Teartimes Summer 2012

teartimes Summer 2012

Where disasters destroy Tearfund brings hope Growing hunger Looming food crisis in Sahel

Rio Earth Summit Poor communities under threat

Be part of a miracle | www.tearfund.org

welcome

Clive Mear/Tearfund

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ast year, my wife and I were blessed with a baby boy, Benedict – our first child. It’s meant many changes in our lives, but also in us. When I hear him cry out, I want to go to him, to be there and comfort him.

That’s how many of us feel when we see children and families struck by disasters across the world – earthquakes, famine, conflict. We want to be there somehow. But we can’t.

I always found that frustrating.

What can I do? Then I met Ben from Tearfund’s emergency response team.

And I realised that I don’t need to be there at all – trained people like Ben, Peter, his wife Sara, who also works for Tearfund, Tearfund partners and the local church and their new son, Benedict. are already there.

You can read about Ben and the work of Tearfund’s emergency response teams on page 8. You’ll also learn about how Tearfund is helping communities to be prepared and to reduce their risk of being devastated by disasters.

Through your support for Tearfund, you are reaching out to communities hit by disaster.

Thank you for all that you do that means that, when suffering people cry out, Tearfund is equipped and ready to respond.

Peter Shaw, Editor editor@tearfund.org

Tearfund We are Christians passionate about the local church bringing justice and transforming lives – overcoming global poverty. And so our ten-year vision is to see 50 million people released from material and spiritual poverty through a worldwide network of 100,000 local churches.

We can support you if you want to encourage your church and others to get involved with Tearfund. And if you have any questions, we’d be delighted to talk to you.

Editor: Peter Shaw News Editor: Mark Lang Design: Premm Design Print: The Artisan Press Copyright © Tearfund 2012. All rights reserved.

Permission is granted for the reproduction of text from this publication for Tearfund promotional use only. For all other uses, please contact us.

Cover image: Last year Elema from Kenya lost 20 cows to drought.

Ralph Hodgson/Tearfund

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summer 2012 teartimes

CONTENTS 4

News – Somalia crisis latest, and updates from across the world

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Ever-present help in trouble – How Tearfund responds to disasters

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When a hunger gap becomes a hunger crisis – Looming disaster in West Africa’s Sahel region

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World view – Church training under a tree in Uganda

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First step on the journey – Reflecting on a year of transformation

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Vindicating the victims – Bringing justice to migrant workers in Thailand

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Born hungry – Help end the cycle of hunger this Harvest

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Time to shed light on the earth – Help proclaim the truth to the Rio Earth Summit

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How visiting Mozambique changed us – Reflections from a Connected Church trip

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Pastors in disasters – Why local churches offer the best response to disasters

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‘An early response can prevent suffering.’

Martin Jennings, Tearfund

8 'You can’t comprehend the magnitude of a huge emergency until you actually see it.’

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Prabodh Malla/Tearfund

Natural disasters devastate poor communities, but Tearfund is ready and prepared to respond. teartimes summer 2012

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NEWS

Andrew McConnell/Panos

African Union soldier guards a group of women waiting for medical advice in Mogadishu, Somalia.

Drought-hit Somalia supported by Tearfund

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ood aid from Tearfund partner International Aid Services (IAS) is being distributed in south central Somalia to help thousands of people affected by the region’s enduring drought. IAS is supplying food in the capital Mogadishu, which until recently had been off limits to many aid agencies due to the insurgency by the Islamic militant group, Al Shabaab.

In recent months, forces from the African Union and Somalia’s Transitional Federal Government have expanded their influence over the city which has allowed urgently needed aid to get in. Conflict and drought have led to 400,000 Somalis fleeing their homes and seeking shelter in Mogadishu, many ending up in displacement camps where conditions are often poor.

IAS is also distributing water, hygiene kits and cooking equipment as well as setting up childfriendly spaces where youngsters can socialise and play in safety. More than 2.3 million Somalis – almost a third of the population – are in need of food aid. The World Food Programme says some 16 per cent of all children under five are acutely malnourished.

Many Somalis have fled to the Somali/Kenya border and the massive camps

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at Dadaab which are home to nearly 500,000 people. Our partner, the National Council of Churches in Kenya has been building latrines in the overcrowded camps, while fellow partner World Concern is helping with emergency aid supplies and has been running an innovative voucher scheme to supply essentials, while boosting the local economy.

‘It’s the best meal we’ve had all year.’

Widow Marium Dahir, who has eight children, travelled three days on the back of a truck in the hope of finding food. She said her family had not been eating well in Somalia and described the food from World Concern as ‘the best meal we’ve had all year’.

Boosted by funds from the Disasters Emergency Committee and from Tearfund's East Africa appeal, our partners have been able to help not just Somalis but tens of thousands of people in Kenya and Ethiopia.

Rain has also eased drought conditions affecting several regions in Ethiopia and Kenya over the past few months, rejuvenating water sources and enabling some displaced families to return home. summer 2012 teartimes

Inspiration from Addis to Antrim

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Eleanor Bentall/Tearfund

thiopian churches are inspiring church leaders in Northern Ireland to get more involved and active in their own communities. Clergy from the Presbyterian Church in Ireland and other denominations gathered in Newtownabbey, County Antrim, in February for a Tearfund workshop which featured the work of one of our Ethiopian partners, the 7 million-strong Kale Heywet Church (KHC).

Delegates heard how a KHC pastor in an Addis Ababa slum spent time helping his congregation to understand the biblical mandate to reach out to the needy. This led to a programme to help locals set up small businesses, which are now benefiting 600 people.

