30Aug 2011 by Nigel Ring

Helping foreigners and strangers – pt 2

Asylum seekers, Equipping, Poor
Having introduced us to the ministry of the Boaz Trust and how it seeks to assist those who are disempowered, the Boaz team now discuss the matter of funding and share about some of the fruit of the ministry. Funding Boaz has three main areas that require regular funding: The maintenance and running costs of the housing programme Day-to-day clients' expenses Staffing Our funding comes from a variety of sources. We are grateful that a number of Charitable Trusts have chosen to support our work including Cross Pollinate Foundation. We have benefitted from two large donations from them in the past which have enabled us to expand the project. We have run campaigns for regular givers to fund our food parcels, and were able to develop this by encouraging supporters…
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23Aug 2011 by Nigel Ring

Helping foreigners and strangers – pt 1

Asylum seekers, Equipping, Poor
The Bible has much to say about welcoming foreigners and strangers into our midst. Over the next few weeks I reproduce a report printed in my recently released manual of good practice, The Poor deserve the Best (see side panel), showing how a team in Manchester are bringing practical expression to this Biblical injunction. Boaz Trust The Boaz Trust is a Christian charity which was founded in 2004 in response to the growing problem of destitution amongst refused asylum seekers in Greater Manchester, in the North West of England, UK. Aim The ultimate aim of Boaz is to work towards ending destitution amongst asylum seekers in the UK, particularly in Greater Manchester, by: Providing accommodation and other essentials for life Promoting justice for asylum seekers and refugees Campaigning for changes…
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17Aug 2011 by Nigel Ring

Starving baby – a letter from Edward Buria

Kenya, News, Poor, Relief and Development
The famine situation in Kenya worsens daily. There is no likelihood of rain before October/November. Assuming there is then sufficient rain for planting seed food will not be available before March. This heartfelt cry comes from Edward. My Dear Friends, I am sure you are receipt of my latest report on the ongoing Drought/Famine Crisis being experienced in Kenya and number of Countries in Horn of Africa (see Newfrontiers website). Further to that report, I have had more serious encounters with so many people who are battling the effects of the drought/famine. This is why I have decided to share with you the very latest reports on the same. When I saw this child I concluded that the situation can not get any worse! A child like this represents millions of the…
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16Aug 2011 by Nigel Ring

Development from a Christian perspective – Pt 9. Examples of excellence – Jubilee Health Centre pt 3

Equipping, Good Practice, Health, Poor, South Africa
We have been visiting the Jubilee Health Centre in Cape Town. Now Dr Caryn Wilson, who leads the ministry, concludes her day in the life of the Clinic and shares some of the key features which define this successful ministry. "The midwife reports back from a home visit to a tiny premature baby and her mom, frustrated at the lack of medical progress. We assure her that her care has meant much to this mother and infant, both visibly happy and thriving, as evidence. We explain how we have learned that we minister out of who we are, not what we do, and that we impart what is in our hearts. Love is the greatest truth and ultimate goal. And love always wins. Touch often speaks louder than words. And…
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09Aug 2011 by Nigel Ring

Development from a Christian perspective – Pt 8. Examples of excellence – Jubilee Health Centre pt 2

Equipping, Good Practice, Health, Poor, South Africa
In the last blog we began to hear about the Jubilee Health Centre in Cape Town and to see how the ministry holds prayer and team relationships central to their activities. Caryn continues to tell us about a day in the life of the Centre. "You may feel somewhat overwhelmed at this point. But relax; the chaos is ordered. You'll notice team members interspersed among the waiting patients, chatting and maybe helping them fill in a form. Someone is making tea. Two consulting rooms are filled with a nurse or student, and volunteer and patient, with possibly a relative in tow. On entering, beaming children run straight to the toy boxes, playing with what they find (the problem is not getting them into these rooms, but rather getting them out!).…
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01Aug 2011 by Nigel Ring

Development from a Christian perspective – Pt 7. Examples of excellence – Jubilee Health Centre pt 1

Equipping, Good Practice, Health, Poor, South Africa
We will now return to the series on Development from a Christian perspective. In my recent book The Poor deserve the Best (see panel at side) I conclude with examples of ministries which I consider display excellence from around the world and across the development sectors. I would like to share some of these over the coming weeks to inspire you and demonstrate why development work carried out in and through the church is particularly effective. I shall begin with the Jubilee Health Centre from the Jubilee Community Church in Cape Town, lead by Dr Caryn Wilson who wrote this contribution. It will be in three parts. "Summer in Cape Town is festive, with Christmas celebrations thrown in for good measure. I'd so enjoyed the holiday, a much-appreciated rest from…
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