear.

Tragically, 10 women, just like Jebbeh’s sister, will die today from giving birth in Sierra Leone.

As her due date looms closer, Jebbeh fears she could be next.

Will you stand with Jebbeh, and help turn fear into hope?

A gift from you today could help build more health centres, and prevent mums and their babies from dying.

Jebbeh says: ‘Please help and pray for us, so that mums will not continue to die in Sierra Leone.

You should not die, we should not die, all mums should live.’

You have the power to help people like Jebbeh. Please give what you can this Christian Aid Week. You could help give the world’s poorest mums a chance to live.

We help mums like Jebbeh give birth safely. Please help us with a gift today.

£20

could buy a stethoscope to check the health of mums and babies.

£60

could help pay for a roof for a new health centre.

£200

could help pay for a delivery bed so that women can give birth safely.

Your gift will support communities such as those featured and where the need is greatest.

Donate now at caid.org.uk/mums

9

Christian Aid Week 2019

A nurse’s hand to hold Alison Linwood celebrates two incredible nurses who, from across the generations, are leaving a legacy of health and life for the poorest communities.

10

B

eryl Margaret Hadwin (pictured right) was born in 1927. She dedicated her working life to the health and wellbeing of others.

She worked as a midwife, and went on to train the next generation of nurses in her role at Middlesex Hospital in London.

Later in life, Beryl had an operation on her eye.

When she woke after surgery, she saw an African nurse was there for her, holding her hand. In that moment, Beryl resolved to leave a gift in her Will to make a difference to healthcare across Africa through the work of Christian Aid. This meant that not only did she deliver babies safely into the world during her life as a midwife, but even after her death, Beryl is ensuring that babies today are safely delivered through the wonderful legacy she has left behind.

Sadly, Beryl died in 2015. But her love and generosity of spirit lives on, through the gift she left to Christian Aid. The Ellis-Hadwin Health Legacy Fund was set up in Beryl’s and her late husband’s name to deliver a three-year health programme in Africa, focusing on Burundi, Sierra Leone and South Sudan, as well as strengthening our existing health programmes in Kenya and Nigeria. So far, we’ve reached over 73,000 vulnerable children, women and men through this vital work, improving their health through better access and use of health services.

‘ Wherever they are, I’ll be there. We’ll walk together’ Nurse Judith Lassie

Like Beryl, Nurse Judith Lassie is motivated to help the most vulnerable. She provides life-saving care to the mums and young children who come to her health clinic in Sierra Leone.

When Judith first came to Sawula village, she saw how mums were in desperate need of healthcare. But thanks to Judith’s strong faith and great love, she’s turning things around.

Christian Aid Magazine Spring/Summer 2019

Judith is full of compassion for the mums who come to her clinic. She held Jebbeh’s hand when her sister died in childbirth.

‘I’ve experienced bad things before,’ she told us, ‘so I know it is very, very heartbreaking when somebody dies. Wherever they are, I will be there, we’ll walk together.’

It is Beryl’s legacy that has helped to train Nurse Judith, and provide healthcare and better hygiene for people in the village.

Through Beryl’s gift, Judith is able to extend her hand to touch the lives of others, so they too may know the comfort of a hand holding theirs when they need it most.

Your gifts mean so much This Christian Aid Week (12-18 May), whether you collect house-to-house, take the campaign action to end Sierra Leone’s debt, join us in praying for our sisters and brothers in Sierra Leone, or leave us a gift in your Will – everything you do helps us to reach out and make a difference. Find out how you can get involved at caweek.org Behind every gift in a Will lies a story, and every year hundreds of people like Beryl remember Christian Aid in this special way. When people tell us they’ve left a gift in their Will, we often ask what has inspired them to do so. Some people say they want the values that drove them to collect on the doorsteps during Christian Aid Week to live on. Others tell us that even though poverty exists today, they imagine a world in the future where there is no more hunger or injustice and that their legacy is one of hope and solidarity, walking together with others, like Nurse Judith.

Sadly, we didn’t know that Beryl was a Christian Aid supporter until after she’d died, so we weren’t able to say thank you. Gifts like these, of all sizes, mean so much to us. If you have already left a gift in your Will to us, or you are considering leaving such a gift, we’d like to say a heartfelt ‘thank you’.

What legacy will you leave behind?

For more information about gifts in Wills, please contact Alison, Legacy Manager, at alinwood@christian-aid.org or call 0207 523 2177.

11

Frontline: campaigns

12

Christian Aid Magazine Spring/Summer 2019

The time is now Climate change is destroying lives and the Earth, our common home. Enough is enough. Together, let’s raise our voices for climate justice.

Christian Aid Magazine Spring/Summer 2019

13

Frontline: campaigns

Rise up against climate change Extreme weather is hitting every continent. And it’s the poorest and most marginalised who are suffering the most.

But all around the world, people are rising up against climate change. People like Lope and Eva in the Philippines, Isaac in Kenya, and Angela in Scotland. Will you join them?

‘We rallied as one to create a force to be listened to’

I

n 2013, Typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines with unprecedented force. As the water surged and gales pounded the island, Lope, Eva and their children hunkered down and prayed for safety. Everything around them was swept away – including precious coral reefs and protective mangrove trees.

Now, they face a future of more frequent and extreme typhoons because of climate change.

