Tear Times Autumn 2013

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times tear Autumn 2013 Be part of a miracle | www.tearfund.org ANNIVERSARY EDITION INSIDE: Bangladesh building collapse • Syria conflict • campaign success AMAZING THINGS THANKS TO YOU 45

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Tearfund's magazine bringing you the latest about our work in the field. Featuring articles on the Bangladesh building collapse, Syria update, IF campaign success and 45 amazing things thanks to you!

Transcript of Tear Times Autumn 2013

Page 1: Tear Times Autumn 2013

timestearAutumn 2013

Be part of a miracle | www.tearfund.org

ANNIVERSARY EDITION

INSIDE: Bangladesh building collapse • Syria conflict • campaign success

AMAZING THINGS THANKS TO YOU

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t’s been an absolute privilege puttingtogether this edition of Tear Times. A fewmonths ago, I sent out messages across

Tearfund asking people to gather and sendme stories celebrating our work this year. I was inundated with incredible life-changing testimonies of how your gifts,prayer and actions are transforming thelives of individuals, families, churches andcommunities – even nations.In this issue – and over in the Prayer Diary– you will find 45 amazing things to markTearfund’s 45th anniversary. (We started in 1968.) Tearfund’s work spans manycountries, continents, ages and issues, from disaster relief work in Syria, campaigninghere in the UK to self-help groups in Ethiopia. But the central figure uniting ourwork is Jesus.He is not only our inspiration for the big picture: he’s there in the detail, theeveryday nuts and bolts of our work. In my five years at Tearfund, I’ve visited projectsin Asia, Africa, Latin America and here in the UK. And, again, the single characteristic I can identify in all our partners, staff and projects is a passion for Jesus – a desire togrow in relationship with him and to put that passion into life-transforming actionamong the poorest people on earth.We start this journey on page 8 in a small church community in Cambodia that I visited earlier this year. They are just startingto seek out ways to lift themselves out ofpoverty, thanks to your support for Tearfund.It’s a small – but just as amazing – first step...

Peter Shaw, [email protected]/TearTimes

Copyright © Tearfund 2013. All rights reserved. Permission is granted for the reproduction of text from this publication for Tearfund promotional use only. For all other uses, please contact us.

Cover image: Gneam from Tonle Batie, Cambodia Ralph Hodgson/Tearfund

welcome

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Editor: Peter Shaw News Editor: Mark Lang Design: Premm Design Print: Red & Green Marketing Ltd

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TearfundWe are Christians passionate about the local church bringing justice and transforming lives – overcoming global poverty.And so our ten-year vision is to see 50 million people released from material and spiritual poverty through a worldwidenetwork of 100,000 local churches.We can support you if you want to encourage your church and others to get involved with Tearfund. And if you have

any questions, we’d be delighted to talk to you.

Jesus is not only ourinspiration for the bigpicture: he’s there in thedetail, the everyday nutsand bolts of our work.

Peter surrounded by children in Tonle Batie,Cambodia.

Ralph Hodgson/Tearfund

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CONTENTS4 News – DRC appeal latest, and updates from

across the world

8 Heartbreaking need matched by boundlesshope – the amazing story of Gneam fromCambodia

16 Worldview – a big leap forward in Cambodia

28 Why I have hope for the Democratic Republicof Congo – interview with Christine Karumba

30 A child abducted, a mother who feelspowerless – the devastating effect of childtrafficking in India

31 ‘For I was hungry and you gave me somethingto eat’ – tackling poverty on our doorsteps

12 45 AMAZING THINGS, THANKS TO YOU– how you have changed the world this year

Despite brutal experiences in her past, Gneam from Tonle Batie, Cambodia, has new hope for the future.

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‘Your generosity is a great source

of hope.’Christine Karumba,

DRC

Ralph Hodgson/Tearfund

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19 45 AMAZING THINGS, THANKS TO YOU– more incredible stories from this year 45

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‘The church ishelping me tohelp myself.’

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housands more people in theDemocratic Republic of Congo (DRC)will receive Tearfund’s life-saving help

thanks to an amazing response to theemergency appeal following renewed fighting.For more than a year, clashes in the east ofthe country between the Congolese army andan armed group called M23 have caused a massexodus of civilians from their communities. The eastern regions of DRC remain extremelyvolatile despite the 2013 peace agreement.More than 25 armed groups are still active inthis part of the country.Around 3 million Congolese have beendisplaced and are showing incredibleresilience, often surviving without adequatefood – having lost household possessions and livelihoods.In June, Tearfund launched an emergencyappeal for the DRC, to enable our staff andpartners to provide more emergencyessentials. This is so we can give longer-termhelp, for example by supplying tools, seedsand training to farmers – and improve accessto clean water and sanitation.Thanks to your continuing generosity, we willbe able to support more people like ColetteMolassi. Her husband was killed in the conflict,

leaving Colette with four children to bring up.As well as giving Colette seeds so she canstart growing crops again, we've given hertraining in better farming techniques andnutrition, which will have a lasting impact onthe family whatever their future.‘I feel motivated to continue planting seedsand using the knowledge that Tearfund hasgiven me to provide for my children’s future,’says Colette. ‘We are so thankful to God andto Tearfund for helping us through thesedifficult times.’ Your support means we can also continue thislife-changing work with more people likeBiamungu Kipenduka. Biamungu, aged 50,walked for days to escape fighting that washeading for his village and ended up living indire conditions for four months before it wassafe to go back.He and his six children returned to find theirhome had been burnt down and possessionslooted. Tearfund provided replacementhousehold items and seeds so he could startgrowing crops again.Please support the people of DRC – there’sstill time to make a donation to our emergencyappeal at www.tearfund.org/congo

Richard Hanson/Tearfund

Thanks to your generosity, we are distributing seeds and other essentials to struggling families in the DRC.

You haven’t forgotten theDemocratic Republic of CongoThank you for supporting our DRC appeal

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NEWS

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ore than 2,700 families receivedemergency support from Tearfundfollowing early monsoon flooding in

India which claimed nearly 600 lives and leftaround 3,000 people missing.The Himalayan state of Uttarakhand borethe brunt of the damage in June aftermudslides and flash floods destroyed homes,

swept away roads, ruined crops and disruptedwater supplies.Tearfund partners provided food, kitchenutensils, household items and hygiene kits, insome cases travelling for long periods on footover difficult terrain to reach cut-offcommunities.Our partner Eficor helped 2,160 familieswith emergency aid in Rudraprayag andChamoli districts. The Emmanuel HospitalAssociation helped 600 vulnerable families inTehri Garhwal district, providing relief aiditems, including rice, salt, oil, sugar, milkpowder, pots, pans, pressure cookers, soap,blankets and plastic sheeting.Tearfund partner staff also ran medicalcamps which treated more than 1,000patients in two districts, dealing with skininfections, respiratory problems and physicalinjuries. Please pray for families who havebeen affected.

