Christian Aid Magazine Autumn 2014 by Christian Aid

Autumn 2014

The quarterly magazine for supporters

Not every baby born in a stable survives The UK Government will double your gift this Christmas. Help us to save more lives in childbirth

Deliver hope with your Christmas worship Bring a Kenyan twist to an old story with our nativity play. Try our alternative nine lessons and carols to illustrate ancient truths with new tales. Shed new light on the Christmas story with our Advent candle liturgy. Hear directly from Kenya in a dramatic retelling of a true story.

Visit christianaid.org.uk/deliverhope to download your resources now. tion 2

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God knows their names A monologue to accompany Christian Aid’s Christmas appeal 2014

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A shor This can be read in place of a short talk, at a carol service or other gathering. It is based on a true story that Christian Aid staff members heard from a woman in a community in Narok County, Kenya, in March 2014, along with the experiences of other women in similar circumstances. This is best read by a woman, but could be read by a man if necessary. My sister, she died. Her baby died too. I heard from Nurse Sarah. Nurse Sarah said that Joy – that’s my sister, Joy – she was walking, but she was walking too late. I told Nurse Sarah she wanted to go earlier, but the rains flooded the roads. She stayed instead. She stayed too late.

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She set off in the afternoon, after the rains had stopped. She set off too late to be walking. The hospital is 30 kilometres away. I know because Nurse Sarah told me. It takes a whole day to get there – more, sometimes. More, if your baby is coming and you are in pain. She would have walked through the night. I asked her not to go. I said, please, Joy. Stay. Stay and your mother can look after you. She will give you herbs, she will rub your belly, she will catch the baby when it comes out. You don’t need to go. Your mother, your mother can help.

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No, she says. No. I have had babies who died at home, she says. Nurse Sarah says the hospital is good. The hospital has good people who will look after my baby, she says. Ask your husband to get you a car, I tell her. He will not sell a goat, she says. We have no money saved and can’t afford to sell a goat. The crops were not good this year and we need our goats.

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So she walked. I prayed and I said, Lord, let there be no rains and no elephants to trample her.

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I have heard of another village where if women want to go to a hospital to have their babies, their husbands will hire a car and take them. If they cannot, the hospital sends a special car to come and get her – a car that can travel even through the rains.

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Good news! The UK Government will double every pound your church raises, so even more lives can be saved in childbirth. Donations made to the Christmas appeal between 07/11/14 and 06/02/15 will be matched up to £5 million.

UK registered charity no. 1105851 Company no. 5171525 Scot charity no. SC039150 NI charity no. XR94639 Company no. NI059154 ROI charity no. CHY 6998 Company no. 426928 The Christian Aid name and logo are trademarks of Christian Aid. Christian Aid is a key member of ACT Alliance © Christian Aid September 2014 15-J3008 Photo: Christian Aid/Elizabeth Dalziel

Christian Aid News Winter 2014

Christian Aid Magazine Issue 3: Autumn 2014 Editorial team Editor Roger Fulton Sub-editors Andy Jacques, Catriona Lorie, Claire Jones Louise Parfitt Art editor Gavin Micklethwaite Pictures Joseph Cabon, Matthew Gonzalez-Noda Production Cedric Taylor Circulation Ben Hayward Published by Christian Aid 35 Lower Marsh, London SE1 7RL

Contents 12

020 7620 4444 info@christian-aid.org christianaid.org.uk UK registered charity number 1105851 Company number 5171525 Scotland charity number SC039150 Northern Ireland charity number XR94639 Company number NI059154 Republic of Ireland charity number CHY 6998 Company number 426928. The Christian Aid name and logo are trademarks of Christian Aid © Christian Aid October 2014. The acceptance of external advertising does not indicate endorsement.

Autumn 2014

The quarterly magazine for supporters

Not every baby born in a stable survives The UK Government will double your gift this Christmas. Help us to save more lives in childbirth

Cover story Salome Kinya’s newborn baby is carried by a nurse at Isiolo district hospital, Kenya. Salome attends a Christian Aid funded mothers’ group and knew that a hospital birth would be safer for herself and her baby. Photo: Christian Aid/ Elizabeth Dalziel Other photos this issue All photos copyright Christian Aid except where stated below. Page 6 Ebola virus NIAID, part of US Dept. of Health and Human Services, via Flickr; page 26 iStock.

Christian Aid is a member of

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4 Loretta’s letter A message from Loretta Minghella.

News 4 Deliver hope this Christmas UK Aid Match can double the difference your money makes. 6 Battle to beat Ebola Plus: appeal over South Asia floods and boost for tax campaign.

Frontline 8 Gaza: ceasefire only the beginning With your help, our partners are now helping to rebuild lives. 10 Plight of Iraq’s ‘displaced’ As crisis grows in Iraq, so does the call to support those in need. 12 It’s time to build a movement for a low-carbon future Six-page focus highlights the challenge we all face on climate change.

Comment 20 Opinion: Give South Sudan a chance Rowan Williams on a struggle to overcome conflict and famine. 21 Reflection: Theology and climate change Susan Durber on how the scriptures give impetus to our campaigning. 23 Opinion: What next for Gaza? William Bell on why we need to make the ceasefire count. 23 Letters Your views.

Life and soul 24 And we can’t wait for next year! Bring on Christian Aid Week 2015! 26 Can you move mountains? Join us on a 70th anniversary quest. 27 Recipe Biscuits with a churchy twist! 28 Book reviews

The big picture

29 Crossword

18 Indian Ocean Tsunami – 10 years on

30 Five minutes with… Mohamed Adow

THESE are testing times for people of faith. That is not to say that as Christians we feel the suffering of the world, so evident in recent months, any more acutely than those who do not share our beliefs. It is a matter of grief to us, of course, to see in Iraq one of the oldest Christian communities in the world spread to the winds by the actions of Islamic State. It is not just Christians who have suffered there, however. Nor is it just Christians we help. That would be to put a price on the aid we offer, to make it conditional. Our vision is of a world free of poverty for everyone, so we work with and for people of all faiths, and of none. We were especially pleased to help coordinate the #WeAreAllHuman interfaith vigil for the people of Iraq, outside Westminster Abbey in September, attended by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, and Muslim and Jewish religious leaders. As other articles in this issue of Christian Aid Magazine show, we are also hard at work in two other places recently immersed in renewed conflict – Gaza and South Sudan – where, with your support, we are able to make a real difference. This issue also looks at the global effort needed to stop a different kind of devastation – wrought by the impact of climate change. As I have witnessed on my travels for Christian Aid, poor communities, from Bangladesh to Malawi to Haiti, are already bearing the brunt as extreme weather events such as typhoons become more frequent. Survivors often show extraordinary resilience – but they face an increasingly uncertain future. Climate scientists agree it is not too late to prevent the worst happening – providing action is taken now. We will be campaigning hard to make that a reality.