14

Eva’s words ring loud and clear: ‘As humans, we are supposed to be equal. I appeal to richer nations to stop activities which are destroying the environment and violating the human rights of the poorer nations. It’s us, on this island, who are suffering.’

Her husband Lope is president of the local fishing community. He says: ‘There was no justice so we rallied as one to create a force to be listened to.’

For this year’s Lent and Easter Appeal, many people like you all over the UK have been rising up with Lope and Eva, by calling on HSBC to act on climate change and stop funding fossil fuels.

Christian Aid Magazine Spring/Summer 2019

‘We are letting the

Children protest for the planet.

world die around us’

T

welve years ago, Angela Rowe from Glasgow joined us on the Cut the Carbon march. She marched 1,000 miles, alongside many others from across the UK and internationally, to demand that the UK Government cuts carbon emissions by 80% by 2050.

She told us it was like: ‘A thousand miles of optimism. We thought that 2050 is a long time off; that surely by then we won’t be so stupid.

‘If I had known what it would look like by 2020 I might have given up. The sad reality is we are letting the world die around us.

‘But, in February this year, almost a decade after my last climate change protest, I took my 9-year-old daughter to the Youth Strike 4 Climate.

While I felt despair, I also felt optimism. Young

‘Communities are rising up everywhere to demand true climate action’

people have an energy and a passion that shines through.

‘I believe children will be the ambassadors for the planet. My aim is to connect my children with the global community and this wonderful world.’

We’re inspired by Angela and her daughter to continue to fight for climate justice.

I

saac Oindo, a Kenyan activist who travelled with us to the UN climate change conference in Poland last year, explains why action is so urgently needed.

‘We are at a tipping point. With climate impacts escalating, it’s coming at a time when we don’t have the luxury to wait to see.

‘But together we can create the momentum for a fast and just transition to a sustainable world.

‘Mobilising in your community will send a powerful message that communities are rising up everywhere to stop fossil fuels and demand true climate action.’

Play your part The challenge to tackle climate change has never been starker. But the movement to do so has never been stronger.

Play your part in this global movement.

Visit caid.org.uk/bigshift

Christian Aid Magazine Spring/Summer 2019

15

Frontline: campaigns

Stand together for climate justice this summer Join us for a mass lobby on Wednesday 26 June and call for urgent action on climate change. The time is now.

T

hroughout history, ordinary Christians have rallied against great injustice and achieved extraordinary change: from the civil rights movement in the United States, to the struggle against apartheid in South Africa.

When we move together with the conviction of faith, we can help bring about significant change.

Together we’re powerful.

Climate change is devastating the world’s poorest communities right now, as more extreme weather events, from flooding to droughts, have driven families from their homes and created food crises.

Whether it’s women like Aster in Ethiopia (pictured below) who struggle to feed their children when the rains don’t come.

Or pastoralists like Boru in northern Kenya (see pages 12-13), who struggle on even though drought has killed 90% of their cows and 80% Aster

16

of their goats and sheep. Even their camels are beginning to die – a sure sign that human life could be next.

The time to act is now. Will you join us in standing together to bring about justice for the world’s poorest people?

To tackle climate change, we need to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions. Our existing targets don’t go far enough, and the UK Government must play its part. So, on Wednesday 26 June we’ll call on all MPs to establish a legally-binding net zero emissions target. And we’ll call for immediate action to cut greenhouse gases now. But to do this, we need your help.

We hope you and your community will join us for ‘The Time Is Now’ – a mass lobby for climate and environmental action on Wednesday 26 June in Westminster. We’ll stand together as concerned citizens and people of faith to lobby our political representatives, pray together and energise one another for the challenges to come.

Will you join the climate change lobby in June? You can help ensure every single MP hears the message loud and clear: that the time to act is now.

All you need to bring is your passion for justice. Sign up at caid.org.uk/timeisnow and we’ll keep you informed with details about the event, how to invite your MP and what to do on the day.

Christian Aid Magazine Spring/Summer 2019

Climate justice

Isobel spoke out… and so can you!

hty e g i m al peopl e h f T er o w o p

The Time Is Now: sign up today 1. Save the date: Wednesday 26 June in Westminster, London.

2. Register: Sign up online at caid.org.uk/timeisnow 3. Spread the word: Encourage your friends, family and church to join you. You can even request a Christian Aid speaker to inspire your church to come along by emailing campaigns@christian-aid.org

Climate justice in Scotland Isobel Robinson from Kingston-uponThames joined us at a mass lobby on climate change in 2015. She said: ‘I was apprehensive about meeting our MP, but was reassured when I found a group of other constituents from my area. Our MP listened to what we said, and although we didn’t agree on every issue, it felt good to bring my views about climate change to his attention.

‘I would really encourage people (even anxious ones like me!) to speak out for what they believe in.’

Join Isobel in speaking out at the climate lobby this summer.

Go to caid.org.uk/timeisnow

Christian Aid Magazine Spring/Summer 2019

The Scottish Government needs to play its part too. Christian Aid in Scotland has been standing alongside campaigners calling for Scotland to aim high with its new Climate Bill.

The new Bill was introduced almost a year ago, but it doesn’t go far enough for people like Aster and Boru who are on the frontline of climate change right now.

Hundreds of Christian Aid supporters continue to challenge their MSPs to up their ambition as we push for solutions across the UK. Find out more at caid.org.uk/scottish-climate

17

Your impact

Mamun and his wife Momotaj take care of their tea gardens every morning in Bangladesh.