Made homeless in the floods, Ramesh receivedemergency food for his family from Tearfund partners.

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Thank you for supporting familiesdevastated by the floods in India

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Half of Syria will need emergency supportTen million Syrians – half the population –will need humanitarian help by the end ofthis year because of the continuing civilwar. This worrying forecast from the UN isincluded in a report which states thatabout 2 million people have fled toneighbouring countries.But thanks to your generous donations toour appeal, Tearfund partners are supplyingfood to people within Syria. We are alsosupporting refugees in Lebanon and Jordanby providing financial help withaccommodation as well as food, hygiene kits,mattresses and blankets. We’ve also helpedset up a pre-school in Jordan offeringpsychosocial support to Syrian refugeechildren who have experienced trauma.The UN estimates that more than100,000 people have died since fighting

broke out between the government forcesof President Bashar al-Assad and oppositiongroups. See page 24 for more details abouthow we have supported the people of Syriathis year.

A Syrian family who have fled to Lebanon because of the conflict.

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ntrepreneurial volunteers Gordon andBrenda Wilkinson, together with theirfriend, Jon Toogood, have produced a

fantastic 2014 calendar to raise money for Tearfund.The Wilkinsons’ last enterprise, a cookerybook called Recipes for disaster... relief anddevelopment, raised an incredible £26,000 forTearfund. The Tearfund Supporters’ Calendar2014, entitled Lives Transformed, featuresamazing photos and stories from our workacross Africa, Asia and Latin America.Gordon says, ‘Rather than make a donation,we took note of the Parable of the Talents andput the money to work by printing thecalendar, which we hope will raise more than£5,000 for Tearfund.’

The calendar is available to buy from Created,Tearfund’s fair trade gift range, priced £5. You can order by phoning 0845 218 3960 or goonline and search for ‘calendar’ atwww.createdgifts.org

John Archer/Tearfund

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Volunteers Jon Toogood and Brenda and GordonWilkinson have produced a calendar to supportTearfund.

See livestransformed everyday of the year

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news

ove Beyond, a brand-new live musicalproduction performed by world-classartists from London’s West End, has

chosen Tearfund as its charity partner.Through stirring music and song, theproduction tells the incredible love story of theBible from beginning to end. Written andperformed by Christian artists, Love Beyond willbe touring major UK venues, starting at TheBrighton Centre on Sunday 13 October 2013.

The premiere gives Tearfund the opportunityto showcase a new film, and the audience willbe invited to give a text donation in theprogramme.Tabitha Webb from Love Beyond says, ‘We’redelighted to be partnering with Tearfund.They’re a visionary organisation, passionateabout delivering positive change for millions ofpeople around the world. There’s a seamlessconnection between the beautiful story of LoveBeyond and the reality of what Tearfund doesas a charity – it’s a joining together of the artsand practical compassion that lays out thestory of God's love for all to see.’For more details and to book tickets, visit

www.lovebeyondmusical.com – there’s alsoa promotional pack available for churches –contact [email protected] details.

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New stage musical tells the story of the Bible and supports Tearfund

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‘Roger is an inspiration. He lookedfor every opportunity to share hisstory, talk about Tearfund and raisemoney to transform lives.’

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PRAYER PULSEPrayer is the heartbeat of Tearfund

The success of the Enough FoodFor Everyone IF campaign: theG8 leaders listened and theircommitments included manythings that IF called for

Tearfund partner CASM inHonduras, which has won theprestigious NationalEnvironmental Award from its government

Brilliant news that the EuropeanParliament voted in newtransparency laws that covereverything that Tearfund’sUnearth the Truth campaign hasbeen calling for

GIVINGTHANKSFOR

PRAYING FOR

Latest prayer news atwww.tearfund.org/pray

An end to the suffering ofpeople in the DemocraticRepublic of Congo, where manyyears of conflict have causedthousands to flee their homesto live in camps

Peace in Syria that would bringan end to the frightening rise inthe number of people affectedby the conflict

Tearfund partners Eficor andEHA in India as they continue toprovide relief and support to thethousands of people affected bysevere floods in June

Roger’s incredible feet –a 1,000-mile trek forTearfund!Amazing Roger Colgate, 74, has completed anepic walk from John o'Groats to Land’s Endwhich lasted from May to mid-July, raisingmoney and awareness for Tearfund’s work withsome of the poorest people on earth.Roger, a member of All Hallows Church inTwickenham, decided to take on the 74-daychallenge, describing it as a ‘pilgrimage’ acrossthe country – raising a fantastic £3,113 forTearfund in the process.He soldiered on through 30mph gales, hail, snow storms and a heatwave. He wasserenaded by a bagpiper in Helmsdale... and fell out of bed thanks to a late-night firealarm in a hostel in Edinburgh. Roger suffered anumber of walking injuries including a stubbedtoe and swollen foot from a severed tendon.Rebecca Dyball, Tearfund Specialist VolunteerManager, who kept in contact with Rogerthroughout his long journey, says, ‘Roger is aninspiration. Even through the challenges, hecelebrated the choices he had and looked forevery opportunity to share his story, talk aboutTearfund and raise money to transform lives.’There is still time to show your support forRoger. To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/Roger-Colgate

Amazing Roger at the finish line in Land's End.

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Heartbreaking needmatched by boundless hope

TEN AMAZING NUMBERS THAT HAVE CHANGED THE WORLD THIS YEAR – THANKS TO YOU!

2 MILLION PEOPLE ...supported by Tearfund, through 260 Christian and local church partners, reducingdisaster risk, supporting people with HIV, helping people access water and sanitation,and making sure that people are food secure and that communities care for creation.

4545 AMAZING THINGSTHANKS TO YOU

‘It was both heartwarming and at the same time heartbreaking to meet thechildren and families who had benefited from Tearfund’s provision ofemergency goods, blankets, warm clothing and medical supplies. Heartwarmingto receive the embraces and long-held handshakes of gratitude. Heartbreakingto see how much more needed to be done.’ George Hoffman reporting fromCambodia in ‘Children of the Killing Fields’, Tear Times, Winter 1987

Words: Peter Shaw

When Tearfund founder George Hoffman visited Cambodia, crossing the Thaiborder, Gneam may have been somewhere nearby. Together with her husband andthree-year-old son, she had fled to the border to try to escape the brutal KhmerRouge regime under Pol Pot.