The workshop was hosted by Stafford Carson, former leader of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, who saw first-hand the transforming work of Tearfund’s partner on a visit to Ethiopia two years ago. Since then the Presbyterian Church has given £265,000 to support microloan schemes like the one run by KHC. Over the last three years, Tearfund Northern Ireland has been helping churches to learn from our partners about how they can reach out to their communities in practical as well as spiritual ways. Scores have taken part in the Just People interactive Bible study course which helps Christians to explore compassion and justice and encourages churches to bring about change locally and globally, as well as the Discovery course which draws on the expertise of partners like KHC. Ethiopian self help group run by Tearfund partner Kale Heywet Church.

Rev Stafford Carson with Simon Haile from the Kale Heywet Church, Ethiopia.

First class support for Tearfund Is there a fundraising opportunity hidden away in your attic? A generous Tearfund supporter recently raised more than £80,000 from an auction of historic stamps.

Around 300 lots were put up for sale in March by a private collector, including some dating from the reign of George V.

Stories of transformation events Do you want to hear how your giving, praying and campaigning can transform lives? You’re invited to our Teddington offices on 16 June or to St Peter’s, Halliwell in Bolton, on 23 June to hear stories of transformation from our overseas staff. There’ll be time for prayer, to meet other supporters and find out how to get involved.

Contact enquiries@tearfund.org to let us know you’re coming.

news

Transformation

in Tanzania Louise Thomas/Tearfund

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efore encountering a Tearfund training programme, Christopher Wambura used to escape the hardships of poverty by hitting the bottle. At the age of 64, he considered himself too old and too poor to improve his life in the Tanzanian village of Kwikuba. But then things changed physically and spiritually for the father-of-six through the work of a Tearfund partner, the Africa Inland Church of Tanzania.

He went on one of its training courses which helped him understand he had potential to change his circumstances, whatever his age. It changed his thinking so much that, within six months, Christopher had become a Christian, joined the local church and stopped drinking. He also joined a self-help group which enables people to save money and use pooled resources to access loans for small business ventures, providing economic stability for his family.

Church service in Kwikuba village, Tanzania.

Stars for Nepal Golden stars and prayers from Tearfund supporters decorated Tikapur Christian Church in Nepal at Christmas. Pastor Madan, whose congregation supports the former slave community of Shivnagar, said: ‘Thank you for sending the stars and prayers. It was really great – we are praying for you as well!’

‘It changed his thinking so much that within, six months, Christopher had become a Christian, joined the local church and stopped drinking.’

News in brief BELFAST: ‘Be the change’ was the theme of the 2012 Re:Ignite conference in Northern Ireland in February. Hundreds turned out to hear from speakers, including former Tearfund board member Andy Hickford, about how they can engage with poverty issues in their communities and take action in their lives to bring change.

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COLOMBIA: For the first time, churches and Christian organisations are working together to speak up for the rights and needs of children in Barranquilla, Colombia.

At least 50 of them have joined the Campaign for good treatment of children, which has been led by Tearfund partner Red Viva Colombia.

summer 2012 teartimes

The many people praying for justice and mercy during Global Poverty Prayer Week The growing number of supporters giving monthly support to communities in countries such as Uganda, Nepal and Peru

PRAYER PULSE Prayer is the heartbeat of Tearfund

An end to rising food prices bringing hardship to millions in poverty The right rains in the right quantity to reverse the persistent drought in East Africa

Latest prayer news at www.tearfund.org/pray teartimes summer 2012

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PRAYING FOR

A coordinated international response to the growing hunger crisis in the Sahel region of West Africa

GIVING THANKS FOR

Congregations around the UK getting involved with overseas counterparts through Connected Church

Guy’s cyclone cycle

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ravelling 100 kilometres in three days on two wheels, Guy Calvert-Lee Tearfund’s Bangladesh country representative, recently experienced an up-close view of our post-cyclone development work in Bangladesh, and raised vital funds for Tearfund. Guy got on his bike in February to cycle through the stormdamaged Satkhira district in the country’s south-west.

In 2009, a cyclone broke down sea defences and embankments, leaving hundreds of square miles of farmland flooded and many homes destroyed. Last September, the district was flooded again during heavy monsoon rains.

Tearfund partners are helping locals to rebuild their homes, set up rainwaterharvesting systems and reduce their vulnerability to future disasters. Guy said, ‘I wanted to experience the conditions people are living in, as well as to see the amazing work that our partners are doing to help.

‘The ride was a physical challenge and Bangladesh’s roads are not the safest but it was a worthwhile trip which allowed me to see the progress being made, as well as to raise money for Tearfund in the process.’

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disasters

Main image: Prabodh Malla/Tearfund; Inset: Richard Hanson/Tearfund

‘You can’t comprehend the magnitude of a huge emergency until you actually see it.’

Ever-present help in trouble Tearfund’s response to disasters When we see on the television the devastation caused by a natural disaster such as an earthquake or tsunami, we often feel moved to respond. For Ben Webster, it’s different. He knows it means he may have just 48 hours to get himself ready to head straight into the heart of the unfolding disaster.

Words: Peter Shaw

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summer 2012 teartimes

‘You can’t comprehend the magnitude of a huge emergency until you actually see it,’ says Ben. ‘I remember the flood water in Pakistan in 2010 went as far as the eye could see – way beyond the horizon.

‘It’s easy to feel overwhelmed at the massive level of devastation. But then your practical instinct and training kick in. You prioritise what needs to be done, identify the most vulnerable people and their immediate needs. You assess what resources are available and decide how to use them to best effect.’

‘A beacon of light appeared in my devastated life when Tearfund’s team visited my village.’

Inset: Ben Webster, Tearfund Emergency Relief Manager; Main image: Flood water devastates a community in Nepal in 2008.

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en is an Emergency Relief Manager, part of Tearfund’s trained, dedicated emergency response team. But, for Ben, it’s not just a job he’s qualified to do, it’s a calling on his life to bring the compassion of Christ to poor communities suffering from natural or man-made disasters.