Loretta Minghella, Chief Executive

News

Loretta’s letter

You can d this Chris

hristian Aid supporters have been given an amazing opportunity to double the value of any donation you make to our Christmas Appeal, boosting a ground-breaking new maternal health scheme in Kenya and Malawi. The UK Government will match – pound for pound – every donation made to Christian Aid between 7 November and 6 February 2015, up to a total of £5 million. This money will go to maternal and child health projects in Kenya and Malawi. Less than half of all births in Kenya are attended by a medical professional. Every day, 40 women die in childbirth or from pregnancyrelated complications. Every year, 14,700 babies die on their first day. One maternal and child health project in Narok county, south-west Kenya, is reversing this trend on a massive scale. Over four years, three Christian Aid partners are joining forces with the Ministry of Health and local authorities to train more than 1,000 community health workers, renovate and equip maternal health facilities, introduce ambulance services for remote communities and educate communities in antenatal and postnatal health. After visiting Narok, our church fundraising officer Rebecca Baron said: ‘When I met some of the people who had been helped, I could see the hope in their eyes. Before, losing children was a part of life. Women had no medical support and were often completely unprepared for pregnancy, childbirth and looking after a newborn. Now, women are being

double your donation stmas ‘I thought if I

had another baby I would die…’

educated through mother-tomother groups – learning how to prepare for childbirth and about the importance of a safe delivery. Through father-to-father groups, men are learning how to better support their wives and their families. Death and disease are declining; education and equality are rising. The communities are talking to their local authorities with confidence, asking for the basic services they need. ‘By involving everyone from the national leaders and local governments through to healthcare professionals, traditional leaders and the communities themselves, this project is changing the landscape of healthcare now and for generations to come.’ With your help we could fund many similar projects and deliver hope to thousands of communities.

Remember: donations can only be doubled if made between 7 November 2014 and 6 February 2015. You will find a reminder to ‘Save the Date’ on the back page of the regional supplement inside your copy Christian Aid Magazine Autumn 2014

of Christian Aid Magazine. To help churches with the appeal, we have great resources telling the stories of new mums and babies in Kenya and giving a twist to the traditional nativity. Find them online at christianaid.org.uk/deliverhope

Fridah Mwari can tell you the difference your support makes. She lives in a village under the gaze of Mount Kenya, where one of our healthcare projects has been running for three years. Before the project started, Fridah became pregnant with her first daughter, Amanda. It was a difficult pregnancy: Fridah was very unwell with undiagnosed pre-eclampsia, but didn’t seek help as the local, traditional birth attendant told her that the nurses would beat her. She gave birth at home, with no skilled help. Amanda was underweight and frequently ill. Fridah said: ‘Nobody told me what would happen or what was going on when I went into labour.’ Fridah’s husband, Gerald, didn’t know what to expect either and so wasn’t able to offer much help. Her second pregnancy was very different. She joined a mother support group run by our partner. She learned about the importance of regular check-ups and of delivering in hospital, and about breastfeeding, hygiene and nutrition. Nurses at the clinic found that once again she had pre-eclampsia, and gave her the medicine and support she needed. Gerald also went to a father support group. This time he knew how to help. Baby Steve is thriving and so is the family. ‘I feel blessed,’ says Fridah. ‘I thought if I had another baby I would die. Now I have two happy, healthy children.’

Ebola: the battle to beat a deadly epidemic C

hristian Aid has reached more than 1 million people in Sierra Leone with an emergency project to stem the spread of the deadly Ebola virus. Since hitting West Africa in March, the incurable virus has spread to five countries and killed more than 2,600 people, a figure predicted to rise sharply. ‘When the virus first arrived in Sierra Leone, there was a lot of fear and mistrust, which hindered efforts to halt the outbreak,’ explained Theresa Bagrey, senior programme officer for community health and HIV at Christian Aid Sierra Leone. ‘This has forced the disease underground and made it even harder to contain. ‘Our partners have played a key role in increasing levels

of awareness among our communities and supporting referrals to the hospital over the past few months.’ Christian Aid has been working with five local partners to train 900 community health volunteers. Together, we have helped to raise the awareness of 1,170,000 people about the virus. We’ve also donated vital supplies to local health

units, including 210,000 pairs of disposable gloves and the equivalent of 36,000 gallons of chlorine. ‘Sierra Leone is facing an immense challenge in managing the epidemic, predominantly because of the weak and low capacity of the health sector,’ said Ms Bagrey. ‘Hospitals are at breaking point. Health workers are overwhelmed, angry and frustrated. And we’re now seeing survivors, families of victims, health workers and burial teams facing social stigma, adding to the many challenges they already face. ‘We, and the wider international community, must continue doing what we can to support efforts to tackle this devastating disease.’

South Sudan crisis Food shortages in South Sudan could develop into a full-blown famine by the start of 2015, the United Nations has warned. The UN has declared the situation as at the most serious level of humanitarian crisis. It reports that 1.7 million people have fled their homes since fighting erupted in the world’s newest state in December 2013. Hunger is now the biggest threat because markets have been disrupted and displaced – people have missed the planting season. An estimated 4 million people now face the real risk of starvation. • See Comment, page 20.

Christian Aid Magazine Autumn 2014

News

Appeal launched as floods sweep across South Asia S

evere floods across large parts of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal have claimed an estimated 500 lives and left 2 million people homeless. We’ve launched an emergency appeal to help some of the 8.5 million people affected. Belinda Bennet, Christian Aid’s Head of South Asia, said: ‘Crops ready for reaping have simply been destroyed. The coming winter will create an even more desperate need for

shelter as temperatures can drop below zero in some areas. ‘Many of the people affected have already borne the brunt of previous disasters such as the Kashmir earthquake in 2005, South Asia floods of 2007 and the Pakistan floods of 2010.’ In Pakistan, two of our partners, Church World Service and Muslim Hands, aim to reach more than 24,000 people with vital supplies such as food, emergency shelter and medicine. Our partners are also