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Ralph Hodgson/Tearfund

hen I was with Gneam earlier thisyear, it was clear that the past forher is still an open wound – that

much was obvious from the tears streamingdown her face during church prayers. Sheoffered few details about the past, and itdidn’t feel appropriate to delve deeper. But Ifelt blessed that Gneam shared with me asmuch as she did.Gneam’s family’s attempted escape ended

tragically. Both her husband and her first childdied of starvation while hiding out in thefields. I can barely grasp what that must havebeen like, to lose the two people you heldmost dear – your life partner and only child.

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I wonder if those tears flowing were achingquestions: Why did I survive? Why was myfamily taken away from me? Why did I haveto endure this?These are the wounds that the loving God

whom Gneam now knows and follows isslowly, gently, beginning to heal. You can seethat in the joy that lights up Gneam’s facewhen she speaks of her beautiful saviour,Jesus Christ, and when she listens to Christianworship songs on her pocket radio.

The genocide generationSadly, Gneam’s story isn’t unique: it is theexperience of an entire generation inCambodia. The rule of Pol Pot’s Khmer Rouge in the 1970s resulted in a genocide which leftmore than 2 million people dead throughforced labour, starvation and torture.‘Heartbreaking to see how much more

needed to be done,’ observed GeorgeHoffman in 1987, as the brutality of theKhmer Rouge was beginning to abate. That’swhen Tearfund and our partners started tohave access to Cambodia, to find a

Gneam in her home, theback of a storeroom loanedto her by the church.

‘We don’t always haveenough food. But the churchhave started to help us. The church is teaching me to help myself.’

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population scarred not just in a physicalsense, but emotionally and spiritually too.Since then, Tearfund has been on a long-

term journey with the people of Cambodia.We first provided for emergency needs, andwe now work among the poorestcommunities to restore hope. We offer themthe physical, mental and spiritual tools theyneed to lift themselves out of poverty.

The church isn’t just giving Gneamsomewhere to live: they have givenher something to live for.

A new chapter in CambodiaThe church in Tonle Batie, where Gneam nowlives, is just starting a new chapter. It has anamazing opportunity not only to address thepoverty the congregation face, but also tooffer the same opportunity to the widercommunity starting in the next few months.When Gneam returned to her home town

alone, she found her land – a crucial source ofincome, stability and status – had been takenfrom her. Under Pol Pot, she was forced tomarry again, in a mass wedding ceremony for75 couples. She grew to love the new

husband who was chosen for her, and theyhad four children together. He died 12 yearsago in a motorbike accident.Gneam came to faith through the witness

of her sister and through a Christian medicalteam who operated on a tumour in herstomach. But two years ago, now in TonleBatie, she found herself in a desperatepredicament again. Without enough money topay rent, she became homeless, along withher youngest son, Bun.

Something to live for The local church in Tonle Batie refused to seeher left on the street, so they cleared out acorner of the church storehouse whereGneam has a bed and can keep her clothesand belongings. It’s basic accommodation, butit is safe and provides good shelter for them.Gneam enjoys being at the heart of the

church community, helping keep the buildingsand grounds clean, setting up the church hallfor the Sunday service.But the church isn’t just giving her

somewhere to live: they have started to giveGneam something to live for. Now she’s 65and, for the majority of her adulthood, lifehas been a daily struggle for acceptance,protection and food. Now, a new opportunity

Pastor Ke Pich (left) is helping local families in Tonle Batie, Cambodia, to farm more sustainably.

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TEN AMAZING NUMBERS

8,000 MORE LOCAL CHURCHES ...mobilised by Tearfund in the UK and overseas this year – thousands morechurches inspired to take action to address the needs of poor, vulnerable andmarginalised people within their communities.

is opening up in the village, where the pastor,Ke Pich, has been trained by Tearfund partnerInternational Cooperation Cambodia.

Thank you for many years of helpKe Pich has launched an initiative called Umoja(see the box below for details). It’s a processwhere the community come together and readthrough passages of the Bible, which helpsthem to identify the problems they all face intheir own lives. Then, they work out whatresources they already have as a community so that they can start to use them to besteadily, sustainably, released from poverty.‘We don’t always have enough food,’ says

Gneam. ‘But the church have started to help us.The church is teaching me to help myself.’These simple words convey a newdetermination in Gneam, a hope that shefeared lost in the fields when her first husbandand infant son died. But hope was already onits way across the border, brought by Tearfundand George Hoffman.More than 30 years later, thanks to the

dedicated support of people like you, hope hasreached Gneam. And as George Hoffman wouldhave agreed – a man who never shied awayfrom revealing the reason for the hope we have– the change that is coming is because of Jesusand his followers bringing the good news tooutcast, forgotten and damaged people. That’sthe most amazing thing that Tearfund has beenprivileged to do in this, our 45th year, andindeed every year – thanks to your gifts, yourprayers and your actions.

Recent developments in Tonle BatieIn the last few months, Pastor Ke Pich has setup a savings and credit group for 21 people,who have to save at least 500 riel (around 8p)each week. The group meet weekly after

church, with the aim of saving up to financeeducation or micro-enterprise. The pastor alsorecently led a parenting skills course and wantsto organise transport so that mothers withyoung children can attend church. Please complete the form between pages

8 and 9 to give regularly to support peoplelike Gneam.

The wider community in Tonle Batie, such as Sina andher baby son Den, could benefit from Umoja.

What is Umoja?Using Bible studies and interactive activities,churches are encouraged to develop a visionto reach out to their communities. Theycome to see that the challenges in theircommunities need to be met with their ownresources. Then, they go out and invite therest of the community to get involved. They‘dream dreams’ together and plan projectsto make those dreams a reality. A school, aclinic, a telephone mast, a well – whatever itis, the church and the community worktogether to see real change happen.

For more details, visitwww.integralmission.net/umoja

Ralph Hodgson/Tearfund

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Thank you for beingpart of the wonderfulIF campaign

It’s a scandal that one in eight peoplegoes hungry in a world with enoughfood for all. This year, the Enough Foodfor Everyone IF campaign brought theend of hunger a step closer, and peoplelike you and the UK church were a keypart of it. Together, we stood up againstthe injustice of hunger.

Words: Ben Niblett Photos: Clive Mear/Tearfund

t my first IF campaign event, a womansaid, ‘I love it when Christians areknown by what we’re for, not what

we’re against.’ So do I.Or as Elaine Storkey, Tearfund’s President,

put it at our Belfast G8 launch, ‘We have aresponsibility to stand up for poor people andrecognise God’s call for justice. It’s saturatedthroughout the Bible, particularly theprophets and the psalms, as well as theteaching of Jesus.’More than 200 groups joined the IF campaign

and together we showed this is still a generouscountry, even in hard times. Churches andpeople like you across the UK prayed, reflected,signed postcards, sent emails, invited MPs forlunch, displayed banners, attended rallies, drew

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pictures on paper plates... and much morebesides. It was hugely inspiring.I will treasure the memory of turning people

away from the full-to-capacity London G8church service only to see them holding theirown service on the green outside.