‘Everybody has God-given gifts, attributes and abilities and it so happens that mine are most useful in an emergency,’ says Ben. ‘That’s where I’ve found my passion, and why I’ve nurtured the skills that God has given me. I have been working in disaster response for eight years now, and I still have a real commitment to the work and to help poor communities.’

Confronting overwhelming disasters Often with just a few days’ notice, Ben has joined a Tearfund operational team and has coordinated disaster responses in Haiti following the earthquake, Pakistan after the floods and in East Africa’s ongoing food crisis. teartimes summer 2012

A beacon of light The community where Muhamad Khan and his family live in Pakistan was certainly among the most vulnerable following the devastating floods of 2010. ‘The flood water struck our village with tremendous force and swept away all the crops,’ says Muhamad. ‘I was shocked to see the destruction – there was nothing left.

When I returned, I had no plan and no hope.

A beacon of light appeared in my devastated life when Tearfund’s team visited my village.’

Thanks to your support for our Pakistan disaster appeal, Tearfund gave Muhamad Khan’s family two baby goats, 40 kg of rice seed and some fertiliser. From this, Muhamad produced a life-saving 4,000 kg of rice and also took part in a cash-for-work project which gave him an income and dignity.

‘Without Tearfund’s timely support, I could not have restored my land. I have now paid my debts by selling my rice crops. My family and I have come out of mental torment. God helped me, through Tearfund, and our life is back on track.’

For Muhamad and his family, these verses from the psalms are just as true today as when they were written.

Ever-present help in trouble God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. (Psalm 46:1–3) 9

Richard Hanson/Tearfund

disasters

Tearfund distributes fertilizers in Sajawal town, Pakistan, to enrich the soil after the 2010 floods.

And for Ben and Tearfund’s emergency team, passages such as Psalm 46 offer an inspiration and comfort when they operate in some of the most volatile and dangerous places on earth. But another ‘ever-present help’ in times of trouble is the local church.

Vital role of the church ‘In many parts of the world, when a disaster strikes, the local church will be there,’ says Ben. ‘Churches are often the first line of defence against disaster. In Myanmar, Haiti, East Africa, South Sudan, India and many other locations, the local church has been absolutely instrumental in disaster response. The church looks out for the needs of the vulnerable, provides a safe place to shelter in church compounds and distributes essential food.

‘It is part of our mandate as the body of Christ to give hope and provide for the needs of poor people. Church is absolutely critical in that first wave of response to an emergency in their community. The church is local, it’s community-based, but it’s also a national and 10

international body. It is an absolutely vital global institution to mobilise resources and help people at the grassroots level.’

But Tearfund does not only respond to disasters when they happen, we also work closely with local people and churches to help them prepare for and reduce the risk of a disaster devastating their community.

Reducing risk in Ethiopia Our ‘disaster risk reduction’ work reduces the damage caused by natural hazards such as floods, earthquakes, droughts and cyclones.

It also helps communities adapt to the changing climate, and makes them more resilient in the face of disasters.

Tearfund works with local churches and communities to minimise the factors that cause disasters by ensuring people and their property are less vulnerable and less exposed to hazards, by managing land and the environment wisely and by making sure communities are better prepared for when disasters happen again. summer 2012 teartimes

For example, simple measures such as planting trees in flood plains can help the soil absorb water, can reduce the speed of water flow and provide protection from floating debris. Ethiopia is a country prone to flooding – particularly following a period of drought.

This happened in 2006 and again in 2011 as excessive rains caused rivers to burst their banks and flood whole communities.

But, for the people living in the Damot Woide district of Wolaita zone, the risk of flooding has greatly reduced. Thanks to a fund set up in memory of a generous Tearfund supporter, David Brinton, our partner Wolaitta Kale Heywet Church started the Adecha Afforestation Programme in the late-1980s.

Now, 25 years later, the community is better protected from floods and landslides by a large, established forest of eucalyptus trees.

The trees are sustainably managed and provide an income for the local community – which also makes them more resilient to other risks such as food shortages.

‘The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.’

(Psalm 46:11) The Lord Almighty is with us Thanks to these trees, families living in Damot Woide district can testify directly to the truth of these words from the psalms:

‘The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.’ (Psalm 46:11) Giving to Tearfund's disasters work is an amazing way to make sure that Christian relief workers such as Ben are equipped, prepared and well resourced to respond as soon as an emergency hits.

We also invest in longer-term programmes, working closely with churches, pastors and local leaders to build communities’ resilience to disasters.

To give to our disasters work, see the tear-out form between pages 8 and 9.

Your response today will save lives tomorrow.

East Africa crisis update In mid-July last year, a severe drought affected the whole of East Africa, the worst food crisis to hit the region for decades.

South-east Ethiopia is the hardest hit, with 4.6 million people dependent on farming experiencing food shortages; 3.2 million others are affected in northern Kenya and 3.7 million in Somalia.

Thanks to generous support for Tearfund’s East Africa food crisis appeal, we are helping 130,000 of the most vulnerable people. For example, about 65,000 people living in communities in Kenya near the Somali border are benefiting from water-storage initiatives set up by Tearfund partner World Concern. www.tearfund.org/eastafrica

Villagers in the Damot Woide district of Ethiopia are better defended against floods, thanks to Tearfund's partner planting this forest. teartimes summer 2012

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disasters

Richard Hanson/Tearfund

Rebuilding road and water defences in Khalifo Paradi village, Pakistan, following the devastating floods of 2010.

Pakistan floods update

Richard Hanson/Tearfund

In 2010, 18 million people were affected by the worst flooding Pakistan had ever seen. And in 2011, yet more floods hit communities, just as they had begun to get back on their feet.

Tearfund and our partners were there, ready to respond with emergency relief and then with long-term projects to help people get their lives back on track.