Tax campaign bears fruit Legislation will be written before the next general election to establish registers of the real owners of companies – a move that will stop multinationals using ‘shell’ firms to hide their profits and avoid tax. It’s exactly what our campaigners called for last year, when more than 20,000 of you told the UK Government to give tax dodgers nowhere to hide. You also Christian Aid Magazine Autumn 2014

lobbied MPs, wrote letters and held screenings of The UK Gold film. Thanks for all your efforts, they have really paid off! In another win for the campaign, the European Parliament has voted for legislation to take similar action to the UK across Europe (though member states still need to agree to this). Find out more at christianaid.org.uk/tax

responding in Bangladesh and India, where many villages have been completely submerged. Some 100,000 people have reached safety during massive government rescue operations, but reports last month estimated that as many as 300,000 were still stranded. To find out more about Christian Aid’s South Asia appeal or to donate, please visit christianaid.org.uk

STOP PRESS Join us for our Annual Advent Hope Christmas Appeal Service at St Mary Abbots, Kensington, on 4 December at 7.30pm. Loretta Minghella and Speaker’s Chaplain Rev Rose Hudson-Wilkin will lead the worship, followed by a festive fairtrade reception. For your free tickets email events@christianaid.org with your name, postal address and number of tickets.

Frontline

Gaza: the ceasefire is just the start While the ceasefire raises the question of how to ensure a long-term peace, the task of rebuilding lives has just begun.

he ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinians, in August, brought an end to seven weeks of relentless violence and suffering. Thousands of innocent people were killed and injured, and an estimated 108,000 Palestinians were forced to flee their homes. Farmers’ fields were flattened and fishing boats destroyed. Even as the bombs were falling, our partners were on the streets of Gaza providing mattresses, hygiene kits and cooking supplies to people made homeless. One of our partners, working in incredibly dangerous conditions, ran two mobile clinics providing desperately needed healthcare to about 8,000 people a day who had taken refuge in UN schools. After the ceasefire, our partners were able to reach previously cut-off communities with vital medical care for the injured and others unable to access treatment during the fighting.

Road to recovery Thanks to your generosity, our Gaza Crisis Appeal has already raised more than £1 million. We also received £500,000 from the DEC Gaza Crisis Appeal. Now we can help people in Gaza begin the long road to recovery. Through the work of our partners, we’re helping farmers recover their lands and livelihoods. We’re repairing vital infrastructure such as roads and irrigation systems. And our partners have been documenting human rights violations, and will take up legal cases on behalf of victims.

Deep distress With more than 373,000 children and young people reported to be in deep distress as a result of the atrocities they witnessed, one of our partners will be providing therapeutic care to start to relieve some of the trauma. Our work is far from over. It is just beginning. And while we welcome the ceasefire, it must be the first step towards a permanent, just peace for all, which will allow people to rebuild their lives in the knowledge that they will not be threatened again by conflict. • See also Comment, page 22. Left: during the conflict our doctors worked in two mobile clinics in Gaza.

Christian Aid Magazine Autumn 2014

Frontline

A drive around Gaza reveals the extent of the destruction, with thousands of buildings demolished.

‘It feels as if life has been completely stopped’

zzam Al Saqqa was born and lives in Gaza, and works for Christian Aid. Here he gives his impressions of what life is like, post-ceasefire. ‘Things are trying to get back to normal. It does not always work – but we keep trying! Everything we do feels like a drop in the ocean – but a very important drop. ‘It feels as if life has been completely stopped – the ceasefire holds, but it is very fragile. People are trying to

Christian Aid Magazine Autumn 2014

understand what is happening and how they can cope. ‘In some badly hit areas, it feels as if everything is happening in slow motion. People move about slowly: silent, gazing and shocked. They still can’t comprehend this massive destruction. ‘People’s only escape is to go to the beach. To see children play is one of the things that brings back hope; it’s remarkable to see how quickly children can restore

their smiles. They are so enthusiastic and energetic, but the minute a door is shut and makes a loud sound, they get scared in case it might be an explosion. ‘They had friends, parents, homes, places like the beach, as sources of comfort and peace, but now these places are associated with death and the dramatic events that they have experienced. They will need so much time to recover.’

An immeasurable need A food distribution in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, highlights the despair of the displaced, writes Christian Aid’s head of Middle East region Janet Symes.

hen there are so many people in despair, how can we be sure we can help everyone in need, and that no one is left abandoned, feeling without hope? The harsh answer: there is no guarantee that we can. The reality of the situation in Iraq has forced us to ask this question again and again. Providing aid to the sheer number of people who fled their homes is a huge challenge for humanitarian agencies. But despite their own fears – the very real possibility that they are targeted next – our partners have been doing everything they can. For every person we have helped there are at least five more in desperate need. Ann Ward, our colleague in Iraq, describes how in one distribution ‘people started arriving at 8am and by 10am well over 300 people were waiting outside the gates where our partner’s team were setting up the distribution of rice, beans, oil, sugar, tomato paste and salt’. There had already

been an assessment done, the people in greatest need registered and informed when and how to collect their food. When they collect it, everything is checked off – so that we can be sure that each has received their fair share. But it takes time, it’s hot and people are waiting, so frustration can easily run high. Others hear about the distribution and come to see if there is anything for them. ‘By 5pm the distributions had finished. The team, having maintained their professional demeanour through a stressful day, were exhausted. Everyone who had been assessed was given food for a family of five for about a week. The needs of these displaced families are immeasurable,’ she told us. ‘The need to respond immediately is paramount.’ But there were many more in need than this distribution could provide for; many more people still in need of help. Christian Aid Magazine Autumn 2014

Frontline

‘They’ve been robbed of everything’ Joe Ware reports on how an exiled monk has set up a base in a small church to care for displaced Christians in Iraq.