18

Christian Aid Magazine Spring/Summer 2019

From fallow land to fields of gold We believe in a world where everyone has fullness of life. And we’re determined to empower communities to challenge the systems and structures that keep people in poverty.

The stories in the pages that follow show how your support is helping to transform lives.

Christian Aid Magazine Spring/Summer 2019

19

Your impact

(Left-right) Mamun and Momotaj with their livestock, and at home with their children.

‘I

have spent most of my life in poverty,’ says 30-year-old Mamun Hussain. ‘But this project has changed our lives entirely. I never imagined this life before, even in a dream.’

Mamun is talking about Christian Aid’s EqualiTea, an ethical tea project run in partnership with Traidcraft, and made possible thanks to In Their Lifetime supporters.

‘ Nothing is more valuable than the smiling faces of my children’ Mamun

20

In Their Lifetime is a fund that enables Christian Aid to pioneer innovative approaches to tackling poverty – and this is certainly the case with EqualiTea. Now in its third year, the project has truly transformed the lives of families, just like Mamun’s.

How tea plants are changing lives Tea has significant commercial potential in Bangladesh. It is also one of the few crops that can thrive in the sandy soils in the north of the country.

However, high start-up costs and a lack of technical knowledge can hold farmers back from entering the market.

‘I did many kinds of work previously, but I was not able to earn well,’ Mamun explains. ‘My wife was deprived of happiness and I was not able to give basic things to my children.’

Things are different now.

Through the project, Mamun joined other local farmers to learn about tea cultivation.

They were also able to buy tea saplings thanks to small grants they received, and learned how to save money and keep records of all income and expenses.

‘When I started receiving the training for the first time, I realised how important education was for us – it can change lives,’ says Mamun.

Christian Aid Magazine Spring/Summer 2019

‘They taught us everything from preparing the field to harvesting and selling to the factories.’

As an organised group of 22 farmers, Mamun and his peers were also able to share resources and know-how, and collectively forge relationships with national bodies such as the Bangladesh Tea Board.

And through further advocacy by Christian Aid partners, the local government has agreed to subsidise half the cost of tea saplings for smallholder farmers, making tea cultivation more accessible than ever.

The end result: thriving and prosperous tea gardens.

Lifted out of poverty Mamun and his family now earn around 96,000 taka in 40 days – that’s just over £860. Three years ago, they only earned 4,000 taka – just under £37.

This extra income has allowed Mamun to provide for his family in ways he couldn’t before: a garden full of fresh vegetables, education for his children, more livestock, and a newly-built house.

‘Nothing is more valuable to me than the smiling faces of my children’ Mamun says. ‘Growing tea brings happiness into our lives. What more could I want?’

Christian Aid Magazine Spring/Summer 2019

It’s wonderful to see people like Mamun transforming their lives through tea farming.

Thanks to generous Christian Aid supporters, many more families can benefit from this project.

EqualiTea has helped Mamun reclaim his dignity and have hope for the future. A very good cuppa, indeed.

‘When I look at my gardens, I remember those days when we starved for food,’ says Mamun.

‘Now I have a dream to have a farmhouse and extend our tea gardens one day. I believe I will be able to make my dream come true.’

21

Together This article was produced with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of Christian Aid and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.

Your impact

22

Your generous gifts throughout the year – from Easter to Christmas – are helping to bring hope to our neighbours living in poverty. Read on to see how you’re bringing good news.

Monica and Oga Ejeh celebrating with their baby boy, Sunday.

Battling malaria in Nigeria When Monica and Oga’s son Sunday was just six months old, he contracted malaria.

Thanks to your support, Sunday received free healthcare by a trained community health volunteer, and Monica was supported to look after him.

Sunday soon recovered and has received further support for severe malnutrition. Now nearly one and a half years old, Sunday is a happy, healthy boy.

This is a huge comfort for Monica and her husband, who have suffered so much.

Tragically, their daughter died of malaria when she was three, because Monica and Oga did not have the money to treat her.

Monica told us: ‘Whenever I think of the free services and medicines provided by Christian Aid, I always remember my daughter, who would have been here now.’

In response to our Christmas Appeal in 2015, many generous people like you shared love and support for families like Monica’s in Nigeria, whose children were at risk from malaria.

Through your generosity, we raised an incredible £2.6 million to fund healthcare in Benue

state, Nigeria. This was match funded by UK Aid. Thanks to your support, our work in Benue state has grown from strength to strength.

We’re delighted to report that we’ve reached nearly 250,000 children with lifesaving support from malaria, pneumonia and diarrhoea through Christian Aid-trained community health volunteers.

Nanlop Ogbureke, Christian Aid Health Advisor, tells us why your gifts are so important: ‘Nigeria is one of the largest contributors to infant and child mortality in Africa. Through this programme we are looking to break down the social, physical, legal and economic barriers to healthcare provision.’

Christian Aid Magazine Spring/Summer 2019

we can overcome poverty As well as providing training to healthcare volunteers, we are supporting local communities to stand up for their rights.

Community groups are supported to create action plans to hold local health authorities to account and push for improved healthcare for children.

We’re also working with the local government in Benue state to make healthcare affordable.

And we’re calling on the central government to finance the programme, so we can reach more communities across Nigeria.