Wycliffee Kyamanywa, Tearfund’s Pakistan Disaster Response Manager, says, ‘Thank you so much to those who gave to Tearfund’s Pakistan appeal. We are encouraged that we have been able to support so many people with relief and are now rebuilding their lives.’ www.tearfund.org/pakistan

‘Thank you so much to those who gave to Tearfund’s Pakistan appeal.

We have been able to support so many people.’

Haiti earthquake update

Teacher training session in a school re-built by Tearfund after the 2010 earthquake in Haiti.

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In January 2010, the people of Haiti suffered an earthquake which killed more than 300,000 people and left 1.5 million homeless.

Before the disaster, Haiti was the most impoverished nation in the Western hemisphere, which has made the task of rebuilding all the more challenging.

Tearfund is working with partners across the country and we have our own operational teams in the towns of Léogâne and Gressier, close to the epicentre of the earthquake. Here, we identified the vulnerable families most in need of shelter. We have also cleared roads, started employment initiatives and provided materials and expertise to reopen schools – and we continue to work closely with local churches to offer sustainable long-term reconstruction. www.tearfund.org/haiti summer 2012 teartimes

Looking for something more than your average family summer holiday?

Come and travel with Tearfund

CHANGE THE WAY YOU SEE THE WORLD YOUR FAITH YOUR CULTURE YOUR SELF www.tearfund.org/transform Registered Charity No. 265464 (England and Wales). Registered Charity No. SC037624 (Scotland).

west africa food crisis

WHEN A HUNGER GAP BECOMES A HUNGER CRISIS Millions of people across West Africa, weakened by years of malnutrition, are facing starvation due to drought and high food prices. Urgent action is needed now.

Words: Mark Lang

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s chief of the Nigerien village of Kamkey, Garba Danso has his finger on the pulse of local life and at the moment he’s a very worried man. The vital signs for his community aren’t looking good.

Months of stubborn drought have crippled his people’s crops, their main source of food. On top of that, birds and insects have devoured what little growth there has been. ‘The ground’s very hard and it’s difficult to farm,’ says Garba.

‘Conditions are getting worse.’

In a country where 82 per cent of the 13 million population rely on farming, drought-induced poor harvests are disastrous news. Niger is not alone in facing these conditions. Chad, Mali and Burkina Faso are also facing trouble, compounded not just by climatic conditions but also by rocketing food prices and chronic poverty. Unicef estimates 15 million people across the region need help.

Sahel struggles to survive These countries are among the world’s poorest and lie in the semi-arid Sahel region which is feeling the impact of climate change.

For the third time in recent years, they’re facing hunger due to a succession of droughts which have left people little time to recover.

Rocketing food prices and the changing climate are pushing millions of families in Mali to the brink of starvation.

Clive Mear/Tearfund

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‘The ground’s very hard and it’s difficult to farm. Conditions are getting worse.’ summer 2012 teartimes

Geoff Crawford/Tearfund

Many have seen crops fail repeatedly, meaning they have few seeds for future planting, their livestock have perished and not been replaced, and any savings they did have are likely to have been exhausted in the struggle to survive.

The hazard of hunger confronts people in the Sahel all too regularly. Every year there’s a ‘hunger gap’, a period of months between when food from previous growing seasons is exhausted and when new crops are ready for harvesting. In some areas, it’s started two months earlier than normal.

Banking on grain Over many years, Tearfund’s partners, working alongside local churches, have been helping communities cope with these hunger gaps.

One method is creating grain banks where, after each harvest, every family puts a bag of grain in the bank. Then, when there is a food shortage, they can each buy a bag of grain at a reduced price. The following harvest, they’ll put in a bag of grain plus extra by way of ‘interest’.

Market gardening, supported by irrigation, is helping people grow food and lessening their reliance on traditional crops. Surplus produce can be sold to bolster income and help cover everyday costs, such as school fees. People are also being given money in return for doing work that benefits the community, for example tree planting and measures to protect soil from desertification.

But due to drought, the hunger gap this year is looking more like a hunger crisis, as the period between harvests is set to grow alarmingly, potentially spelling disaster for millions. Conflict in Libya and Mali has made thousands of people refugees and is making matters worse.

Response now is vital With their expertise and local knowledge, Tearfund’s partners, working with local churches, are well placed to meet the physical and spiritual needs of the hungry.

Martin Jennings, Tearfund’s Head of the West Africa region, said, ‘We know an early response can prevent so much suffering and that’s why it’s so important for us to step up help as soon as possible.’ teartimes summer 2012

Chad 2004: When the harvest failed and livestock was devastated, Tearfund responded by sending emergency supplies.

‘An early response can prevent so much suffering.'

Early response from Tearfund Tearfund has already released some funds to our partners in the Sahel region as we know the need is urgent and so are responding now. This initial money is being used to fund activities such as food distributions. We are closely monitoring as the situation in Sahel unfolds.

Please also pray: • for drought conditions to improve rapidly • that there’s a concerted international response to help those currently suffering extreme hunger, and recognition of the need to tackle climate change • for God to grant wisdom to Tearfund’s partners working with local churches as together they work to help more communities By giving regularly now to our disasters work, you can help communities, such as those in the Sahel, prepare for disasters and lessen their impact. See the tear-out form between pages 8 and 9 for details.

Stay updated at www.tearfund.org/sahel 15

worldview

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summer 2012 teartimes

Tearfund photographer Layton Thompson says, ‘I took this picture of Isaiah teaching while the sky grew darker in the background, in Ogongora, Uganda. While I don’t think you can avoid difficult times in life, I do think you can prepare for them. Sharing wisdom and understanding is important in transforming communities.’