A Iraq crisis appeal As violence escalated in Iraq, and Islamic State militants gained ground in the region, Christian Aid launched a crisis appeal. On going to press, we’d raised some £770,000 to support the work of our longstanding partners in the country. The humanitarian crisis saw more than 1.8 million people forced to flee their homes, many of them from persecuted religious minorities including Yazidis, Shabak and Christians. Our partners are responding with food, hygiene kits and other humanitarian essentials for displaced families, of all faiths and none, who have arrived in the northern city of Sulaymaniyah and the surrounding area. We have also been distributing food and bedding to families sheltering in the local Church of the Virgin Mary. Approximately 100,000 internally displaced people have already arrived in Sulaymaniyah and there are fears that this number could rise if the advance of Islamic State militants continues. • To support the Christian Aid Iraq Crisis Appeal, which is helping people regardless of their faith, go to christianaid.org.uk/iraq Christian Aid News Autumn 2014

Swiss monk, Father Jens Petzold, who was exiled to Iraq after his religious community in Syria was raided by militants, now cares for Christians who have fled from the conflict with Islamic State (IS). Arriving in northern Iraq, Father Petzold and the community of both monks and nuns were allowed to use the Church of the Virgin Mary in Sulaymaniyah. This is now also home to 164 displaced Christians, some of the thousands forced to flee their homes from the Nenewa Plain, near Mosul. Father Petzold said: ‘They‘ve been robbed of everything: their belongings, their money, their homes, businesses, their church history.’ Christian Aid's partner REACH was one of the first aid groups to deliver food and beds to the churches. Crowded into the church, people watch videos posted online by IS of the takeover of their villages. They see IS militants hanging black flags on their schools, government buildings and churches. Father Petzold asks for prayers for the safety and protection of those left behind with IS. Despite the divisions in society, he says, he is also seeing the miraculous generosity of ordinary citizens from all backgrounds helping each other. Ann Ward from Christian Aid, who is in Sulaymaniyah, said: ‘Conditions for the families are quite severe. Crowding is overwhelming, and temperatures are very high… People are sleeping in shifts because there is not enough space for men and women to sleep together safely; so women sleep at night and the men sleep during the day.’

Christian Aid staff and supporters walked alongside an estimated 30,000 people in last monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Climate March in London.

Christian Aid Magazine Autumn 2014

Frontline

Live more gently for a better world

Christian Aid is launching a climate change movement to send out a million-strong message of hope to the world leaders who must strike a deal on carbon emissions.

e know that our world’s climate is changing. And it’s changing because of our actions. The impact of these changes are already being felt by people across the world, but it is communities who are most vulnerable and least able to protect themselves who are suffering the most. Our leaders have the power to prevent runaway climate change, but they will only take action when they see how much we really care. As Christians we are called to be a prophetic voice on climate change – helping people to imagine a different world to this one; the world as God intended it to be. So we are building a movement of people, coming together to halt climate change through a million actions. By making changes in our own lives, we can show those in power not only that we want change, but also that change is possible. All the steps we take to live our lives more gently for our earth – however small or big – will make a difference. Whether changing our light bulbs to energy-saving ones, walking to church on a Sunday rather than taking the car or writing to our politicians to ask them to act, they all count. That’s because when we take these small steps together we start to make giant leaps – ones that cannot be dismissed or ignored by politicians and business. Christian Aid Magazine Autumn 2014

We want to see thousands take part because as our movement grows, our political leaders will not be able to ignore us; they will be compelled to listen and, most importantly, to act – in particular in 2015 when a number of global processes come to a head at a UN summit on climate change in Paris in December. Strong agreements from these talks could herald a brighter future for all. A million ways sounds a lot, but all our actions count – big and small. The message to politicians will then be clear – we’re playing our part, now you must play yours. On page 16, you will find some steps that you can take in your home and church. Some are easy to take, others are a little harder, but all count in transforming our world for the better. And we are not alone! During the next 18 months we will join with dozens of other organisations in The Climate Coalition to put pressure on our politicians. We hope you will join with us when the opportunity arises. Our journey has already started. Thousands of churches, faith groups and charities are working together to create the world we need for a safer future. With your support, the momentum for change can gather pace and we can shape a better future. Discover more at christianaid.org.uk/onemillionways

Will the world rise to the challenge of climate change? The next 12 months are crucial, writes Andrew Hogg, if the world is to reach an agreement to create a cleaner, brighter future.

lowly, but by no means surely, the world is turning to confront the challenge of climate change. Most greenhouse gases are caused by burning fossil fuels. So it is a positive step that power generation from renewable sources such as wind, solar and hydro met almost 22% of the world’s energy needs last year. In addition, the cost of solar power and onshore wind farms has dropped sharply in recent years. In the US, where the government has invested more than $80 billion in renewables, carbon emissions are the lowest for 20 years, while China, the world’s biggest polluter, now also manufactures the most solar panels. Another cause for optimism is a recent report co-authored by Lord Stern, the former government economist. It says clean energy is affordable by adding less than 5% to the $90 trillion to be spent on infrastructure, including the energy sector, by 2030. But there is no room for complacency. Between March and July this year, atmospheric carbon measured above 400 parts per million – the highest in 800,000 years. That figure, and the difficulties in arriving

at a global climate deal to cap carbon emissions, make it clear the battle has just begun.

Mapping the milestones There are a number of key milestones over the next year that will show just how determined governments are to rise to the challenge. • This month, the European Union will agree emissioncut targets to be reached by 2030. Christian Aid wants cuts of 55%, but fears the EU will settle for 40%. • In November, in Peru, parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) meet to discuss a global climate deal. • At the same time, the international Green Climate Fund opens for business. Set up for richer countries to transfer funds to poorer ones to combat climate change, we want the UK to pledge at least $1 billion. • In December, the EU’s foreign affairs council will decide a common position on the new goals to follow the Millennium Development

Goals, which expire at the end of 2015. Christian Aid is calling for a standalone goal on climate change, and for whatever other goals are agreed to have lowcarbon and climate-resilient development at their heart. Final agreement should be reached at a UN summit in September 2015. • In Paris in November 2015, the UNFCCC should reach a multilateral climate deal to come into force in 2020. We’re pushing for a deal that includes ambitious national carbon-cutting plans. It must be legally based, and include transparent monitoring and reporting requirements. National targets must take into account every country’s past responsibility for carbon emissions, and its ability to pay to help poorer countries counter climate change and develop in a low-carbon way. There is now 95% certainty among scientists that climate change is caused by humans – the same degree of certainty that smoking causes lung cancer. Its impacts will steadily worsen if the global temperature rise is not kept to below 2oC. It’s time now for decisive action. Christian Aid News Autumn 2014

Christian Aid News Autumn 2014

Be part of a bigger picture Every action is one part of a bigger picture and every one of us can play our part in building a brighter future. Get your family, church and community involved, and together we will send a message that our leaders canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ignore. At christianaid.org.uk/onemillionways you will find many carbon-saving ideas. Some you may be doing already, some may be new. But add your actions to

those of thousands of others and, piece by piece, we can transform the world. Here are a few ideas to get you going:

At church Invite a Christian Aid speaker to talk about the campaign. Ask your minister to include prayers for our world in a service. Find prayers at christianaid.org.uk/climate Organise car-free worship! Encourage all those who can to go to church on foot or by bike. Make it a regular activity. Host a climate write-in at church. Find out more at the Hope for the Future site: hftf.org.uk Organise a public meeting before the UK general election. Invite local candidates and ask them whether climate change will be a priority for them if elected.