Tackling hunger in South Sudan Thanks to your donations for our Christmas Appeal in 2017, which were doubled through the UK Government’s Aid Match Scheme, thousands of women

and children in South Sudan now have enough food to enjoy healthy lives.

We’re tackling the deeper causes of malnutrition, such as training mothers about the importance of breastfeeding during and after a child’s illness.

We’re also helping farmers to grow and sell vegetables.

Empowering women in Ethiopia Thank you to all who generously supported our Harvest Appeal in 2018. Your donations helped to raise an astonishing £1,065,000 – nearly three times as much as we were hoping for!

Thanks to your support, women in Ethiopia, Honduras, Burkina Faso and Malawi now have the tools and training to power ahead with their own businesses using sustainable energy.

Women in Ethiopia successfully run a cookstove business.

So impressive is this project, that it has received a Green Heart Hero Award for ‘Overseas Inspiration’ from The Climate Coalition.

In Ethiopia, Bekaelech Bele and the other women in her group can now produce and sell improved cookstoves.

She says: ‘The improved cookstoves use a lot less firewood, which reduces the workload on women.’

Her neighbour Tayech Gezahgn agrees: ‘Selling the improved cookstoves has helped us greatly. The brighter future is near.’

Thank you for making all of this possible.

Defending human rights Two Christian Aid partners, Palestinian and Israeli human rights groups al-Haq and B’Tselem, have received the 2018 Human Rights Prize of France Award.

The prize was awarded to organisations who promote and defend human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory in the face of constant harassment and threats against them.

Christian Aid Magazine Spring/Summer 2019

23

Your impact

A beacon of hope when disaster strikes We stand alongside the poorest of our sisters and brothers who are hit hardest by emergencies. Even when the media spotlight has gone, we’ll keep striving for a safer world, reports Maurice Onyango.

W

hen earthquakes, famines and other major disasters strike, claiming many hundreds or even thousands of lives, they dominate our television screens, newspaper front pages and generate millions of social media posts.

This can help Christian Aid generate the funds we need to respond rapidly to these emergencies, largely through our network of local partner organisations.

But in most cases, the media quickly moves on to the next story – while in others, where situations develop slowly and grip a country or a region for years, there is little coverage at all.

These are the world’s forgotten crises. Not in the spotlight, not in the news – but the scale of the suffering is huge. Turmoil and tragedy, hidden from view.

A recent United Nations report found there are now more crises affecting more people and

24

lasting longer than a decade ago. This year, over 130 million people will need humanitarian assistance to help them stay alive.

Over nearly a decade, the crisis in north-east Nigeria has become one of the world’s most severe: 1.8 million people remain internally displaced, human rights are violated every day, and the food situation is dire. There seems to be no end in sight.

Christian Aid’s response in the region, which began in 2016, has focused on livelihoods work and food programmes for pregnant women, new mothers and very young children. We’ve also provided life-saving water, sanitation and hygiene, and cash for food.

In 2018, more than 1.3 million people received food through our distributions. Our work is having a huge impact, but we can still only meet a small proportion of the need. Women are suffering and children are dying because they can’t access basic food.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, 13 million people face food shortages, including over 4 million malnourished children, in a crisis

Christian Aid Magazine Spring/Summer 2019

(Above) Christian Aid and our partners in South Sudan have helped distribute emergency food aid to communities facing dire hunger. (Below) A girl fetches water from a river created by flood water from Cyclone Idai in southern Malawi.

fuelled by seemingly unending conflict. It is extremely hard to raise funds for this forgotten crisis. In South Sudan, after 5 years of deadly civil war, 4.5 million people have been uprooted from their homes.

The poorest communities in these places have very few options for how to shape their own future. But we believe in the power of local solutions, and we channel funding to national organisations wherever possible to enable and nurture home-grown solutions.

‘ The scale of the suffering is huge. Turmoil and tragedy, hidden from view’ At the time of this magazine going to press, Cyclone Idai has ripped through Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe, leaving behind a trail of destruction.

More than 2.5 million people are in need of help and at least 750 people have been killed, but the devastating death toll is expected to rise.

Christian Aid Magazine Spring/Summer 2019

People are in desperate need of food, clothing, water, shelter and medicine.

Dr Rowan Williams, Chair of Christian Aid, says: ‘At a time of increasing disasters across the globe, it has never been more important for humanity to come together to support the most vulnerable. Let the response to this DEC Cyclone Idai Appeal be a beacon of hope for everyone. I urge you to support it as generously as you can.’

Please donate to the Cyclone Idai Appeal and help us reach those most in need. Donate now at caid.org.uk/cyclone-idai Maurice Onyango is Christian Aid’s Head of Humanitarian Programmes in Africa.

25

Coming soon…

Here’s a round-up of Christian Aid events that are happening near you over the coming months. To find out more, visit caid.org.uk/local

APRIL 26 April-2 May DORSET

Inherit the Earth Exhibition

Bridport St Mary’s Church, South Street, Bridport, Dorset DT6 3NW. Gifts in Wills are protecting the Amazon for future generations. Visit our touring exhibition showing images of life-changing projects in Bolivia. View the exhibition during church opening hours. For more information, contact the Rev Pete Stone via the church or call the Christian Aid local office on 023 8070 6969.

