04Feb 2015 by Nigel Ring

Beating Ebola

Guinea, Health, Liberia, News, Poor, Sierra Leone
In recent months I have written frequently about West Africa with particular reference to the effects of ebola. I have just viewed this TED talk on the subject of beating ebola, something that a few months ago when I started writing seemed an out of reach dream. Well it does seem to be happening and, rather than write more about the subject I urge you to watch this talk. Click on the picture.
Read More
14Jan 2015 by Nigel Ring

Ebola affects our friends in West Africa – Part 2: Liberia

Health, Liberia, News, Poor
Liberia Last time I reported on some of the challenges faced by our churches in Guinea and Sierra Leone caused by ebola. Now we shall look at Liberia. Jonathan Nathan, from Monrovia, wrote recently to John Hammond (Bedford) who has coordinated the appeal, to report back on the use of the funds sent so far. It reveals some of the difficulties being faced there. 'The churches in Liberia remain thankful to you all for coming to our aid when we really needed your help. 'The first funds you sent (£2500) came at the time free movement was restricted. Hospitals and clinics were all closed and common curable diseases were killing people as a result of the closure of health centres. About 80% of our church members are young people who…
Read More
07Jan 2015 by Nigel Ring

Ebola affects our friends in West Africa – Part 1: Guinea and Sierra Leone

Guinea, Health, News, Poor, Sierra Leone
First, may I wish you a happy New Year! I trust that the Christmas season has been one of joy for you as we have celebrated Jesus’ birth. Sadly, I am starting the New Year on a sobering topic – Ebola. Twelve months ago most of you reading this blog would not have heard of ebola, so named from the river in Zaire near where it was first identified in 1976. Then the outbreak was short-lived. Now, the widespread reporting of the current outbreak has put both it and the three nations of Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia, in all of which there are Newfrontiers churches, into the public’s awareness. So what is happening? Guinea Ebola had just been identified in the forest area of Guinea, near teh Liberian border…
Read More
15Dec 2014 by Nigel Ring

Your help is needed for Child Sponsorship

Education, Guinea, News, Poor
An appeal This is unashamedly an appeal for the school children in Guinea. Much has appeared in the press recently about Guinea due to the ebola crisis. I arrived on my most recent visit in April as the outbreak was occurring. Until this devastating news broke most people would not have heard of Guinea or have been able to locate it on a map. Guinea is a desperately poor nation in West Africa with over 60% of the adult population being illiterate. The Newfrontiers church in the capital, Conakry, is trying to help change this through the Jubilee International School. Jubilee International School JIS started in 2006. Since then it has grown to over 300 children ranging in age from 3-26 years. Yes, I really do mean 26! Due to…
Read More
04Dec 2014 by Nigel Ring

Book Review – The Myth of the Undeserving Poor

Books, Equipping, News, Poor
Do the poor deserve to be helped? I have greatly enjoyed reading this book and strongly recommend it. My attitudes were challenged, and I was liberally marking and underling passagesas I read it. It has already caused me to adjust my thinking about a particular ‘live’ situation I am facing. Although the book is centred on the UK, its history and current situation, there are many Biblical and practical teachings that any reader can apply. Poverty in Britain Martin Charlesworth and Natalie Williams, two of the key players in the Jubilee+ initiative of the Newfrontiers family of churches in the UK, begin by laying a historical foundation. Taking the reader through the effects of the Poor Laws of 1601 and 1834 they trace how the relationship between church and state has…
Read More
25Nov 2014 by Nigel Ring

To help you engage with real issues…

Books, Jubilee+, News, Poor
Here are two resources I strongly recommend - a book (The Myth of the Undeserving Poor) and a conference. Both come from the Jubilee+ initiative of Newfrontiers in the UK which helps individuals and churches engage with the needs of those who are poor or disadvantaged. First I will tell you about the conference. Faith + Justice Conference. Milton Keynes, UK. Saturday February 7th 2015   What is your real attitude to politics? Do you find them a turn-off? In the UK, Christians tend to be more likely to vote in elections or even be members of political parties than the average member of the public. However, many Christians would say they don’t ‘get’ politics, don't care about them, or simply don’t understand the difference between the political parties. They may hold strong views on education…
Read More