16Jan 2012 by Nigel Ring

New Year, New Season, New Opportunity

Books, Good Practice, Kenya, News, Poor, Relief and Development
This is my first posting since before Christmas. I hope you had a good break and were able to celebrate the coming of Jesus to Earth for our sakes. Also, that you have entered the New Year full of hope and expectation! The past month There have been two significant events in my life in the last month. First, the Newfrontiers office in Hove closed just before Christmas. All enquiries should now be referred to David Devenish's office in Bedford (ddoffice@swissmail.org). Second, I have just returned from Kenya. I was there to monitor what is happening through Newfrontiers churches to assist with alleviation of shortages of food and water caused by the long drought they have been experiencing over the last 12 months. They are doing well but I heard…
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04Dec 2011 by Nigel Ring

Kenya Crisis Update and Appeal

Kenya, News, Poor, Relief and Development
The most severe crisis of drought and famine that has been faced by the Horn of Africa for over half a century has now been impacting several nations for over one year. Our involvement with churches in Kenya has enabled a crisis fund, currently standing at £230,000, to be channelled direct to places of the most severe need through this network of churches in the tribal semi-arid desert regions of Samburu and Turkana.  Particularly it has been possible to meet people's needs in their communities thus removing the added trauma of having to relocate to Relief Camps with all the attendant challenges and risks. Recently Edward Buria, who brings oversight to the Newfrontiers churches in Kenya, spoke to us on video. Through this you will see that rain has now…
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20Oct 2011 by Nigel Ring

Equipping conferences in November – Debt and Homelessness

Equipping, Finance, Good Practice, News, Poor
Both Debt and Homelessness are two major problems in these days of recession and many churches are becoming involved in helping people in their localities. We, in Newfrontiers, are privileged to have two highly experienced long-standing networks which are eager to equip other churches to serve those who are affected by these two social issues. Debt Advice Community Money Advice was birthed in the Newfrontiers church in Burgess Hill. It now represents a network of about 100 centres across the UK, both within Newfrontiers and among other Christians. Envision, the annual CMA conference, will be held at HTB in London November 4th - 5th. This provides an ideal opportunity for those considering starting a debt advice ministry to understand what is involved, how to access training etc. You can book…
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05Oct 2011 by Nigel Ring

Kenyan drought/famine – update

Kenya, News, Poor, Relief and Development
Help still urgently needed In the last 9 months Newfrontiers churches have been able to contribute nearly £200,000 to help Edward Buria and his team, who are based in Meru, in their endeavours to provide relief through his churches into the communities in Kenya during this time of severe famine. I am breaking into my series on Building Effective Teams as Edward has recently sent me this update. There is still a tremendous need for funds as the earliest that there will be food harvested locally will be March 2012. Until then the population will rely on outside help. Is your church able to help with a special offering? First, have a look at the average rainfall in the affected areas and picture how 'on the edge' these people are…
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05Oct 2011 by Nigel Ring

Kenyan drought/famine – update

Kenya, News, Poor, Relief and Development
Help still urgently needed In the last 9 months Newfrontiers churches have been able to contribute nearly £200,000 to help Edward Buria and his team, who are based in Meru, in their endeavours to provide relief through his churches into the communities in Kenya during this time of severe famine. I am breaking into my series on Building Effective Teams as Edward has recently sent me this update. There is still a tremendous need for funds as the earliest that there will be food harvested locally will be March 2012. Until then the population will rely on outside help. Is your church able to help with a special offering? First, have a look at the average rainfall in the affected areas and picture how 'on the edge' these people are…
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06Sep 2011 by Nigel Ring

Helping foreigners and strangers – pt 3

Asylum seekers, Equipping, Poor
Having been introduced to the ministry in practice, and having discussed some of the elements related to care and support, the team from Boaz Trust now share some of the lessons learned over the 7 years since the ministry began. Lessons As a charity pioneering a completely new work, we have had many lessons to learn: We have had to reinforce the initial aims of Boaz with measured procedural planning which must facilitate rather than replace a flexible compassionate response to emergencies. We must stay focused. Our chief aim is to accommodate those who are without accommodation or means of support. Whilst many other needy people come to Boaz for help, they must not take priority over our long waiting list of truly destitute people. Volunteers, as well as clients,…
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