‘I love it when Christians areknown by what we’re for, not what we’re against.’

What IF achievedAt the G8 summit in Fermanagh, the key targetof the campaign, David Cameron focused ontax, transparency and development. Just as weasked him to.The eight world leaders made a great step

towards stopping multinational firms avoidtax in poor countries. This matters becausepoor countries lose in tax-dodging about

Tearfund supporters get behind the IF campaign at theHyde Park rally in London.

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three times what they gain in aid. On thesummit’s sidelines, governments promised anextra £2.8 billion to fight malnutrition, whichshould save 1.7 million children’s lives.The leaders repeated rich countries’ promise

to provide US$100 billion a year to help poorcountries cope with climate change – but it’sfrustrating they still haven’t agreed where themoney will come from.Outside the summit, another highlight was

the united IF church service in Enniskillen, withPresbyterian, Methodist, Anglican, RomanCatholic and other leaders remaining true totheir traditions but working together.

Thank you for all your prayers and actions in the IF campaign. It’s been wonderful.

Life after IF...As the IF campaign draws to a close, please visitwww.tearfund.org/IF to find out more aboutwhat we’ve achieved, and what else we can do.Different member organisations from the IFcoalition will keep up the pressure around eachpromise resulting from the campaign.Tearfund is campaigning against corruption,

working with the church across the world.Next November, Australia hosts the G20group of world leaders. The church in

Australia, and elsewhere, wants our helpgetting a G20 agreement to ensure oil, gasand mining companies publish what they payto governments, as we’ve just done at the EU(see page 22). Once payments are public, corruption is less

likely and poor communities are more likely togain from the wealth beneath their feet. ‘BigAustralian companies work here in Malawi, sothis could be very helpful for us,’ says HendrixDzama from Tearfund’s Malawi office. Thankyou for all your prayers and actions in the IFcampaign. It’s been wonderful. Please keep upthe pressure by joining us atwww.tearfund.org/campaigns

TEN AMAZING NUMBERS

1.4 MILLION MESSAGES...sent to the G8 as part of theEnough Food For Everyone IFcampaign. Thank you that some50,000 of those messages were fromTearfund supporters like you – we werepart of a coalition of 208 organisationswhich supported IF.

4,600 (MOSTLY YOUNG) PEOPLE ...signed up to Rhythms this year,a digital project that encouragespeople to engage in small, regularactions in their everyday lives. Manythousands of you across the UK havetaken small, significant ‘actions’. For details, visit www.rhythms.org

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FLUSHING AWAY

POVERTY‘Wouldn’t it be wonderful if wecould twin every loo in every church in the UK?’Anna Bishop, Associate Minister at All Souls,Langham Place, London, laid down thischallenge at the start of 2013. All Souls hasgenerously twinned all 14 of its loos.

‘Isn’t that a wonderful thing!’Radio 2 presenter Chris Evans said this aboutToilet Twinning on his breakfast show, after alistener texted in about the scheme during afeature on ‘twinning’.

‘I don’t need to pay for medicine so much now: that money I use forschool fees. I don’t waste money on disease now.’ Cadness Bankweise is grateful that Tearfundpartner the Diocese of Kigezi in Uganda taughther community how to build latrines. Since shebuilt her loo, her children have not sufferedfrom diarrhoea.

‘The Toilet Twinning materialhighlighted, in an educational andentertaining way, the link betweenpoverty, sanitation and health.’Helen Gettings, Senior Tutor at Manchester’sLoreto College, said this when her studentsraised £2,220 to twin all 37 of their college loos.

‘It really, really moved me that we were spending several thousandpounds on fresh water just forswimming, when people don’t even have basic sanitation.’Karen Duane, who runs SpringboardSwimmers club, said building a new pool atStanley Primary School, Teddington, made herstop and think about water supply worldwide.The club has twinned a school toilet.

Five little stories making a big difference throughToilet Twinning

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One of Cadness Bankweise’s children washes her handsafter using the family latrine.

Twin your toilet now!To find out more about Toilet Twinningand how you can link your loo, visitwww.toilettwinning.org or call 0300 321 3217.

TEN AMAZING NUMBERS

352 OF YOU……went overseas with Tearfundtrips this year to to gain firsthandexperience and understanding ofpoverty and how Tearfund operates. For details on how you can travel withTearfund, visit www.tearfund.org/go

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We all believe in working together to get the best outcome, that’s why we’ve been talking to like-minded companies. Fortunately we’re all on the same page, so now, when you switch your electricity supply to Ecotricity, they’ll make a nice, generous donation to Tearfund. Now that’s worth having a chat over.

What’s more, they’ve promised to double their donation on every sign up before 31 October 2013.

Call Ecotricity on 08000 302 302 or visit www.tearfund.org/hilda to sign up.

If only John and Hilda had taken time to talk outfits before the photoshoot.

Registered Charity No. 265464 (England and Wales)Registered Charity No. SC037624 (Scotland) 31008-(0813)

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worldview

Tearfund photographer Ralph Hodgson says, ‘Sometimes, my camera sees

more than I do. This is Seng from Tonle Batie, Cambodia, jumping over a

rubber rope. The shutter, freezing motion at 1,000th of a second, has

caught the moment the rope has snagged, making the dramatic Z shape.

His triumphant expression and thrown-back arm mirror perfectly the

pose of an Olympic athlete – which echoes the new hope the community

have, thanks to the church supporting them to grow more food.’

Photo: Ralph Hodgson/Tearfund

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Created offers a range of beautiful, ethical gifts – from homeware to children’s toys, jewellery to Christmas cards and decorations.

You can also order online, or request a catalogue, at www.createdgifts.org or by calling 0845 218 3960.

‘Joy’ candleholder p.60 – £17.50‘Love’ word stone (one of five) p.20 – £15‘Hope’ bookmark (set of two) p.58 – £6.50‘World’ box p.17 – £12

Bring to those

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TEN AMAZING NUMBERS

27 THEOLOGICAL CONFERENCES ...and events instigated by Tearfundaround the world this year. In 15 of these, we helped to make surethat releasing people from povertythrough the local church was a key part of the programme.

4545 AMAZING THINGSTHANKS TO YOU

Christmas cracker AndyOver the past 20 years, Andy Rayner fromSuffolk has written and produced a series ofconcerts performed by local schoolchildren.Andy works alongside the schools toencourage them to get involved and producesDVDs and CDs to sell, with all the proceedsdonated to Tearfund. Last December’sconcerts raised an amazing £51,000.

