May 2022 Ross Letter by CARE User

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ROSS HENDRY CEO of CARE

May 2022

DEAR FRIEND, Thank you for your continued interest in and prayers for CARE. Later this year, we’ll be announcing our long-term plans for CARE’s work. In the meantime, I wanted to briefly share with you how your support helps restrain harmful legislation and promote Government action that serve the peace and prosperity of our nation (Jeremiah 29:7). Since joining CARE last year, I have been struck by how our work depends on the prayers, gifts and donations of many thousands of individual supporters. We are not funded by a few rich benefactors or large institutions. Our work depends on regular faithful supporters whose generosity enables us to achieve remarkable results and make a real difference in the lives of so many who need protecting. Over the last twelve months, donations to CARE have led to breakthroughs in: • • • • •

greater protection for vulnerable women trafficked into the UK, changes in UK Government policy on age verification that will mean children are better protected from accessing pornography, stopping attempts to legalise assisted suicide from succeeding, proclaiming a compassionate gospel voice in the debates around conversion therapy and gender recognition; and providing churches with resources to be able to minister with grace and compassion to those facing unintended pregnancy or post-abortion concerns.

These changes alone would be a great return on the support we receive, but in God’s economy, every penny makes a difference now and in the future. As in the parable of the sower, where gospel seeds are widely scattered, we have been able to sow seeds that have born and will bear wonderful fruit far beyond the boundary of our own field.

For example, our Leadership Programme, which started with just two young graduates, eager to deepen their understanding of God’s word and how it applies to politics and public life. Almost 30 years later, the Programme now has more than 300 alumni. They have all benefited from a combination of bible teaching, guidance from experienced Christian leaders and internships in the Houses of Parliament. Our graduates have gone on to become cabinet ministers and leading politicians across the UK, ambassadors, senior civil servants, charity chief executives, church leaders, and entrepreneurs. Indeed, one of those first two Leadership Programme interns now works across international conflict areas and was instrumental in rescuing many who had to flee the Taliban when they came to power in Afghanistan last year. Our Leadership Programme alumni group would be the envy of many a top university! It is only made possible through the donations we receive. Similarly, the expertise we can gather in our team can spill over into a blessing for the wider Church. Amazing charities like Care for the Family and the Pregnancy Centres Network, can trace their roots back to CARE’s work. We still carry that tradition forward today through our own Open ministry and partnerships with others like the Naked Truth Project, which our co-founder and Chairman Lyndon Bowring wrote about in March. The enclosed postcard shares a link to an interview I recorded recently with a remarkable member of our Leadership Programme alumni that brings to life some of these themes of our direct and wider impact. I pray that you will find it encouraging and inspiring. We would love to grow our Leadership Programme in the coming years but need support to recruit another member of staff to do so. Finally, as we approach our fifth decade of gospel work, the challenges and opportunities are greater than ever. We continue to be ambitious for God’s kingdom and what can be achieved in His name. Being a voice in key public policy and law shaping debates is vital. The donations we receive mean we can undertake expert research and invest in good theology that leads to hopeful and practical policies, laws, and church resources. It means ‘feet on the ground’ in Parliament and devolved administrations, and across the country supporting churches to engage with the key issues of our day. That is why, as well as cherishing your ongoing prayers, engagement and encouragement, I am asking whether you would consider giving to support our work. Please know that you are a valued partner to us at CARE even if you cannot give financially. However, if you can, it would mean investing in our causes that stand for biblical truth and seek to protect the vulnerable and empower the marginalised. It means investing in growing tomorrow’s change-makers and building a legacy. Ours is a unique role, a vital mission, and our work is a partnership with you and our family of supporters. Thank you and God bless you. Yours faithfully,

ROSS HENDRY CEO of CARE

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CARE.ORG.UK