20Nov 2014 by Nigel Ring

Guinea update – Pt 3. Helping the Poor

Guinea, News, Poor
This is the final part of a recent Newsletter, updated as appropriate. Koukoudé, a fishing village Koukoude is a very poor village a few hours from Conakry. Junior and FM, the 2 leaders are under a lot of pressure but they are holding on. They did their 4 first baptisms this year. The school is still carrying on. It sent its first pupils to the NPSE (National Primary School Exam) May 2014. Because of financial difficulties, the building project is frozen and the building we are now renting is getting more and more expensive. With only €5,000 we could build our school in Koukoudé.  Jubilee School, Conakry - 'Education for all in an atmosphere of love and respect' In spite of all our difficulties, the school is doing well. We have…
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12Nov 2014 by Nigel Ring

Guinea Update – Pt 2. The Church

Guinea, News, Poor
Nicolas Thebault continues to bring an update on the situation in Guinea. The Church is growing at a steady pace (approximately 30% every year for the past 4 years) Baptisms, baptisms and more baptisms... We passed the threshold of 100 baptisms between September 2010 and June 2014.  There are visitors every Sunday. We have a dozen house groups against 2 four years ago. The church is now predominantly Guinean. The challenges are therefore for us to be able to help all these new Christians to become Jesus’ disciples and to form new leaders. Weddings and Marriage We celebrated our first Christian wedding in Koukoudé. Since then, we have celebrated 6 weddings in 2 years. This is a main challenge for a lot of our young Christians who have to get their…
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06Nov 2014 by Nigel Ring

Guinea Update – Pt 1

Guinea, News, Poor
For many Guinea in West Africa was an unknown nation until recent weeks. Now with the outbreak of ebola it has become headline news across the world. But there has been a Newfrontiers church in Guinea for many years, originating out of the civil war in the 90s and early part of this millennium in neighbouring Sierra Leone which caused many to flee across the border to avoid the fighting. Some will know Nicolas and Elaine Thebault from Newfrontiers leadership events. I have recently received a Newsletter which I shall post in slightly edited form over the next few weeks. Nicolas writes... It has been two and a half years since we have sent a newsletter. Since the Brighton conference finished (Together on a Mission) we have lost contact with many of…
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16Jul 2014 by Nigel Ring

Multi-dimensional Poverty Index (MPI)

Equipping, Poor, Poverty Reduction
A new Index For many years one basis on which poverty is assessed has been people living on less than $1.25 or $2 per day. But this is a very ‘blunt’ way of measuring poverty as the value of $2 varies from one economy to another and also finance is not the only measure of real poverty. Recently I joined a live-stream seminar organised by the Overseas Development Institute in the UK which launched a new Multi-dimensional Poverty Index (MPI). This does not replace the economic one with which we are familiar but complements it. To me this made a lot of sense since it is far more indicative of the life issues that really define poverty. It has been developed in the Oxford Department of International Development, part of Oxford…
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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!…
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27May 2014 by Nigel Ring

Drought of death in Turkana

Kenya, News, Poor, Relief and Development
Not yet halfway through the drought... A few weeks ago I publicised the drought that was being experienced in Turkana, North Kenya, together with the impact Edward Buria and the Newfrontiers churches were making to help in alleviating the situation. I have just received this update. The situation continues to be very serious. No rain is expected until October, at the earliest, so on-going help is needed for at least another 6 months. The fund is still open. If you wish to make a donation contact  paul.wright@tkc.org.uk of the Kings Church, Mid-Sussex who is coordinating the appeal. Edward's Report 'Drought of death in Turkana' is the only way I can describe the on-going and prolonged drought in Turkana that set in a famine not witnessed in the last 70 years.…
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