Beth's brilliant petitionBeth, 19, who’s a Tearfund EmergingInfluencer, started a petition, Put Thirst First,to ask the UK government to keep its promiseto provide access to clean drinking water andbasic hygiene education, and to improveaccess to effective sanitation for 60 millionpeople by 2015. She encouraged friends,university and church to get involved. So far,brilliant Beth has collected 1,500 signatures.

Birthday generosityOn 4 February this year, one of our supporters– who wanted to remain anonymous – told usshe celebrated her 71st birthday. She wentinto work that day – which she doesn’tusually do on her birthday. And, instead ofkeeping her earnings, she decided to give theday’s wage to Tearfund, saying, ‘We areblessed with 11 gorgeous grandchildren, so Iwanted to give to Tearfund, who do amazingwork with children.’

Five encouraging stories from you – our fabuloussupporters and volunteers

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Andy Rayner (second from left) has raised tens ofthousands of pounds for Tearfund producing Christmasconcerts.

Amazing seller JennyJenny from Bangor in Northern Ireland hasbeen a dedicated seller of fairly traded goodsthrough Tearfund’s Created range. Over thelast ten years, she has sold £150,000 ofCreated products, consistently selling arounda quarter of all goods bought in NorthernIreland. We’ve calculated that Jenny's earningsalone keep seven artisans in employment.

Ben's spare penniesWe also want to say thanks to Ben from Mold,North Wales. He’s 17 and has DuchenneMuscular Dystrophy and learning difficulties.He draws great satisfaction from collecting hisspare change and giving what he can toTearfund through his church representative.Over the past few years, amazing Ben hascollected more than £20 for Tearfund – we treasure every penny.

Lindsey Holley

The efforts of Created seller Jenny, from Bangor,supports seven artisans.

You areamazing too!

NO.6

Page 20: Tear Times Autumn 2013

20 autumn 2013 teartimes

Bangladesh building collapse:

the hidden story

n the morning of 24 April, a nine-storey building collapsed, with anestimated 3,000 people inside. The

Rana Plaza in Dhaka housed five garmentfactories, a bank and several stores before ittoppled. This was the worst building collapsein Bangladesh’s history. The final death tollstands at 1,127.Prince* Elison Baidya was at his desk when

he received an emergency phone call fromthe fire service, informing him of the disasterand calling on him for help. Prince isProgramme Organiser for the MobilisingChurch in Community EarthquakePreparedness Program (MCCEP) – an initiativeof Tearfund’s partner, Koinonia. So he was in aunique position to gather volunteers. Within15 minutes, he had assembled 12 of themand they were all at the scene.One of those volunteers was electrical

engineering student Flabian. ‘I was shockedand tears were rolling down my cheeks,silently watching the devastation,’ saysFlabian. The building had entirely collapsed.But, thanks to their training, the group knewwhat to do…‘We started to make holes from the top floor

and tried to bring out many victims and deadbodies from the debris,’ says Prince. ‘Many ofthem were trapped under the pillar and roof

O so they lost their arms and legs.’ The teamused their hands and portable equipment. They couldn’t use heavy equipment: the risk of a further collapse was high.

‘I feel very proud that I saved manylives and am thankful to Tearfundpartner Koinonia.’

Lives saved thanks to your supportOver the next five days, the group – trainedby the fire service as part of the MCCEP –worked alongside fire officers and the army,helping to save an incredible 2,535 people.

* A popular Indian name, not a royal!

TEN AMAZING NUMBERS

1.6 MILLION PEOPLE directly supported by Tearfundthrough our emergency projectsin Darfur, South Sudan, the DemocraticRepublic of Congo, Afghanistan andHaiti this year. Thank you for enablingus to respond directly to disasterswhere needs are overwhelming.

Harrowing images from Rana Plaza, Bangladesh, were flashed across the world. But at the same time, unseen and overlooked, an amazing thing was happening.Thanks to your support, volunteers trained by a Tearfund partner set to workrescuing from the rubble many hundreds of survivors. This is the untold story of 13 amazing Christians who helped save 2,535 lives...

Words: Helen Crawford

4545 AMAZING THINGSTHANKS TO YOU

NO.7

Page 21: Tear Times Autumn 2013

‘I feel very proud that I saved many livesand am thankful to [Tearfund partner]Koinonia and the fire service – that theyallowed and selected me to join with thisrescue work,’ says Flabian. Other churchmembers contributed towards the effort,providing food, water, medicine and portable equipment to ensure the rescueoperation continued.‘Before starting our MCCEP, the church

action was limited to activity amongcongregations,’ Prince says. ‘But now we have come out from those barriers and weare dedicated to showing the love of JesusChrist among the community. They savedmany lives.’It’s regular gifts from supporters like you

that have enabled Koinonia to offer trainingto volunteers and churches, helping Christiansin Bangladesh serve their community wherethe need is greatest. God’s church,strengthened and mobilised, is ready.

'We are dedicated to showing the love of Jesus Christ among the community.'

teartimes autumn 2013 21

The Daily Star, Bangladesh

Volunteers trained by Tearfund helped save 2,535 lives in Rana Plaza, Bangladesh.

FIVE SOUL-REFRESHINGQUOTES – No.1

'Every day I cried. I was hopelessand had no confidence. But thanksto Jesus, I now have confidence tofight against the wrong I've seen inthis world.'

Roopa, 20, from India, who was a victimof sex trafficking. Now rescued by thepolice, she is being helped by a Tearfundpartner and is an apprentice at one ofIndia’s most fashionable hair salons.

❝❞

Page 22: Tear Times Autumn 2013

4545 AMAZING THINGSTHANKS TO YOU

22 autumn 2013 teartimes

THANK YOU for unearthing the truth

he country is very, very rich – one of therichest in the world,’ says Isatu who runsa hotel in Freetown, Sierra Leone. She

knows her country is rich in natural resources.But she’s also acutely aware this wealth rarelybenefits ordinary citizens. And so aiddependency continues. ‘I feel embarrassed andannoyed that donors should come to feed us.We have everything.’In many resource-rich nations, secrecy and

corruption mean mineral wealth goes missing.Denied this revenue for essential services suchas schools and hospitals, many poorcommunities are locked in poverty.But people like you can change things. In

2011, Tearfund launched Unearth the Truth – acampaign to shine a light on corruption.

T Alongside churches across Europe, Tearfund hasbeen calling on the European Parliament toimplement strong transparency laws in the oil,mining and gas industries. Armed with theknowledge of what companies pay togovernments, people could hold leaders toaccount, and make sure money is invested intheir communities.