Photo: Layton Thompson/Tearfund

teartimes summer 2012

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see-for-yourself.org

First step on the journey Reflecting on a year of transformation A year ago, we invited you to come with us and journey with communities from Africa, Asia and Latin America and we’d like to say a big ‘thank you’ to all those who’ve joined us. It’s been an eventful 12 months, with lives changed and communities impassioned, but there are still many challenges ahead...

Words: Peter Shaw

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any miles away from each of those three continents, the stories and lives of people living in poverty made a big impact on one young couple, Jonny and Tara from Belfast. They were engaged to be married and amid the many wedding preparations – choosing a dress, organising a venue, selecting worship songs for the ceremony – they wanted to express their passion to see God touch the poorest people on earth.

‘In starting out on our married life together, we know what it means to be blessed by God emotionally, financially and spiritually' says Jonny. ‘So we feel it’s appropriate to give something back.' They responded to

Tearfund’s call to give regularly and see for themselves how communities are being miraculously released from the daily, seemingly relentless burden of poverty.

‘Although we are contending with all the normal financial pressures that life brings, we feel that our donation each month is an affordable amount that will help us cultivate an ethos of generosity in our marriage,' says Tara.

So what have Jonny and Tara, and many hundreds of others, discovered during the last year? Over the next few pages, you can read about progress in Ogongora village in Uganda, Cajamarca in Peru and the Shivnagar community near Tikapur in Nepal.

‘We feel that our donation each month is an affordable amount that will help us cultivate an ethos of generosity in our marriage.’

Jonny and Tara from Belfast d life marked the start of marrie to together by committing rfund. make a regular gift to Tea

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summer 2012 teartimes

Kieran Dodds/Tearfund

Pastor Joseph greets a villager in the market place in Ogongora, Uganda.

Building the church in Ogongora Ogongora is a community scarred by Uganda’s brutal civil war. After the conflict, the villagers were left weary and hungry, with seemingly few prospects. But the local church, supported by Tearfund partner Pentecostal Assemblies of God, did not despair: they set to action. Inspired by biblical teaching, they began a programme to get the community active, seeking out and building upon the resources it already had.

Joseph Achibu, pastor of the church in Ogongora, is pleased about the progress the community has made this year...

‘Thank you for all your support! Our plan to make sure we have enough food throughout the year is going very well. Now, many people in Ogongora share their bulls with friends and neighbours, so everyone in the village can teartimes summer 2012

plough. We have also opened two children’s nurseries in the church to teach children in the community, so they don’t have to travel far.

‘We really want to build a solid, permanent church building. We have a willing team of people to help, with the whole community contributing bricks. We also want to re-build the road that links Ogongora to the main road. The community come together to construct the road the first week of every month, bringing the resources they have to help.’

‘There’s nothing quite like watching progress happen before your eyes.

See for yourself is an excellent way to invest in a community.’

Joel Edwards, Micah Challenge 19

see-for-yourself.org Layton Thompson/Tearfund

Pastor Eulogio at the market in Cajamarca, Peru, where he sells potatoes.

A new vision in Cajamarca Life is a daily struggle for the people of Cajamarca in the high Andes. The soil they farm has ‘grown old’, according to the local pastor.

The changing climate and poor farming have stripped the earth of its natural riches. But Tearfund’s partner Warmis is determined to give the villagers the skills they need to farm efficiently and prepare for the future – and they see the church as key to that transformation.

Pastor Eulogio looks back at a year where his church has started to take the lead…

‘We are really blessed by the support we have received, thank you. The last few months have been significant for local churches here. We’ve really begun to grasp Warmis’s vision for the churches to reach out in practical ways to support people in the communities. When I became pastor, we had a very bad relationship with our community and villagers would treat me aggressively.

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‘But, slowly, things have improved and many more people are coming to church.

We welcome a women’s group run by Warmis, where they learn sewing, embroidery, jam-making and literacy skills. Warmis run pre-school sessions for children aged three to five, and groups for those aged five to seven, and seven and over. We teach the children about biblical values through fun activities such as singing, painting, colouring and playing games.’

‘Will you make poverty personal?

Follow a community and see for yourself how the church can be a powerful force to help free people from poverty.’

Elaine Storkey, Tearfund President

summer 2012 teartimes

Releasing lives in Shivnagar Shivnagar is a community with a dark past.

All 300 families there used to live under a form of slavery known as ‘bonded labour’.

Brought up in appalling conditions, the beleaguered people had few skills and were considered outcasts by society. But their local church, supported by Tearfund’s partner Sagoal, is helping them live life to the full by providing practical skills and education.

Pastor Madan Shah reflects on a year where more poor families have found true freedom...

‘We are so grateful for your support. The Love your neighbour animal scheme is still blessing families with livestock for them to rear and share with others in need. There are many families involved who benefit from the programme. Local church leaders work with communities to select suitable people to receive animals. This really helps poor and struggling families, allowing them to provide education, food, clothes and better homes for their children.

‘We are also developing new programmes and training. We recently organised sewing training, and some of the ladies from Shivnagar took part. Sagoal is partnering with Tikapur church to set up literacy programmes across the region. We are planning to do this at ten sites.

Most of the students are non-Christian women who cannot read or write.’

‘I want to encourage you to see for yourself how communities around the world are being transformed by the local church.’

Elfed Godding, National Director Evangelical Alliance, Wales

See for yourself To view films introducing each of these communities and to learn more about how you can be involved, visit www.see-for-yourself.org and see the journey continue…

Ralph Hodgson/Tearfund

'Live free or die': Pastor Madan (right) regularly visits Motilal, one of the oldest former slaves in Shivnagar village. teartimes summer 2012

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thailand

Vindicating the victims

Bringing justice to migrant workers in Thailand Poverty and hardship drive many people to flee Myanmar (Burma) to seek a better life in neighbouring Thailand. When they arrive, they often have to face up to the fact that they have few rights and risk being exploited. With your support, Tearfund is standing up for the vulnerable, through local partners and the local church.