27 MANCHESTER Circle the City Manchester

11am-4pm, Manchester Cathedral, Victoria Street, Manchester M3 1SX. Join us for this fantastic sponsored walk in the heart of Manchester.

Includes a church service, an opportunity to visit Manchester’s historic places of worship, and many more adventures along the way! Register at caid.org.uk/circle-citymanchester

27-30 WILTSHIRE

Walk the White Horses

Various starting times and locations.

A four-day trek, with each day covering between 12-17 miles. Sign up for the whole thing or just one or two days of the hike. En-route we will take in eight white horses around Westbury,

26

Devizes, Broad Town, Marlborough, Pewsey and Alton Barnes. Big Brekkies and other refreshments provided throughout the event! For more information call the Bristol office on 01454 415923 or email bristol@christian-aid.org

28 GLASGOW Kiltwalk

Football Club, Cardiff City Stadium, Leckwith Road, Cardiff CF11 8AZ. A one-day conference for people working in or interested in the international development sector in Wales, organised

by Hub Cymru Africa.

Contact wales@christianaid.org

Various starting times and locations.

Walk along the banks of the Clyde and raise money for Christian Aid step-by-step.

For every £1 you raise, The Hunter Foundation has pledged to give an extra 40p. So you’ll be able to walk at your own pace and give Christian Aid 140% of your gifts! Visit caid.org. uk/kiltwalk for more information.

3 STIRLING

29 April-18 May DONCASTER

4 SHOREHAM-BYSEA, WEST SUSSEX

Uprooted and Overlooked Exhibition

10am-5pm, Doncaster Minster, 9 Church Street, Doncaster DN1 1RD. In the lead up to and during Christian Aid Week, Doncaster Minster hosts our photographic exhibition, bringing to life the personal stories of people displaced in Nigeria, Kenya and Iraq.

MAY

Musicals and More

7.30pm, The Albert Halls, Dumbarton Road, Stirling FK8 2QL. Brightons Praise Group and Gargunnock Songsters are joined by Perthshire Brass to bring you a night of music and song. Email brightonspraisegroup@ gmail.com or gargunnocksongsters@ gmail.com

A Ritzy Afternoon Tea

2:30-5:30pm, Church of the Good Shepherd Hall, Shoreham Beach BN43 5HN. We are holding a Ritzystyle afternoon tea with prosecco and music to fundraise for Christian Aid Week (12-18 May). Tickets are £10 for adults, £5 for children under 12. For tickets, contact Jill Charlish on 07796 932420 or email jillcharlish@hotmail.com

2 CARDIFF

4 ELSTOW, BEDFORD

9am-5pm, Cardiff City

10:30am-4:30pm, Elstow Abbey, Elstow, Bedford MK42 9XT. Feeling in need of some excitement? You can

Uwchgynhadledd Datblygu Rhyngwladol Cymru / Wales International Development Summit

Abbey Abseil

‘go over the edge to end poverty’ by joining our sponsored abseil at Elstow Abbey! For details call the Rev Andy Godfrey on 01865 945785.

6 SHEFFIELD

Sheffield May Day Trek

9:30am, St Luke’s Church, Lodge Moor, Sheffield S10 4LQ. This annual sponsored walk raises money for Christian Aid and CAFOD. There are circular walks of either 6 or 11 miles, beginning from the edge of the beautiful Peak District.

For more information visit sheffieldmaydaytrek.org.uk

6 CORNWALL

Christian Aid Concert and Cream Tea

3pm, Tamar Valley Church, Albaston, Gunnislake PL18 9EP.

10 ELY, CAMBRIDGESHIRE Songs and Sonnets with Malcolm Guite

7:30pm, Ely Cathedral, Chapter House, The College, Ely CB7 4DL. Come and listen to poet, priest and author, Malcolm Guite, Chaplain of Girton College, Cambridge, and writer of Poet’s Corner in the Church Times. Visit elycathedral.org/events

11 ILFORD, LONDON Concert for Christian Aid

7:30pm, Holy Trinity Church, Barkingside, Mossford Green, Ilford IG6 2BX. Presented by the New

Christian Aid Magazine Spring/Summer 2019

11 NEWPORT-ONTAY, SCOTLAND Tay Bridge Cross

2pm, Newport-on-Tay carpark, Newport-on-Tay DD6 8QX. A three-mile sponsored walk across one of Scotland’s beautiful bridges, with incredible views of Fife, Angus and Perthshire. For details email lkirkland@christianaid.org

11 SOUTH QUEENSFERRY, SCOTLAND

Forth Road Bridge Cross GET INVOLVED THIS CHRISTIAN AID WEEK (12-18 MAY) • Change lives over breakfast! Serve up a Big Brekkie for Christian Aid Week and raise vital funds for our global neighbours. Order your free fundraising pack at caweek.org/brekkie • Drop the debt! Sierra Leone is burdened with debt following the Ebola crisis. Sign our petition telling the Chancellor it must be scrapped. Act now at caweek.org • Donate. With you by their side, mums like Jebbeh can thrive. Give today at caweek.org Redbridge Wind Orchestra.

Admission £8. All proceeds go to Christian Aid. Email kwesi_larbi@outlook.com for information and tickets.

11 HEATHFIELD, SUSSEX Big Brekkie

8:30am, The Welcome Church, Alexandra Road, Heathfield, East Sussex TN21 8EQ. Start Christian Aid Week in style with a Big Brekkie.