Huge impact of your prayers and supportSince we launched Unearth the Truth, theresponse from Christians like you has beenstaggering. Tearfund supporters have taken40,000 campaign actions, like signingpostcards or holding meetings with MPs.Along with your continued prayers, thesehave had a huge impact.

This victory has thepotential to unlockbillions of poundsto tackle poverty.

How your campaigning and prayers are bringing an end to corruption

Words: Melissa Lawson Photos: Jay Butcher/Tearfund

Page 23: Tear Times Autumn 2013

Last October, a key European Parliamentcommittee publicly backed all our campaigndemands. In the months that followed, UKpoliticians spoke favourably about clampingdown on corruption. David Cameron declaredthe need to tackle poverty at its roots in TheWall Street Journal, stating his support forgreater transparency laws.Entering 2013, we could have been

complacent. It seemed inevitable Unearth theTruth would secure victory in an EU vote inJanuary. But when voting was repeatedlypostponed, it looked like this historicopportunity was slipping away. In March, weasked you to pray with us that new laws wouldbe implemented without further delay. A fewmonths later, the good news came!

Victory for poor communitiesOn 12 June, the European Parliament voted in favour of new transparency laws that covereverything Unearth the Truth demanded. Now all EU-listed and large, privately ownedextractive companies registered in Europe mustpublish what they pay to foreign governments.With no exemptions. What’s brilliant is thatCanada has made similar promises, and G8countries have also committed to make sureextractive companies and governments publishwhat these companies pay.

This victory has the potential to unlock billionsof pounds to tackle poverty. Now citizens andchurches in resource-rich nations will be able to use these new laws to expose the paymentscompanies make for oil, gas and preciousminerals. Tearfund will continue to work withpartners to show communities how to take full advantage of these laws. Thanks to yourcampaigning and prayers, we have taken asignificant step in the fight against corruption.

teartimes autumn 2013 23

TEN AMAZING NUMBERS

75 MORE POLICIES AND PRACTICES CHANGED… …at local, national and international levels by Tearfund, our partners, allies andcoalitions this year. This included supporting partners and networks to help themdevelop advocacy campaigns.

FIVE SOUL-REFRESHINGQUOTES – No.2

‘I wanted to say thank you topeople up and down the countrywho were involved in the Tearfundcampaign, Unearth the Truth...Thank you very much for all yourhard work – it works!’

Jo Swinson, Minister for EmploymentRelations and Consumer Affairs in theUK’s Department for Business,Innovation and Skills, expressing hergratitude to all of you who campaignedas part of Unearth the Truth. Thecampaign led to new EU laws ontransparency.

Thanks to you,we've taken asignificant step infighting corruption.

❝❞

Thanks to you, workers in Sierra Leone will know how much oil, mining and gas companies pay to their governments.

NO.8

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4545 AMAZING THINGSTHANKS TO YOU

24 autumn 2013 teartimes

Joy of childhood restored to Syrian familiesWords: Peter Shaw

am trying to recall whether there has been atime or a place where I have heard so manymiracles and answers to prayer. I don’t think

there is,’ said Oenone Chadburn, Tearfund’sHead of Humanitarian Support, visiting localchurches in Lebanon who are providing supportto Syrians fleeing the conflict.You may be surprised to see Syria on our list

of the amazing things that have happened thisyear. The Syrian conflict has resulted in thedeath of more than 100,000 people and about2 million people are now refugees. The fightingseems intractable and the death toll continuesto rise relentlessly as livelihoods andinfrastructure are destroyed.

I But, as Christians, we believe that, even in the darkest places, God is still shining a light– and we have seen that light shining even inSyria. Your amazing generosity to Tearfund’sSyria Crisis appeal resulted in more than £2mfunding, plus further financial support from theDisasters Emergency Committee, which we areusing right now to assist some of the mostdesperate people in Syria and Syrians who havefled to surrounding countries.

Supporting traumatised childrenWe are thankful for all of you who gave. Here’sjust one little example: ‘I was sat at my deskwhen I heard the patter of small feet,’ says Jane

And

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Rob

inso

n/M

edai

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Thanks to your generous donations to our Syria appeal, Tearfund is providing pre-school education and traumacare to children caught up in the conflict.

‘I am trying to recall whether there has been a time or a place where Ihave heard so many miracles and answers to prayer. I don't think there is.’

Page 25: Tear Times Autumn 2013

Robertson who works in Tearfund’s NorthernIreland office. ‘A mum had brought her twosmall children, Bethany, aged seven, and Elysia,aged three, to give Tearfund their pocket moneyduring Lent – it came to around £10. Thechildren, from Christian Fellowship ChurchBelfast, told me they wanted to give it to Syria,which they had heard about on the news.’Thanks to Bethany, Elysia and people like you,

Tearfund partner Vision Hope International hasbeen able to provide pre-school education andtrauma care through play and art therapy to 90 children who have fled from Syria to Jordan.‘Vision Hope International is enabling thesechildren to experience the joy of childhoodonce again,’ says Morag Gillies, Tearfund’sCountry Representative for Syria.

‘Vision Hope International is enabling these children to experience the joy of childhood once again.’

Thank you for standing with Syrian familiesThrough our partner, The Lebanese Society forEducational and Social Development, yoursupport is providing vital food packages to3,500 people in Syria and Lebanon who havebeen forced to flee their homes. In Jordan, ourpartner, Medair, is funding accommodation forhundreds of Syrians in urgent need of shelterand security. Your generosity is also equipping a network of local churches in Jordan todistribute essential food and hygiene supplies,showing God’s love in action to 150 refugeefamilies each month.

Please continue to pray for the people in Syriacaught up in the conflict, those who have fledto neighbouring countries, and pray that leadersin Syria and across the world will work togetherto find a peaceful solution.Whatever happens, thanks to your outpouring

of prayer and giving, we will continue toprovide emotional support, food andaccommodation to displaced and distraughtSyrians. For more details of how we are helping,and for the latest prayer updates, visit:www.tearfund.org/syria

teartimes autumn 2013 25

TEN AMAZING NUMBERS

0.7% OF THE UK’S NATIONALINCOME PLEDGED IN AID… …for the very first time in history. This was first promised in 1970! In partnership with other organisations,we successfully lobbied for this – sothank you for your support and prayers.

‘I had misunderstood Christianity because I used to think Christians werejust trying to promote their religion. But now I know you are not promotingreligion – you are a society of nation-builders.’

Shankar Prasad Koirala, Nepal’s Government Finance and Industry Minister,speaking to a gathering of 1,000 people from different regions and denominationsrepresenting Christian Commitment for Building a New Nepal, a nationwidemovement to address poverty.

