09Jul 2014 by Nigel Ring

Update on the Philippines typhoon relief

News, Philippines, Poor, Relief and Development
  Lost relations, lost homes, lost livelihoods The typhoon which received wide publicity towards the end of 2013 caused devastation to many thousands of people as it swathed through the central part of the Philippines. Many lost loved ones, their homes and their livelihoods. Many in the family of Newfrontiers of churches around the world made generous contributions. Some sent donations direct to the Philippines others contributed to an appeal fund launched through this blog which raised over £33,000. Thank you! Fresh hope In May Mike Irving made a visit to the affected area. Mike serves Peter Brooks in Australia as he brings oversight to the ministry in the Philippines. Here is his encouraging Report which was published on the Pacific Rim website. I hope you will be encouraged that your donations have been well spent!…
Read More
18Dec 2013 by Nigel Ring

Philippines Appeal update

Philippines, Poor, Relief and Development
I am so grateful to all those who have contributed to the appeal for the Philippines. Several individuals have contributed and there are also some churches who are taking offerings over this Christmas season. It is still not too late to make a donation. Just contact me through the address in the side panel. Eden Singson, who leads the Grace Community Church in Manila and, with his wife Fe, is coordinating the work being done with this fund has just sent an update. Fe has professional expertise in helping people develop income generating skills, a very appropriate gifting for this situation. Since receiving this report I have heard that they are now planning to launch a fish drying business (using coconut husks to burn) in order to create income for…
Read More
15Nov 2013 by Nigel Ring

Appeal for the Philippines

News, Philippines, Poor, Relief and Development
I have had a number of enquiries, due to my contacts over the years, asking for advice concerning giving to the situation in the Philippines at this time of rebuilding following the typhoon. Crisis response My opinion from previous disasters is that the crisis response, e.g. food, water and shelter is best handled by the big NGOs who specialise in emergency relief. In UK there is a Disasters Emergency Committee comprising 14 large NGOs which includes Tearfund and World Vision. An appeal has been launched and I recommend that any who wish to give for immediate relief should donate to that appeal. Is there a place for the church? I believe that the church has a major part to play when disaster happens. In the early days that is probably…
Read More
06Jun 2012 by Nigel Ring

Every member is vital – lessons from Philippines

Equipping, News, Philippines, The church
Meet Abby Abby walked towards me. She had been in the morning service at which I had preached about God's heart for the Poor a few hours earlier. Could it really be true that this young good-looking woman lived here? I was standing in the midst of Bamboo Village. Contrary to the image conjured up by such a name this was no idyllic rural community but rather a community who lived on the site of what had been a bamboo plantation, a community living in shacks on stilts to keep the floors of their houses above the stagnant swamp that filled the air with a stench of rotting vegetation and sewage - above the swamp, that is, until torrential rain causes floods which fill the houses with disease-laden water. Abby…
Read More