MILL

LION

ays

At Home Join the global fast on the first of every month in solidarity with those who are suffering because of climate change; then demand action from world leaders. Find out more at christianaid.org.uk/ fastfortheclimate Raise your voice. Take the climate justice campaign action and then share the link: christianaid.org.uk/actnow

Could you go meat-free and/or vegan once a week? Meat and dairy both have a large carbon footprint. Use your pension to promote clean energy. Ask if your savings are being invested in risky fossil-fuel projects or in helping to build a sustainable economy. Visit christianaid.org.uk/ greenlight Find out whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going on locally and get involved. The Transition Town Network is encouraging communities to work together for a low-carbon society.

Please tell us what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re up to

We want to shout about your actions so that we can demonstrate the strength of this movement and call on politicians to match our efforts. Go online to christianaid.org.uk/ onemillionways and be part of building a better future.

The big picture

The tsunami remembered

his December we launch Tsunami: 10 years after the wave, a digital exhibition to mark the tenth anniversary of a disaster that killed around 250,000 people across South Asia. Featuring photography from the late Tim Hetherington, who travelled to Sri Lanka with Christian Aid in 2005, Tsunami shows how we spent more than £45 million helping people rebuild their lives in Sri Lanka, India and Indonesia. In 2011, Tim was killed while covering fighting in Libya. Tim’s thoughtful, intense work captured the mood of a coastal community learning to trust their environment again. ‘I was interested in the relationship that people have with the sea,’ he said. ‘They lived by it; they needed it and used it. When the tsunami came, it challenged this relationship.’ The exhibition also explores how the disaster triggered major changes in emergency response. It led to better coordination between governments, the UN and civil society; made local communities better prepared to withstand future disasters; and created more reliance on local, rather than international, organisations to deliver emergency aid. • You can visit christianaid.org.uk/ tsunami from mid-December.

Pictures from our every time I see the sea exhibition.

Comment

Opinion

‘Africa doesn’t need another failed state’ On a visit to South Sudan, Christian Aid chair Dr Rowan Williams found a young nation beset by hunger and violence, when it deserves support and stability.

ast December, violence erupted yet again in South Sudan. Indiscriminate killing, the use of child soldiers and sexual violence all became common. More than 1.7 million people fled their homes and land. About 10,000 were killed. More than 100,000 ended up in camps run by the UN. Tomping is one such camp, not far from Juba airport. No one knows how many people live here, but it is at least 11,000 – with perhaps a quarter of these being school-aged children. Nearly 2 million people have been receiving humanitarian aid in recent months. But it is hard to coordinate and hard to deliver. Local militias, and sometimes local officials, may be obstructive or demand ‘taxes’ for the movement of supplies.

The camps have no electrical power or sewage system and no refrigeration for medical supplies. Schools are almost non-existent. Movement around the country is hard, and the spectre of waterborne diseases and malaria is looming. On top of this, a whole year of food production has been lost. Food is already a problem, even in the camps, with severe shortages that could ultimately affect several million people. South Sudan was created after more than half a century of bloody civil war; most people under 50 have never known anything but conflict. It’s not just a matter of aid, it’s about creating a new approach to living together. This means working with the churches – the most trusted agents in society because of their courage and

Christian Aid Magazine Autumn 2014

Reflection steadfastness through the decades of war – to help educate people in basic skills such as farming and business, enabling the creation of infrastructure, roads and electricity, and above all to build mutual trust. The church leaders here share the trauma of the people, and yet they do not despair. They live in hope and are putting their efforts into building peace. An appeal to our government needs to emphasise not only the terrible urgency of work to mitigate the effects of hunger, but also the urgency of the long-term goal of nation building. This involves investing in strengthening the voice and the capacity of the people of South Sudan – who are desperate for stability. Charities such as ours are working in partnership with a range of South Sudanese groups. These people, like the church leaders I know, help me believe that South Sudan can have a future. But it can’t happen without help, especially in the face of famine. It isn’t difficult to ask yourself if you can make a difference by donating to their work. It isn’t difficult to write to your MP and urge them to press our government to step up its efforts for peace and for humanitarian help. If you belong to a church, it isn’t difficult to find projects that seek to meet the small-scale but real local needs that the churches in South Sudan are dealing with – and to pray for them daily. There are plenty of tragedies on our screens right now. It’s easy for another long-running disaster in an obscure part of the globe to be forgotten. But Africa – and the world – can’t afford another failed state, another flood of refugees, another breeding ground for extremism and anger. The message from all those I talked with, especially in the camps, was simple: tell them what it’s like. And tell them to pray and to act. All I can do is to pass those words on. We have a chance to do something before the food crisis worsens dramatically. I hope with all my heart that we can take it. • christianaid.org.uk/south-sudan

Theology and climate change As we launch a new phase of our climate change campaign, Christian Aid theology advisor Susan Durber argues that the scriptures put us firmly in the vanguard of those calling for a concerted global approach.

cademic articles don’t created on the same day as normally shock as other living creatures – there much as one published is no special day for us and in 1967 by Lynn White Jr, we are creatures like the an American professor of rest (Genesis 1:24-27). The medieval history who was stories in Genesis don’t give exploring the development us permission to exploit the of science. He argued that Earth. Instead they ask us to Christian theology was to ‘keep it’ (Genesis 2:15). And at blame for damaging the Earth the end of the book of Job we and its climate, because the are reminded of our place in creation stories say we have creation as God says: ‘Where ‘dominion’ over nature. were you when I laid the If we live as though the foundation of the Earth?’ Earth was just made for us to (Job 38:4). exploit, then we are not likely In Jesus we see a new to tread lightly kind of upon it. If we humanity, at A PRAYER believe that home ‘with Holy Spirit, source of life, God will put the wild as we see what we have everything animals’ done, and hear the cries of right for us (Mark 1:13), the hungry, give us a vision anyway, urging us of a hopeful future, for or that not to be an earth renewed and unseasonal anxious, restored, good for weather promising everyone. only means the Earth AMEN that Jesus is not to the coming, then exploitative we’re unlikely to be loving but to the meek (Matthew 5:5). stewards of God’s creation. What if we live as part of Theologians have been ‘the community of creation’, returning to the scriptures rather than as ‘over’ it? What and traditions of faith and if we find a new humility as finding a theology of creation human beings who really that could stop the descent belong to creation? And what into climate chaos; a theology if we could rediscover that that will help us reorientate awe of creation that inspires our individual lives and cry out joy, rather than a desire to for the global community to take everything we can? change too. Imagine how different things In the first chapter of would be if our relationship the Bible, human beings are with creation was defined, continued over page