Janene Ware

Bethany, aged seven, and Elysia, aged three, gave theirpocket money over Lent to Tearfund's Syria appeal.

NO.9

FIVE SOUL-REFRESHING QUOTES – No. 3 ❝❞

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4545 AMAZING THINGSTHANKS TO YOU

26 autumn 2013 teartimes

TEN AMAZING NUMBERS

130,000 PEOPLE REACHED… …in East Africa, in Kenya, Ethiopia, Somaliland and Somalia this year, and a further75,000 people provided with emergency food aid in West Africa, supporting partners in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and Chad.

Turn to the Prayer Diary (enclosed with Tear Times) for 15 more amazing things that havehappened this year.

FIVE SOUL-REFRESHING QUOTES – No. 4 & No. 5

‘It is always inspiring when you see demonstrations of unity within the church,women of all ages, races, denominations, coming together to pray forZimbabwe. I am full of faith for the future of Zimbabwe.’

Priscilla Nyathi from the Tearfund team in Zimbabwe, inspired by the EvangelicalFellowship of Zimbabwe’s conference in February. It gathered together thousands ofwomen from different denominations to pray for Zimbabwe.

'For the first time in all my visits to Africa, I had come across somethingwhich has the capacity to change the face of communities and nations in alasting way, which is entirely sustainable without any external aid andintervention.'

Ian Parkinson, Regional Director for New Wine North & East, after visiting Tearfundpartners in Uganda, writing in New Wine magazine.

❝❞

AFTERWORDThank you for your amazing support thisyear. You prayed, you spoke out and yougave generously in answer to Jesus’ call.Poverty is widespread, complex andsystemic. But the answer is not to turn theother way, but to do what we can – toreach out with love to the people who mostneed support. That’s what you did this year,and this magazine is just a snapshot of theamazing things your determination hasachieved. God bless you.

Matthew FrostChief Executive

NO.10

Page 27: Tear Times Autumn 2013

Thank you for more lives transformedTearfund’s ten-year vision is to see 50 million people released from material and spiritual poverty through a worldwide network of 100,000 local churches.Seven years on...

175 POLICIES CHANGEDPolicies and practices changed at local,national and international levels resulting in transformation in the lives of poor andvulnerable people

7.6 million PEOPLE SUPPORTED FOLLOWING DISASTERS

People who can face the future positively,with hope, following natural or manmadedisasters – equipped with basic commodities,resources and skills

teartimes autumn 2013 27

75,000CHURCHES HAVE BEEN ENVISIONEDChurches living out faith in Jesus in everyaspect of life, recognising that people aremore than their hunger or despair – they are made in God’s image

17 million PEOPLE REACHED THROUGHCOMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTSPeople living in communities that candemonstrate longer-term positive changes to their livelihoods, health, relationships and natural environment

Last year was the seventh year in the ten-year vision we set in 2006. Thank you for thewonderful support you are continuing to giveTearfund, in these very testing economictimes, as we relentlessly pursue this vision.In 2012/13 our income dropped by just over£10.2m compared to the year before, mainlybecause there were fewer large-scale disasterswhich led to a reduction in appeal andgovernment income. Giving from individuals,churches and trusts remained steady. We givethanks for the many generous gifts in wills wehave received this past year.We are keeping a very tight rein on costsand constantly look for efficiencies andsavings wherever they can be made. We willcontinue to ensure that your money goes asfar as it possibly can to bring help and hopeto people in need.

Alison HopkinsonFinance Director

Report back on 2012-2013

INCOME

General donations £32.3m 54%

Government grants £18.6m 31%

Emergency appeals £7.1m 12%

Other income £2.0m 3%

TOTAL INCOME £60.0M

EXPENDITURE

Envisioning the global church £4.0m 6%

Developing communities £23.7m 39%

Changing unjust policies £2.3m 4%and practices

Responding to disasters £25.0m 41%

Total charitable activities £55.0m 90%

Fundraising and governance £6.1m 10%

TOTAL EXPENDITURE £61.1M

2012/13 IN FIGURES

annual review

Page 28: Tear Times Autumn 2013

28 autumn 2013 teartimes

Christine Karumba is Tearfund’s Deputy Country Director for the DemocraticRepublic of Congo (DRC). Previously, she worked for Women for WomenInternational, Cooperazione Italiana and Unicef. Born and raised in DRC, she livedthrough the 17-year conflict, during which time she spent four years as arefugee in Uganda. Christine has helped more than 8,000 women rebuild theirlives after what is considered the deadliest war in African history.

Q&A with Christine Karumba

DRC is still one of the most dangerouscountries to live in, particularly for women.Why do you feel called to live and work there?

This is my country. I was born in the DRC, grewup, studied here, and now I live and work here. I stay here because it’s where I feel I can makea difference. For four years, I lived in Uganda as

a refugee, but I knew that many women in myhome country were facing huge challengessuch as displacement and rape. I decided thatsomeone had to make a difference – to standalongside and on behalf of others. That pushedme to go back to my country. When I first wentback, I worked as a country director, but Iwanted to stay close to the reality of my

‘Why I have hope for theDemocratic Republic of Congo’Making a difference in one of the mostdangerous countries on earth

Michael O

wen/Tearfund

Christine Karumba visiting the UK for Tearfund's staff conference.

Interview: Peter Shaw

Page 29: Tear Times Autumn 2013

teartimes autumn 2013 29

country. It was shocking to find that so manywomen in similar circumstances to me hadbeen raped. Before the war, I never heard anywomen talking about rape.

‘I decided someone had tomake a difference – to standalongside others. That pushedme back to the DRC.’What signs of hope can you see in thecountry that a true peace can be achieved?

At a diplomatic level, we have seen some hopeof bringing the parties in conflict together, butalso external countries are starting to talkabout peace. It is not possible to resolve theconflict without the involvement of externalcountries because the roots of the conflict inDRC are beyond country level. If all theseparties come together and try to overcomethese problems at the roots, then I believethere is a hope for peace. Some of thesurrounding countries are starting to see theneed for a region-wide approach to ending theconflict. In February 2013, 11 countries signedup to a Peace, Security and Cooperation (PSC)Framework for the DRC and the region.Moreover, since December 2012 there havebeen talks in Kampala [capital of Uganda]between the M23 armed group and thegovernment. Talking about the deeper issues isa first step to a solution. If we don’t talk, thereis no hope, no way forward. What we need nowis for people to compromise, to let go of things,for the sake of peace. If there is compromise,we can expect peace everywhere, even in theGreat Lakes region – that’s my hope. I’d like tosay thank you to the many Tearfund supporterswho gave to the Eastern DRC Crisis appeal: thisgenerosity is a great source of hope too.

Do people in DRC believe there will be peace?