For more information contact office@ welcomechurch.org.uk

11 LYTHAM ST ANNES Stories of Transformation

7:30pm, St Annes United Reformed Church Hall, St George’s Road, Lytham St Annes FY8 2AE.

Andrew Kirkham, Christian Aid’s Security Manager, will share stories from his time working overseas.

This is not to be missed! For more details visit caid.org. uk/north-west

11 VARIOUS LOCATIONS, SCOTLAND

Bridge Cross Challenge Erskine Bridge, Forth Road Bridge and Tay Bridge.

Annual family-friendly sponsored walk across Scotland’s most historic bridges. Wear something red and challenge yourself to cross as many times – or as many bridges – as you can! Register your interest with lkirkland@christianaid.org or visit caid.org.uk/ bridge

Christian Aid Magazine Spring/Summer 2019

2pm, Forth Road Bridge Administration Offices, South Queensferry EH30 9SF. Over more than 45 years, Christian Aid supporters have raised hundreds of thousands of pounds from this annual sponsored walk across one of Scotland’s most iconic structures. For details email lkirkland@ christian-aid.org

11 OLD KILPATRICK, SCOTLAND Erskine Bridge Cross

2pm, Lusset Park, Station Road, Old Kilpatrick G60 5LS. This annual sponsored walk and family-fun day at the Erskine Bridge includes refreshments, live music and an obstacle course. For more information contact: lkirkland@christian-aid.org or phone 0141 221 7475.

11 BOURNEMOUTH AND POOLE Sponsored Seafront Event

8.30-11.30am, start at either Shore Road, Poole; Bournemouth Pier; Boscombe Pier; or Southbourne, Bournemouth; at any marshal point.

Come and enjoy a walk, cycle or scoot along the

prom and raise money for Christian Aid. Suitable for all ages. Why not come as a family or church group?

For sponsorship forms and more information please contact Mrs J Percy on 01202 737659.

11 ISLE OF WIGHT Sponsored Walk

10:30am, St Mary’s Church, 55 High Street, Ryde PO33 2RE. Come and join in with this family-friendly walk. For more information visit caid.org.uk/south-west

11-17 EDINBURGH

Christian Aid Book Sale 10am-5pm, St Andrew’s and St George’s West Church, 13 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PA. Journalist Kirsty Wark will open the hugely popular book sale in 2019. Come early to beat the crowds and hunt down a bargain.

11-18 EDINBURGH

Holy Corner Book Sale

10am-5pm, Morningside United Church, 15 Chamberlain Road, Morningside, Edinburgh EH10 4DJ. Last year’s book sale raised more than £15,000 for Christian Aid. Can you help us raise more in 2019?

Come along and browse an incredible selection.

11-18 ROWLEDGE, SURREY

Uprooted Exhibition

St James’ Church, Church Lane, Rowledge, Farnham GU10 4EN. Join us during Christian Aid Week for a photographic exhibition, bringing to life the personal stories of people displaced in Nigeria, Kenya and Iraq. To find out more, please contact lmead@christian-aid.org

12 DROXFORD, SOUTH HAMPSHIRE Sponsored Walk

27

1pm, St Mary and All Saints Church, Droxford SO32 3RB. Enjoy a countryside ramble with a choice of walks: 10 miles, 5 miles, and a shorter family walk. For more information visit caid.org. uk/south-west

As part of LightNight, this year Christian Aid will be joining in the fun at Liverpool Cathedral, please come and join us! For more information contact Helen at hparker-jervis@ christian-aid.org

15 WEYMOUTH

Callington Coffee Morning

Big Brekkie

Weymouth Bay Methodist Church, 32 Melcombe Avenue, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 7TH. Join us in the morning for a fun Big Brekkie! Contact Jackie Thomas via the church or the Christian Aid local office on 02380 706969.

15 DORCHESTER

Christian Aid Market

From 9am, Dorchester United Church, 49-51 Charles Street, Dorchester DT1 1EE. Come and visit the Christian Aid market – serving teas and coffees, as well as a whole range of stalls including books, plants, cakes and homemade produce. For more information contact Tony Boydon via the church or the Christian Aid local office on 02380 706969.

15 FLINT

Frugal Lunch

12pm, St John’s with Bagillt United Reformed Church, 94 Church St, Flint CH6 5AF. A frugal lunch fundraiser for Christian Aid Week.

For details, contact Robin Govier.

15 SWINDON

Christian Aid Lunch

12pm, Purton Methodist Church, Swindon SN5 4DR.

17 LIVERPOOL

LightNight at Liverpool Cathedral Liverpool Cathedral, St James’ Mount, Liverpool L1 7AZ.

28

17 CORNWALL

11am-12pm, St Mary’s Church, Callington, Cornwall PL17 7RE. Come to a fundraising coffee morning at St Mary’s Church.

17 SALTASH, CORNWALL

Christian Aid Quiz

7pm, St Stephen’s Church, Saltash, Cornwall PL12 4AP. For more information contact: gordon.richards@ btinternet.com

18 BIRMINGHAM Circle the City Birmingham

9.30am-4pm, Bournville Quaker Meeting House, 930 Bristol Road, Birmingham B30 1JT and Erdington Six Ways Baptist Church, Wood End Road, Birmingham B24 8AD. Join us for this fantastic sponsored bus ride circling the City of Birmingham.