Words: Mark Lang

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hen the army came looking to recruit Burmese farmer Hengta into their ranks by force, he quickly hit the road out of Mandalay state to avoid them.

With his wife and three children in tow, the 33-year-old crossed the border into Thailand’s Chiang Rai province, hoping to leave behind not just the military but also a tough existence earning less than US$1 a day.

He found well paid employment on construction sites and the quality of his work was soon recognised by a sub-contractor who took him on. But then came a well worn ruse from his employers. They started making false allegations about his work, just as it was coming to completion and payment of US$6,000 was due.

who cross the border. Migrants are needed for the growing Thai economy but they face corrupt employers, tough working environments, harsh living conditions and expanding legal restrictions.

The Mekong Minority Foundation (MMF) is a Tearfund partner that’s addressing the physical and spiritual needs of migrants like Hengta. To do this, it works with local Burmesespeaking churches, who contribute volunteers and resources.

Tearfund’s work with migrant workers in Thailand • Chiang Rai province has about 20,000 Burmese migrant workers.

‘The impact of the migrant project is exceeding original expectations.’

• Tearfund partner staff visited 20 migrant groups in ten areas to provide help with social problems last year.

Helping oppressed migrants Hengta isn’t the first migrant worker from Myanmar to face these dubious tactics, such is the precarious existence confronting those

• Through advocacy work, Tearfund partner staff helped in 32 cases involving 166 people with employment issues.

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summer 2012 teartimes

Patrick Brown/Panos

‘Migrant workers in the region no longer need to feel like helpless victims in a foreign society.’

Burmese migrants regularly cross the river to Thailand to seek work but often they encounter corruption and poor working conditions.

In Hengta’s case, MMF’s Migrant Workers’ Project assigned him a lawyer to pursue his case, resulting in a favourable court ruling which requires the company to cough up the back pay. Hengta says, ‘I was very happy to get legal assistance from the project. I’m sure I’ll receive the money owed from the sub-contractor.’

Brought to justice Davidson Solanki, Tearfund’s Country Representative for the Mekong Sub-region, says, ‘Migrant workers in the region no longer need to feel like helpless victims in a foreign society. Tearfund offers them hope and support.

There are those like our partners who’ll take up their cause and see that justice is done.’

There are more than 2 million Burmese migrants in Thailand and new arrivals enter Chiang Rai daily to escape dire poverty and oppression. Many come with families and one of the key provisions of MMF is a learning centre for the children.

These children often don’t have the birth certificate they need to register at local schools, so the MMF learning centre provides them with an education and a safe teartimes summer 2012

environment where they won’t be prey to exploitation and trafficking. Besides helping migrants with work disputes, MMF provides them with literacy training and healthcare education, as well as raising awareness of HIV. Shining the light of Christ A key area for MMF is offering moral and spiritual support for the migrants, not just on work issues but also on problems related to family breakdown and adjusting to living in Thai society. MMF’s Nitaya Buayoi says, ‘The impact of the migrant project is exceeding original expectations and project staff are pleased with both the progress it has made and the future it offers.’

The demand for such services is increasing as more Burmese people come to Thailand for a better life. And with your continued generous and compassionate support, we plan to meet that need.

We know that, when the church comes together, sharing resources, joining in prayer, we can break through the darkness of material and spiritual poverty and let the light of Christ bring hope and new life.

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harvest church resources

BORN HUNGRY LIVE HUNGRY DIE HUNGRY IT’S A CYCLE YOU CAN STOP Our new Harvest film and church resources features Tearfund dad, Steve Adams, and his eight-year-old son Aidan discovering hunger at Harvest in Uganda.

Words: Steve Adams Photos: Cally Spittle

88-year-old grandmother Korina and three of the nine grandchildren she looks after.

A

s my son and I sat with Korina, 88, she told us she lived with her nine grandchildren, in an 8ft hut on one basic meal a day. Aidan’s eyes were wide open. Along with snacks and treats, every day he enjoys three full meals.

Our visit to Wigweng village, Uganda is captured in Tearfund’s Harvest resources.

It’s a story about hope and why now is the time for us all to make our lives count for the poorest people on earth.

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A story of hunger We expected Korina’s story was a one-off.

But it wasn’t. Across Wigweng we met countless other families and every time, the story was the same: ‘We go to bed hungry’.

We’re introduced to a family of children ‘parented’ by 16-year-old George, and a twoparent family – Jimmy and Rose – and their children. Each night, their youngest son Francis, age two, sleeps on a simple mat after only one meal in 24 hours. summer 2012 teartimes

Halving hunger It’s a village-wide problem in Wigweng which needs a solution. In 50 communities across Uganda we’ve already seen hunger halved. This means fewer children like Francis lie down on their mats to sleep with an empty stomach.

In Wigweng and many other villages like it, we’re reducing hunger through our partner Pentecostal Assemblies of God by working with the church. Local churches are often the only infrastructure in remote villages and usually best placed to address communitywide problems.

Aidan and I met George and his brothers and sisters. We prayed with Korina. We sat in the sun with Jimmy. And played football with the children of Wigweng. We saw how the local church is beginning to bring hope and practical help to this community.

You can share in these amazing experiences by ordering your Harvest resources today, and inspiring your church with a family film this Harvest.

Steve and his son Aidan meet George from Wigweng village, Uganda.

Born Hungry film Share the journey of Tearfund dad, Steve, and his eight-year-old son Aidan, as they visit Wigweng village, Uganda. Meet three inspiring families and share the hope of a church in its community – and the pain of families facing daily hunger. Find out how you can be part of the solution. You can view the film at www.tearfund.org/harvest

What’s in the pack?