People are tired. People are really tired. Theconflict has been going on now for 17 years,and who has benefited? All we are doing isdestroying the infrastructure and social fabric.Tearing the country apart has no benefit foranyone. But now, I believe, we have an

Ralph Hodgson/Tearfund

opportunity, as a region, to move on now thata peace agreement has been signed.

How should we pray for the DemocraticRepublic of Congo?

We need to pray for people to have more love in their hearts for others, especially theleaders in DRC. If they have love, they canchange their ways and centre their decisionsmore on others. Selfishness and greed aredestroying lives in my country. But theleaders are people with families. They shouldbe asking themselves what they are living for.Are they here to live, love and leave a legacy?What legacy will they leave? So, we need topray that the regional leaders embody Christand his love for others. Please also pray forthe church to bring transformation – familiesand communities are a reflection of thechurch. We are members of the community.The church should carry out its calling andnot compromise the message of transformingpeople’s lives. If the church does this, we willbe really effective.

‘I’d like to say thank you to themany Tearfund supporters whogave to the Eastern DRC Crisisappeal: this generosity is agreat source of hope too.’

Geo

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reflection

even months ago, eight-year-old Raviwent missing – abducted from his villageat night. He hasn’t been seen since. His

mother, Kaushlya, says her son is a sweet boywho would play with his friends but alwayscame home to help with the cooking. Sheknows who took her son, and believes Ravi’sworking in a factory in Punjab producingBasmati rice. He has been seen there. Kaushlya and Ravi are from an extremely poorfamily in Bihar, India. For three months a year,when she can find work, Kaushlya earns lessthan 40 pence a day. The rest of the time sheearns nothing. Her husband is disabled so can’thelp support the family.They are from the Musahar community – theuntouchable caste. Their name is translated the‘rat eaters’. This might explain the resignationin Kaushlay’s voice when she explains why shefeels powerless to search for her son. Becauseshe has no money, she can’t go to the city tofind him. Like most Musahar women, Kaushlyais illiterate. She doesn’t understand her rights orfeel able to fight for justice.Kaushlya believes that, if she does go to thepolice, they won’t take the case seriously. Evenif they did, she fears that her life and Ravi’swould be threatened by the man responsiblefor his abduction. The man lives in their village. This frail lady is left hoping against hopethat the man who took her son will returnhim. Meanwhile, Ravi is losing his childhood

in an unsafe factory, producing food whichprobably ends up on foreign dinner plates.Yours and mine.

‘Kaushlya doesn’t understand her rights or feel able to fight for justice.’

I’m angry at the grinding poverty that allowsthis to happen, at the authorities in India whosay the family don’t need help. Angry at theholding onto ancient beliefs of a caste systemthat leaves people powerless. Angry at a manwho sees a child as an object to be traded.Angry, if I’m honest, with a mother who is notdoing more to find her son and bring theperpetrators to justice. But I haven’t been told all my life I amworthless. I’m not illiterate, earning less than40 pence a day, and don’t feel terrified thatmy life and my son’s life will be at risk if Ispeak up. Then I think about the packets ofBasmati rice in my cupboard – perhaps ricethat eight-year-old Ravi has helped prepare,against his will.

Jamie Fyleman, Tearfund’s Head of UK ChurchRelationships, visited Madhepura district in Biharstate where Tearfund has been piloting someincome-generation and community-buildingwork, as well as innovative trafficking prevention.

A child abducted, a mother who feels powerless...A heartbreaking story of child trafficking in India

India is a source, destination and transit country for child trafficking, which Tearfund partners are working to prevent.

Words and photo: Jamie Fyleman/Tearfund

S

30 autumn 2013 teartimes

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reflection

overty is a local issue as well as a globalone. And as thousands of families acrossthe UK turn to foodbanks for their daily

food, churches are living out these words fromMatthew 25:35 on a daily basis. Securing agrant from the Social Action Fund, Tearfund – in partnership with the Cinnamon Network –has helped fund 80 new foodbanks across theUK in the last year.The first foodbank was opened in a gardenshed by Christian charity The Trussell Trust inthe year 2000. But it wasn’t until the trustlaunched the UK foodbank network in 2004,teaching churches and communities nationwidehow to start their own foodbanks, that amovement was born… Today, The Trussell Trust has more than 345foodbank franchises, and there are countlessmore run by individual churches in response tothe needs of local communities around the UK. But, despite this great work, the economicdownturn and other factors mean the need hasgrown too. Recent Trussell Trust figures (April2013) show that almost 350,000 peoplereceived at least three days’ emergency food

from their foodbanks last year – nearly threetimes more than the year before. With recentchanges to the benefits system, this year’sfigures could be even higher.

Life saving, life changing‘If it wasn’t for the kindness and generosity oflocal people, I don’t think I would have survived,’says a user of a Tearfund foodbank in Sheffield. But, crucially, foodbanks aren’t just aboutgiving a hand-out, but a ‘hand-up’. They’reabout showing God’s love and compassion topeople in need, coming alongside them andempowering them to move forward in apositive way.Jesus calls us to be his hands and feet, tolove our neighbours – local and global. Yoursupport plays a crucial part in enablingchurches to do this, in the UK as well asaround the world. Thank you.

‘If it wasn’t for the kindness andgenerosity of local people, I don’tthink I would have survived.’

1

www.tearfund.orgwww.twitter.com/tearfundwww.facebook.com/tearfundEmail: [email protected] Tel: 0845 355 835500 Church Road, Teddington, TW11 8QE

Registered Charity No. 265464 (England and Wales)Registered Charity No. SC037624 (Scotland)

Challenge House, 29 Canal Street, Glasgow, G4 0ADTy Catherine, Capel Cildwrn, Llangefni, Ynys Môn, LL77 7NN 241 Newtownards Road, Belfast, BT4 1AF

^

Get in touch with us!

teartimes autumn 2013 31

Words: Stuart Ashmore, UK Programme Adviser

P

‘For I was hungry and you gave mesomething to eat...’

Page 32: Tear Times Autumn 2013

‘ The past is still painful, but now I can give it to God.’Hope is growing in Gneam’s life as Ke Pich and the church in Tonle Batie reach out to her in love – giving her a roof over her head, and by teaching practical skills. She is learning to care for pigs and chickens, and has joined the church savings group.

£26 a monTh can train a church leader like Ke Pich to transform the fortunes of their church and community.

£18 a monTh means that every month you can give another three people like Gneam the opportunity to turn their lives around.

Read Gneam’s heartwarming story on page 8.

www.tearfund.org/gneam

Registered Charity No. 265464 (England and Wales) Registered Charity No. SC037624 (Scotland) Photo: Ralph Hodgson/Tearfund 31053-(0913)