Christian Aid Magazine Autumn 2014

continued from previous page

as Rowan Williams suggests, by ‘communion and not consumption’. These days, theological reflection on climate change does not come from gentle mystics. It comes from those who bear the burden of climate change now, who have done least to bring it about and who can do least to protect themselves. Climate change is not to be viewed as a future threat – it a very present threat to the poorest people in the world. It’s an urgent matter of justice. Theology can reframe our understanding of who we are and what our calling is. It can also bring

a vital source of hope when, in the face of the challenges we face, we are tempted to think there is nothing we can do, that it’s too late or too hard. Imagine what the prophets of the Bible would say to that! They were never shy in telling people to change their ways. And their faith in God was so strong that they inspired the people to hope, when they’d forgotten how to. True prophets help us imagine what a renewed Earth would be like, so that we’d give anything to work for it and pray for it and campaign for it. • christianaid.org.uk/onemillionways

Susan Durber is the author of Song of the Prophets, a Christian Aid theology report on climate change, published in November. It will include the voices of many theologians from the global South. A discussion-group resource for churches is available now. The booklet Calling for Climate Justice offers discussion materials on theology and climate change. Download it at christianaid.org.uk/ climate-worship-resources

‘The worst that could happen now is nothing’ In the wake of the Gaza ceasefire, William Bell, Christian Aid policy and advocacy officer for Israel and the Palestinians, argues that core issues must now be dealt with to avoid the pattern of violence repeating itself.

he ceasefire in Gaza appears to be holding after the seven weeks of intensive bombardment. With so many lives lost and those who survived shattered by their ordeal, it is critical that the international community brings all pressure to bear on the parties involved, so as to deal with the core issues that have ensured that violence is only ever temporarily suspended. At the height of the bombing, I spoke to many people in Gaza who genuinely feared for their lives. Almost 1,500 Palestinian civilians were killed and it is estimated that 108,000 were made homeless. The levels of destruction in Gaza are unprecedented and

physical reconstruction will take years. The psychological scars run deep and the sense of despair is still present. When the guns go silent, the attention of the international community wanes and other issues come to the fore. But the worst that could now happen is nothing. I visited Gaza after the last offensive and remember the pleas of our partners to tell those with influence not to forget them. Unfortunately they did. The blockade, though slightly eased, remained in place and people were still denied the basics they need to build a viable economy. This July I was in Israel and regularly experienced the fear

created by rockets fired from Gaza at civilian communities. Thankfully the vast majority are intercepted by Israel’s missile defense system. The willingness of Israel and Hamas to target civilian areas shows a deep malaise and a need for systems to hold those who wantonly breach international law to account. Israelis and Palestinians must know that the world will not allow this pattern to continue. Christian Aid and Gaza: read William’s statement calling for an end to impunity on both sides. See christianaid.org.uk/ gaza-statement

Christian Aid Magazine Autumn 2014

Letters

Have your say We welcome letters and emails from readers on the issues covered in Christian Aid Magazine – or on any aspect of Christian Aid’s work. Send your views to: The Editor, Christian Aid Magazine, 35 Lower Marsh, London SE1 7RL or email: canews@christian-aid.org. You can also share your opinions on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Gender gap

An unfair cop

As a long time supporter of the work of Christian Aid, I do think it should the pointed out that the problem of sexual equality largely can be attributed to the Eden myth where the female caused the problem. Further, in the Old Testament we are told the wise Solomon had 600 wives – women as trophies! Our state church, especially, has a long way to go towards equality, though it has moved faster than some others. Similarly, one major cause of overpopulation is the Catholic teaching against contraception. Jim Radford Salisbury

Last year my partner was reported to North Yorkshire police for being a ‘bogus ‘ Christian Aid collector. This, in our village of 624 residents where we have lived for 18 years, brought up our family and been involved in every bit of village life, including church and chapel. The police turned up at our door. They said they weren’t aware of Christian Aid Week, and that the identification, signed by my partner, and shown, was insufficient and should have a photo! No apology was forthcoming from the police, despite the local Christian Aid person contacting them. My wonderful band of collectors feel house-to-house has had its day as a fundraising method. I am wondering if this is others’ experience too? Helen Watkinson via email

Christian Aid joy During Christian Aid Week the usual (Christian) grumbles about poor responses, hostility and interfering in people’s lives did the rounds. But we raise many millions of pounds, knock on millions of doors in the name of Christ, represent some of the world’s poorest people and pray for the individual homes we visit. I count this as an opportunity and privilege and I want to thank the 150,000 or so other Christians who also ventured out in our shared act of Christian witness. Linda Atkin Lichfield

Eleanor Ledesma, Christian Aid Week manager, replies: ‘We were very sorry to hear about this incident. We wrote to all local police commissioners prior to Christian Aid Week with a sample of the collector’s badge, which has been approved by the government body responsible for house-to-house collection permits. We will be making every effort to contact every single police commissioner again next year, and we would

encourage them to ensure that this information is passed on to all police officers. The current law does not require us to issue collectors with photo badges. The work of house-to-house collectors is vitally important to our international programme of relief work and development. Together, collectors raise around £9 million annually, that’s 75% of the total raised during Christian Aid Week. Without this income, we could not continue our current level of work overseas.

Good neighbours How much thought do we give to those unfortunates in places such as South Sudan, Colombia and Iraq? Are we spending too much of our resources on our own comfort? As we know, there is a commandment that says ‘love thy neighbour’. And as we also know, our neighbour does not necessarily live next door! Many neighbours needing our help are far away… Oliver Mayfield Colyton, Devon

News to me I thought I was reasonably wellinformed about current affairs, but I was ignorant of the cause of the 50-year-long civil war in Colombia. That country is not often in our news. With best wishes – and occasional support – to your valuable work. M Gibbard Uckfield, East Sussex

Solution to the crossword on page 29. ACROSS: 1 Christmas Day 8 Coming 9 Goose Fat 10 Box 11 Orange Stick 13 Earth With Heaven 17 Meat and Potatoes 19 Admire Queen 23 Ate 25 Megaflop 26 Here On 27 God Surprises. DOWN: 1 Chocolate 2 Rein 3 Sugar 4 Maginot 5 Stonechat 6 Agent 7 Talc 12 Stet 14 Wenceslas 15 Acts 16 Exertions 18 Plumper 20 Deer 21 Imago 22 Ether 24 Iris.