Register at caid.org.uk/ circle-city-birmingham

18 JERSEY

Big Brekkie

8:30-11am, St Andrew’s Church Hall, First Tower, St Helier, Jersey JE2 3JA. We’re very excited to be holding our very first Big Brekkie here in Jersey. Come along and enjoy a yummy breakfast and find out more about Christian Aid. £5 suggested donation. For more details contact Jen Le Rossignol on 07829 908247 or email jlerossignol@christian-aid. org

THE TIME IS NOW (26 JUNE) Climate change is an issue of justice. The world’s poorest communities are often the least responsible for climate change, yet they frequently suffer the worst of its impacts.

On Wednesday 26 June, you’re invited to ‘The Time Is Now’ – a mass lobby on climate and environmental action. Thousands of people will come together to call on the UK Government to take action. You’ll get the chance to speak up to your elected representative, pray together, and be energised for the challenges to come.

Join us at this unmissable climate event. Sign up at caid.org.uk/timeisnow

18 BIX, OXFORDSHIRE Walk the Country

8:30-10:30am, Bix Village Hall, Bix, Henley-onThames RG9 6BS. Join in our annual Christian Aid walk through beautiful countryside.

Choose between 5, 10 or 15 miles. Sign up to get a sponsorship pack in advance or simply turn up on the day – suggested donation £20. For details contact the Christian Aid Oxford office on 01865 246818 or email oxford@ christian-aid.org

18 DULOE, CORNWALL

Pelynt Male Voice Choir Concert

7.30pm, Jubilee Centre, Duloe, Looe PL14 4PN.

Tickets £6 including refreshments and a raffle.

Email john.trethewey@ tiscali.co.uk for more information and tickets.

18 POULTON-LEFYLDE, LANCASHIRE Coffee Morning

10am-12pm, Poulton Methodist Church, Queensway, Poulton-leFylde FY6 7ST. Come along for a good cuppa and great cakes.

There’ll also be stalls, including Fairtrade goods.

For more details see caid.org.uk/north-west

18 WEYMOUTH

Weymouth Town Big Brekkie 9-11am, Holy Trinity Church, Town Bridge, Weymouth DT4 8TJ.

Christian Aid Magazine Spring/Summer 2019

Join us for a Big Brekkie.

Contact Linda Perry via the church or the Christian Aid local office on 023 8070 6969.

19 LONDON

Circle the City London

12-5pm, St Mary-le-Bow Church, Cheapside, London EC2V 6AU. Join us on our unique sponsored walk around the City of London’s historic and often-hidden places of worship. Sign up at ctc2019.eventbrite.co.uk

23 WEST LOOE, CORNWALL

Soup and Sweet Lunch 12-2pm, Riverside Church, The Quay, West Looe, Cornwall PL13 2BU. Join us for lunch.

Suggested donation £6.

Email john.trethewey@ tiscali.co.uk for more information and tickets.

24 LONDON

RideLondon-Surrey 100

Deadline to join the event, taking place 4 August 2019.

Follow in the tracks of the 2012 London Olympic cyclists on this 100-mile closed-road cycling event.

The deadline to join our team is Friday 24 May – be a #CAChampion and sign up today, by going to caid.org.uk/RL100 or email events@christian-aid.org

25 EDINBURGH

Edinburgh Marathon

10am, London Road and Regent Road, Edinburgh EH7 5AP. Join the Christian Aid team and take part in what’s been voted the UK’s fastest marathon. To book your place, contact lkirkland@christian-aid.org or phone 0141 2416144.

30 CALSTOCK, CORNWALL Garden Party

3-6pm, Meadow View, Sandways, Calstock, Cornwall PL18 9SE. For more info email ian.courtis@talktalk.net

JUNE 2-7 WORCESTERSHIRE Art Exhibition and Auction

10am-5:30pm, Pershore Abbey, Church Street, Pershore, Worcestershire WR10 1DT. Timothy Vivian was a Pershore-based artist, who exhibited his work at the Royal Society of British Artists exhibition in London and at Worcester Cathedral. He was a dedicated local Christian Aid Week Organiser for 18 years.

Following his passing, his family are generously donating his artworks for auction to raise funds for Christian Aid. Come and bid on the beautifully original artwork, of which Canon David Stanton of Worcester Cathedral commented: ‘[Vivian’s] artistic skills reflect, in a deep and profound way, the divine beauty of creation.’

Paintings can be viewed and purchased throughout the week, and there will be an auction on 7 June, with all proceeds going to Christian Aid. For more details contact erockey@christian-aid.org or call 0121 2002283.

2 ABERDEEN Kiltwalk

Various starting times and locations.

Get your kilt on and join #TeamChristianAid at the Aberdeen Kiltwalk. For every £1 you raise, The Hunter Foundation has pledged to give an extra 40p. So you’ll be able to

Christian Aid Magazine Spring/Summer 2019

walk at your own pace and give Christian Aid 140%!

Visit caid.org.uk/kiltwalk

13 LONDON

Thank You Tea for Christian Aid Week

2:30-5pm and 6-8:30pm, InterChurch House, 35 Lower Marsh, Waterloo, London SE1 7RL. We’d love to say a huge thank you for supporting Christian Aid Week. Come and tell us what happened in your area, hear stories from across London and the South East and celebrate with a cream tea.