• Short film on DVD to show in your church • Fun and interactive Children's materials • Poster to advertise your Harvest event • Giving leaflets

The church in Wigweng are beginning a journey to transform their community. teartimes summer 2012

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campaigns

Time to shed light on the earth ‘The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it,’ writes David in Psalm 24. Poor communities need you to help the church proclaim that truth to the Rio Earth Summit in June.

Words: Helen Heather

T

wenty years ago, the world’s biggest ever political gathering sparked Tearfund’s first ever campaign. The Rio Earth Summit in 1992 was one of the first times that world leaders met to discuss the environment. Attendance was unprecedented, with 108 national leaders making the trip to the Brazilian city.

Tearfund’s first ever campaign Whose Earth? called on Christians in the UK to live on God’s earth God’s way. The challenge was to make lifestyle choices for the benefit of people and planet and to ask politicians to act to eradicate poverty in a way that protects the environment.

Achievements in Rio ’92 Leaders seemed willing and able to make far-reaching commitments in Rio. Contrary to the wrangling and indecision we often see now, they agreed some ambitious and legally binding commitments.

These included forming the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The work by this body led to the Kyoto Protocol, the commitment by most of the world’s richest nations to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, and also to the annual climate talks that Tearfund has been seeking to influence over the past few years.

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These were important steps committing action to protect the environment for present and future generations. But there’s still more work to do.

‘In north-east Brazil, changes in rainfall are making droughts more frequent.’

Two decades on Twenty years later, with another summit – Rio+20 – on the horizon, the challenges are still pressing. The need for leaders to keep their commitments is vital, as action on the environment often gives way to other important issues such as the current financial crisis.

We share a world where consumption by the wealthiest directly affects the life and death of the poorest people on earth. Environmental issues are devastating the lives of many communities across the world; for example, in Brazil, changes to the climate are having a severe impact.

‘In north-east Brazil, changes in rainfall are making droughts more frequent. As a consequence, desertification is increasing and river beds are drying up,' says Serguem Silva, Tearfund's Country Representative in Brazil. summer 2012 teartimes

Act now Come along to a Whose Earth? event to examine Christian responses to environmental issues including climate change. Expert speakers from Tearfund, A Rocha and New Frontiers will unpack the biblical basis for action on climate change, the science behind the issues and how we can all play a part in responding. Find out more at www.tearfund.org/rio where you can also ask your MP to sign a pledge committing to action on these issues.

If there’s not an event near you, check out the website (see above) for information about local events run as part of Stop Climate Chaos (a climate change coalition of which Tearfund is a member).

Ri o

19 92

Marcus Perkins/Tearfund

Whose Earth?

Our faith reminds us that God created the world but we have often failed to care for it as we should. The problems often seem insurmountable, as greed and injustice appear to reign. However, our faith also gives us hope that change is possible.

This June, we’ll be acting and praying once again with a Whose Earth? theme as world leaders gather in Rio. Tearfund is hoping that leaders won’t forget their previous groundbreaking commitments.

Ahead of the summit, Tearfund’s Brazilian partners are uniting with many churches in Brazil to call on their government to respond to the environmental issues they’re facing, including climate change.

Please join our partners in Brazil, and the church globally, by raising your voice with ours. Decision-makers need to hear the world’s urgent call for action to tackle climate change and create an environmentally sustainable future for all.

Decision-makers need to hear the world’s urgent call for action to tackle climate change.

Right: Rio ’92: Campaigners deliver Tearfund’s Whose Earth? campaign petition to Prime Minister John Major in 1992.

Whose Earth? events Date

Location

Speakers including

12 June

Highfield Church, Southampton www.highfield.org.uk

Ruth Valerio, A Rocha UK

13 June

The Jubilee Centre, Sheffield www.citychurchsheffield.org.uk

Martin Charlesworth, Jubilee+

13 June

St Aldate’s Church, Oxford www.staldates.org.uk

Dr Elaine Storkey, President of Tearfund

14 June

St Nic’s Church, Nottingham www.stnicsonline.org

Jamie Flyeman, Tearfund

14 June

All Souls Church, London www.allsouls.org

Dave Bookless, A Rocha International

20 June

St Stephen’s Church, Twickenham www.st-stephens.org.uk

Matthew Frost, Chief Executive, Tearfund

teartimes summer 2012

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Q&A with Tearfund supporters Simon and Rachel

How visiting Mozambique

changed us Last year, young couple Simon and Rachel White travelled to Mozambique as part of a team of 11 people from Holy Trinity Hurdsfield – an evangelical Church of England fellowship near Macclesfield, Chester. Holy Trinity is part of Tearfund’s Connected Church scheme which links UK congregations with Tearfund partners. The church team visited projects run by Tearfund partner Kubatsirana, who support poor people living with HIV. For Simon, who constructs dry stone walls for a living, and Rachel, who works in the fostering department of her local council, it was a life-changing experience...

Interview: Peter Shaw Why did you decide to go on the trip with Tearfund?

Simon: Rachel and I hadn’t travelled outside Europe or America before. We were aware of that our church supports Kubatsirana through Tearfund. We believed that our support would be enhanced if we had gained a personal understanding of Mozambique. For us, it was about experiencing poverty first hand.

Rachel and Simon in Mozambique.

We can read up about poor countries and be aware of the need but it doesn’t always seem real. I went through stages of being worried and apprehensive about the trip.

But overall we were excited about meeting people and keen to gather stories and gain the first-hand experience.

‘Eva should have been at school but she wasn’t allowed because she didn’t have a uniform or books.’

Can you tell me about a memorable encounter with someone you met?

Visiting Mozambique, Simon and Rachel met Eva, aged 8, and her Grandmother.

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Simon: We met a large number of people.

But, for me and Rachel, one really stood out.

It was an orphan girl, Eva, aged eight, although she looked much younger – she was really malnourished and small. Eva was cared for by her grandmother, who was one of the oldest people in the community. Her situation was desperate. Their house had fallen down in the rainy season, a few months before the trip.