Christian Aid Magazine Autumn 2014

Life and soul

Christian Aid Week: You can be strong and still need help Months of preparation go into making Christian Aid Week a huge success. And even before the last envelope had been collected this year, work had begun on Christian Aid Week 2015, which will focus on our work in Ethiopia. Christian Aid Week manager Eleanor Ledesma visited one of the communities we’re featuring next year.

’d only spent an hour with the community in Hidi-Ale in southern Ethiopia to know that I wouldn’t be able to survive there. As a woman, I’d have to get up at the break of dawn and go to fetch water, taking an hour and a half each way – the return journey with a 40 litre jerry can tied across my back. Then,

I might have to pound and grind the day’s maize, do the laundry by hand, look after the children, earn money by providing day labour on a farm, or trek eight hours up a mountain to chop wood. On average, a woman in Hidi-Ale spends 18 hours of each day working. Many do this on one small meal a day Christian Aid Magazine Autumn 2014

We couldn’t have done it without you!

hristian Aid Week 2014 saw thousands of you come together to demonstrate your love for people living in poverty, in fun and imaginative ways. Through house-to-house collecting; puppet shows; busking; sponsored walks; dancing events; family fun nights; barbecues; book, plant, and cake sales you stepped up to make a real difference to thousands of the world’s poorest people. You’re magnificent! The people of Cricklade and Purton, Wiltshire, took a leap of faith in their sponsored abseil from the striking interior of the 70ft tower of St Sampson’s Church, raising a fantastic £9,000 for our work. Watch a roundup of this year’s Christian Aid Week events at caweek.org

and with serious health problems. I think of friends and relatives who rely on medicines to keep them alive, or wheelchairs or operations to keep them mobile. In Hidi-Ale, how would they get their water or earn a living? How would I fare, without glasses or contact lenses? There are no safety nets. You might be able to ask your family for support, or you might get some help from your neighbours – but when everyone is struggling, few have anything extra to spare. There’s no doubt about it – the people of Hidi-Ale are strong. Strong physically, as a result of a lifestyle of hard labour. And strong mentally, able to keep going even in the face of extreme hardship. Christian Aid Magazine Autumn 2014

‘Many work 18 hours on one meal a day’

But you can be strong and still need help. No one should have to spend 18 hours a day, every day, toiling away to earn just a few pounds that don’t even cover the family’s needs. No one should have to bury a child because of malnutrition and disease. No one should have to cry themselves to sleep every night because they don’t know how they will carry on providing enough food for their families. During Christian Aid Week 2015 (10-16 May), we’ll be asking you to help us release people from this grinding cycle of abject poverty, toil and strife, so that they can build a better future for themselves and their children. • Find out how you can get involved at caweek.org

Life and soul

Can your faith move mountains – 70 of them? As we prepare to mark our 70th anniversary, we are calling on you to celebrate your faith with a very special sporting challenge.

aking on a challenge event for Christian Aid can be an enriching experience in more ways than you might expect. Yes, the physical activity builds muscle strength, bone density and keeps the brain active; but it can also have a deeper meaning. It can help us stay connected to God and to the wider world. Whether walking, running or cycling, sport allows us to escape into our souls and reflect on our lives. It has the power to change people, to give them hope that something amazing can be achieved with faith and perseverance. To celebrate this, Christian Aid supporters are climbing 70 Munros to mark 70 years of solidarity with our international partners. We are

inviting you to join us in taking on one, some or all of this challenge – as an individual or as a group – and we hope to raise £70,000. christianaid.org.uk/70munros

f you don’t have a head for heights, running is a celebration in itself. When you experience the joy of mile 12 of the London Marathon, crossing

‘Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us’ (Hebrews 12:1)

Tower Bridge and hearing the roar of the crowd, you know how thrilling taking on a challenge can be. Speaking of her experience running the London Marathon, Christian Aid supporter Jean Donald says: ‘I discovered what God can do by pushing the limits of what I can do. I learned that there’s no such thing as “I have nothing left”, because there’s always something left… and God will use it to get you to where he wants you to go.’ Christian Aid believes in a life lived free to flourish. Whether it’s running a marathon or walking a Munro, find out what you are capable of and raise vital funds by taking on one of our challenges. • christianaid.org.uk/whatcounts Christian Aid Magazine Autumn 2014

Life and soul

Stained glass window biscuits These beautiful Christmas biscuits are simple! A batch makes a simple, crowd-pleasing addition to a fundraiser. Kids love making them too, so why not get the children in your church involved?

Ingredients (Makes 25) 1 bag wrapped, boiled sweets in different colours 350g plain flour 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda Pinch salt 2 tsp ground ginger

Method 1 Preheat the oven to 180°C/Gas mark 4 and line two baking sheets. 2 Break up the sweets in their packets with a rolling pin (you can whizz each colour separately in a blender, to save time!) 3 Sift together the flour, bicarbonate of soda, salt and ground ginger. 4 Rub in the butter until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. 5 Stir in the sugar, then add the golden syrup and beaten egg. Knead together into a dough.

100g butter 175g soft brown sugar 4 tbsp golden syrup 1 egg, beaten Decoration (optional): ribbon to hang the biscuits, or water icing made with icing sugar and water or orange juice

6 Roll out on a floured work surface to the thickness of a pound coin. 7 Use Christmassy cutters to create biscuits, and transfer to the baking sheets. 8 Cut a small hole in the centre of each and fill with one colour of crushed sweet. 9 If you’re hanging the biscuits as decorations, make a small hole in the top of each with a straw. 10 Bake for 10 minutes, or until golden. Leave to cool on the baking sheets before transferring to a wire rack, as the sweets need to harden. 11 Thread ribbon through the biscuits to hang. You can also decorate with icing.

Honouring a legacy of love O

n 4 November, there will be a Service of Thanksgiving to express our gratitude for the lives of people who have left a legacy for our work, and for those in whose memory gifts have been given in recent years. Joining together with their family and friends, we will remember and celebrate the lives and faithfulness of their loved ones, whose compassion has helped transform the lives of poor people around the world. The address will be given by our chair, Dr Rowan Williams. Christian Aid legacy manager Alison Linwood says: ‘We feel very privileged to be able to honour the lives of our supporters and to share with their loved ones some of Christian Aid Magazine Autumn 2014

the life-changing work made possible by their very special gifts.’ The service will be broadcast online, and we invite everyone to join in by watching at home

or perhaps with a group at church. To receive the online viewing link, visit christianaid.org.uk/ service-of-thanksgiving

Where there’s your will… If you’re one of those people who are always saying to yourself ‘I really must sort out my will’, now’s the time to do it! If you make an appointment to see a Will Aid solicitor this November, you can write or update your will and instead of paying the

usual fee you are invited to make a voluntary donation to the Will Aid charities, which include Christian Aid. Last year, more than 17,000 people used Will Aid, raising more than £2 million in donations. If making your will is on your to-do list this year, please consider using Will Aid. For more information, visit christianaid.org.uk/will-aid or call legacy manager Alison Linwood on 020 7523 2177.