To let us know you’re coming, contact Ursula Nield on london@ christian-aid.org, or phone 020 75232321.

26 LONDON

The Time is Now

Exact details to be confirmed.

Join thousands of supporters in London’s Westminster for a mass lobby on climate change and environmental action.

Register your interest at caid.org.uk/timeisnow

28 NEWCASTLE Great North Run

Deadline to join the event, taking place 8 September 2019.

Whether you’re a newbie runner or a seasoned pro, be a #CAChampion at the world’s biggest half marathon. The deadline to join our team is Friday 28 June – don’t be disappointed, sign up today by visiting caid.org.uk/gnr or email events@christian-aid.org

29 SHEFFIELD

Sheffield Night Hike Challenge

8:30pm, St Luke’s Church, Lodge Moor, Sheffield S10 4LQ. Make it a night to remember! Starting from dusk, you can choose to take on either the 9 mile route or challenge yourself to complete the 17 mile route at this historical fundraising walk. For details go to sheffieldnighthike.org.uk

How you can stay involved in the fight against poverty For more stories from Christian Aid, please visit our website at caid.org.uk • You can find out how to get involved, whether it’s through fundraising, campaigning, praying, volunteering or taking part in events.

• Discover ways to donate, and read stories from around the world showing how Christian Aid and our partners are working to bring an end to poverty.

There are many other ways you can keep up with Christian Aid’s activities. You can: Like us: facebook.com/christianaid Follow us: twitter.com/christian_aid Watch us: youtube.com/ thisischristianaid

29

Last Word

‘Speaking out can change things’ The Rev Wale Hudson-Roberts works as Justice Enabler for the Baptist Union of Great Britain – one of Christian Aid’s 41 sponsoring churches in Britain and Ireland.

We caught up with him about faith, hope, and speaking out against injustice.

What is your favourite Bible passage?

Exodus 6:5: ‘I have heard the groaning of the Israelites, whom the Egyptians are holding as slaves, and I have remembered my covenant.’

There are many reasons why this verse is my favourite, among them is the hope it offers to millions of people living in poverty.

The reason why God remembered his people can only be because God heard their prayers. He listened and remembered his people, who he created in his image. It should really be no surprise to you or me that this text has provided millions living in poverty with some hope in the eternal presence of God. How does your faith and prayer sustain you in your everyday work?

Prayer is integral to my ministry, and I marvel as God answers my prayers.

I think it’s important that prayer affords us the space to listen to God’s gentle voice. Then, we’ll be emboldened to serve our neighbours as best we know how.

30

How do you feel about the reality that millions of our sisters and brothers worldwide are living in poverty?

My feelings of discomfort when faced with injustice motivate me to action. But what God feels for those caught up in global systems which rob them of their dignity, is nothing but total commitment, love and tenderness, surely combined with righteous anger towards those responsible for creating and sustaining oppressive systems.

Why do you think it’s important to speak out on the root causes of poverty?

In her own way, a woman of Syrophoenician origin (Matthew 15:21-28) did this. She was a woman who had pushed herself into a male Jewish environment. She was an ethnic woman in a ‘man’s world’ who really did not belong at all.

When Jesus brushed away her request for her daughter’s healing she refused to leave.

Instead, she insisted on crossing boundaries. Eventually she spoke. She violated the tacit assumption that women should remain silent. Because she broke the silence in the most audacious way possible, her daughter was set free.

Today, speaking out can still change things. And it’s very important for men and women to speak out against the root causes of the injustices experienced by women.

What is the role of faith leaders in speaking out against extreme poverty, inequality and injustice?

The causes of global poverty are complex and sometimes they can be hard to understand. The cloak of ambiguity surrounding the real reasons behind inequality can discourage people from speaking truth to power.

Our speaking out is emboldened when we know what we are speaking out against. In this day and age, platitudes will not do and are an insult to the people we are seeking to speak out with. Faith leaders can offer thoughtful research in matters of justice, which should ignite our passion, and inform what we say and how we say it.

What do you do to relax?

I listen to jazz.

Who inspires you?

Martin Luther King. He generated and created hope and possibility for vulnerable communities, where none existed.

Christian Aid Magazine Spring/Summer 2019

Join us at Greenbelt Festival Greenbelt Festival returns on 23-26 August 2019 to the stunning grounds of Boughton House, Northamptonshire. Buy your tickets at greenbelt.org.uk/buy-tickets Fancy a free ticket while helping to end poverty? Volunteer at Greenbelt!

You can choose from volunteering in our café, being part of the logistics team or talking to festival-goers about how they can take action for justice.

Whatever takes your fancy, you’ve still got time to join us at this incredible festival.

Don’t miss out! Volunteer with us – find your role at caid.org.uk/volunteer-festival

the

Circle

Circle the City and step up the fight to end poverty Join our family-friendly sponsored events to celebrate Christian Aid Week and raise vital money for our neighbours around the world.

Visit historic and diverse places of worship and get involved in fun activities, as you Circle the City in:

Manchester Saturday 27 April, Manchester Cathedral M3 1SX Birmingham Saturday 18 May, Erdington Six Ways Baptist Church B24 8AD or; Bournville Quaker Meeting House B30 1JT London Sunday 19 May, St Mary-le-Bow Church EC2V 6AU Book your free place now at caid.org.uk/ctc

Christian Aid Magazine Spring/Summer 2019

31