They were living in the ruins of this house – summer 2012 teartimes

no roof and the walls were partly collapsed.

Eva should have been at school but she wasn’t allowed because she didn’t have a uniform or books. They couldn’t afford any. She spent her days collecting grass and wood to sell to someone who took it to market, who paid her a very poor rate. It raised an income, but when we met them they hadn’t eaten for three days.

That was hard to witness.

How has the experience changed you?

Simon: I’ve taken a long hard look at my approach to giving, not just with money but with time as well. Previously, I sometimes resented giving up spare evenings or weekends: now I have been inspired to give more graciously. I’ve certainly not got it sorted yet – that change of attitude takes a long time to get right. We are much more motivated to give up Rachel: We had some food with us which we time now. And I’ve learnt to appreciate simple shared with them. It struck me afterwards that, things like clean water. And I vowed when we although they were physically healthy – unlike were out in Mozambique never to complain many others we’d met in Mozambique who about the potholes in our road again. Some of the holes we drove round were as wide as the were living with HIV – even for the healthiest, road – and two foot deep! I feel renewed as soon as one thing goes wrong it’s very hard to get back on your feet. What little they had appreciation for things that, to us, are simple in didn’t cover their food, so it certainly wouldn’t our society. The fundamental things are just not put a roof back. That means there is no way out, there in Mozambique. were it not for Kubatsirana. We pray often about Mozambique and Kubatsirana but we still have ‘I've taken a long hard look at my Eva and her grandmother on the top of our list.

What was the thing you discovered that you least expected?

Rachel: What we saw in a number of people in Mozambique was the sheer determinedness to keep going even when everything was stacked against them.

Combine that with a sacrificial willingness to help others with time and money... It certainly challenged me about our attitude to the way we give. We saw people who had nothing but would still give generously.

approach to giving, not just with money but with time as well.’

Connected Church is a transformational experience for churches here in the UK to link with church projects in developing countries, to learn what it means to be part of the global church. Could your church benefit from being a Connected Church?

Visit www.tearfund.org/connected or call 0845 521 0021 to find out more.

Peter Caton/Tearfund

Although poverty is decreasing, Mozambique is still among the world’s poorest countries, with more than half of its people living below the poverty line. teartimes summer 2012

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Bringing church and community together.

For good.

Be Missional A day to journey together into the mission of the local church.

With inspirational speakers to explore the Christian distinctive in action.

4 October – City Temple, Holborn Viaduct London, 10am–4pm 12 November – The Lighthouse Group, Hope Park Bradford, 10am–4pm Please visit www.serveuk.org/events for full details. Book by 20 September to avoid disappointment.

We believe change is infectious. Serve is a group of organisations committed to supporting churches passionately as they transform their communities – sharing resources, encouraging good ideas, and celebrating their success stories with the media and the government to inspire others to action. Catch the change. Serve.

reflection

PASTORS IN DISASTERS Kristie van de Wetering/Tearfund

Two weeks after Hurricane Mitch hit Honduras in 1998, a relief organisation arrived at Choluteca, a town cut off by flooding, ready to give out emergency supplies. They were amazed at what they found – a community already organised and responding, distributing food, repairing buildings and looking after the elderly and injured.

Words: Matthew Frost, Chief Executive

I

t was all thanks to a resourceful local church pastor who explained to the newcomers, ‘We were here before the disaster, we were here during the disaster and we are here after the disaster. Agencies like yours will come and go, but the church will always be here.’

I’ve just returned from Haiti, two years on from the earthquake, where I was privileged to witness how, as in Choluteca, the local church is at the forefront of rebuilding this battered country and bringing the love of Jesus to its people.

There, I was struck once again by how distinctive Tearfund’s work is wherever we operate. We’re different from other agencies responding to disasters because we put the local church and local communities at the centre of all that we do. Tearfund’s values of being Christ-centred, courageous, compassionate, truthful and servant-hearted are the hallmarks of our response to disasters alongside the local church. But, when this is not possible, such as in Afghanistan or Darfur, we work alongside local communities that share our values – making Jesus visible by how we work.

But our values are always outworked in keeping with our quality standards. Tearfund was the first large charity to become a certified member of the Humanitarian Accountability Partnership (HAP). We are committed to making sure we are accountable in all we do, especially to those we serve, and our work is of the highest standard. teartimes summer 2012

Chief Executive Matthew Frost visited Haiti in March 2012, to see Tearfund's reconstruction programme.

Tearfund is different because we put the local church and local communities at the centre of all that we do.

This marrying of the spiritual and professional is demonstrated in a guide book Tearfund published last year, Disasters and the local church. It is an amazing resource for church leaders in disaster-prone areas.

It offers practical tips, stemming from biblical teaching, on how church leaders can play an important role in helping congregations and communities prepare for an emergency, respond effectively and reduce the risk of disaster striking again.

Because we know that the local church will always be there – demonstrating the love of Jesus in action, day in, day out.

Get in touch with us!

UK

www.tearfund.org Email: enquiries@tearfund.org Tel: 0845 355 8355 100 Church Road, Teddington TW11 8QE Registered Charity No. 265464 (England and Wales) Registered Charity No. SC037624 (Scotland)

Challenge House, 29 Canal Street, Glasgow G4 0AD T y^ Catherine, Capel Cildwrn, Llangefni, Ynys Môn LL77 7NN Rose House, 2 Derryvolgie Avenue, Belfast BT9 6FL

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When you see a disaster on the news… …it may already be too late.

To give to Tearfund’s disasters work, complete and return the tear-out form between pages 8 and 9, call 0845 355 8355 or visit www.tearfund.org/disasters

Give now.

Save later.

Registered Charity No. 265464 (England and Wales) Registered Charity No. SC037624 (Scotland) 20709-(0512)