A wake-up call to fix a failing global economic system

Caroline Atkinson, Claire Jones, Louise Parfitt and Laura E Pledger. Edited by Caroline Atkinson, catkinson@christian-aid.org

This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs the Climate Naomi Klein (Allen Lane, 576 pages, £20.00)

‘Climate change will change everything about our world. All we have to do is nothing,’ states Naomi Klein in her new book, This Changes Everything. Climate change, she writes, is a wake-up call to fix a failing global economic system that reaps misery and destruction for most of the world. But we need to act now. The author is no stranger to challenging the values by which we live. Her best-selling books, No Logo and The Shock Doctrine, are regarded as cultural flashlights, illuminating the less-thansavoury aspects of globalisation. In This Changes Everything, she confronts one of the biggest and most contentious issues of our time – climate change – arguing that capitalism is waging a war against our planet. So what’s to be done? Klein builds a case Ishmael’s Oranges Claire Hajaj (One World, 336 pages, £16.99) Salim’s family lost their home in Jaffa after fleeing Israeli attacks in 1948. Jude is the granddaughter of a Jew who escaped the Russian pogroms of 1903. They’re both hostage to their people’s pasts. But can they make a future together? Author Claire Hajaj, herself of Palestinian and Jewish heritage, skilfully weaves historical fact with page-turning fiction in this compelling story of a couple engaged in a fierce battle against the odds – and occasionally each other. LEP

for abandoning our ‘free-market ideology’, restructuring the global economy and reforming political systems. She challenges the selfindulgent arguments of climate-change deniers, the free-market thinking that keeps our planet on an ever-warming trajectory, the misplaced optimism of business moguls in developing a technological ‘fix’, and the reasons why the market has not – and will not – find a solution to global warming. Although sometimes protracted, Klein’s powerful arguments stir outrage and incite a desire to stand up for the future of our planet. Her case that the climate movement can be a ‘catalysing force for positive change’ – a chance to take action on a scale akin to the anti-slavery and anti-apartheid movements – is inspiring and well thought out. This is our opportunity to reclaim our democracies from corrosive corporate influence and harmful trade deals; an opportunity we should seize before it’s too late. Whether we have the will is unclear, but one thing is certain: climate change will change everything. To what extent is down to us. LP Blue Dahlia, Black Gold: A Journey into Angola Daniel Metcalfe (Arrow, 352 pages, £9.99)

Thanks to a recent oil-fuelled boom, Angola boasts one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. Yet its newfound, eye-watering wealth is enjoyed by a tiny elite, leaving most Angolans – still reeling from years of brutal civil war – dirt poor. In this exhilarating travelogue, Daniel Metcalfe expertly lays bare the country’s poverty, corruption and tragic past, while capturing an enduring Angola of humanity, kizomba dancing and joy. CA

Band of Angels: The Forgotten World of Early Christian Women Kate Cooper (Atlantic Books, 336 pages, £9.99) Rigorous history meets captivating storytelling in this unique perspective on the women of early Christianity. From the chattering Corinthians to the wise Desert Mothers, Cooper introduces a host of personalities relegated to the footnotes of history, though their creative influence was so vital to the faith’s spread. As you read, you come to realise that we owe them our collective ear, and you’re already pulling up a stool to listen. CJ Christian Aid Magazine Autumn 2014

Life and Soul

Cryptic crossword

ACROSS 9 Foolish person, obese, used to roast potatoes (5,3) 10 Fight container (3) 11 OK recasting manicure aid (6,5) 17 Basic meal moves onto a stampede at once (4,3,8) 19 Be a royalist and love rock band (6,5) 23 Consumed fresh tea (3) 25 Fast computing speed could be a terrible disaster (8) DOWN 1 Made from cocoa, the first of lot eaten at Christmas (9) 2 Control sound of wet weather (4) 3 Rough cloth taken up to America for confectionery ingredient (5)

1, 8, 13, 26 and 27, (though not in that order) spell out the repeated refrain in a modern Christmas hymn by John Bell and Graham Maule. These are not otherwise clued.

4 Wise men? Negative line! 5 Rock talk on the wing (9) 6 A man who acts (5) 7 May be Christmas present discovered in total chaos (4) 12 Unusual test â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but let it stand (4) 14 Christmas King is a square (8) 15 Does things to confuse cats (4) 16 Tries oxen to make big efforts (9) 18 Fat Queen may be after Christmas meal (7) 20 Broken reed leaps (4) 21 Wise men wandering round last stage of insect life (5) 22 Anesthetic round there (4) 24 Girl will stop controller (9)

Solution on page 23. As an alternative, you can view a set of quick clues for this crossword and download a grid at christianaid.org.uk/cam

Your Advent starts here Step out of the busy season to pause, ponder and pray. Tread the twists and turns of preparing for the birth of a child, and travel through the season with mothers-to-be in Kenya. Email orders@christianaid.org or call 08700 787 788, quoting F2306 for your free Advent Journey booklet.

Good news! The UK Government will double every pound you give, so even more lives can be saved in childbirth. Donations made to the Christmas appeal between 07/11/14 and 06/02/15 will be matched up to ÂŁ5 million.

Christian Aid Magazine Autumn 2014

Five minutes with…

‘The climate problem is solvable by a just and ambitious response’

Mohamed Adow was one of 38 representatives of civil society, from across the world, selected to attend the world leaders’ climate summit at the UN in September. Mohamed heads our advocacy team, lobbying politicians to move our world towards a low-carbon future. His focus now is on the run-up to Paris in December 2015, where the world will, hopefully, seal a bold agreement to avoid catastrophic climate change.

Mohamed Adow, who walked 1,000 miles around the UK as part of Christian Aid’s Cut the Carbon march, has now gone a giant step further – pressing the case at the UN in New York

How optimistic are you that the world will achieve a just solution on climate change? I’m a climate optimist. New York was an opportunity to nudge world leaders to seize the moment and set the stage for national and global actions in the year ahead. I’m seeing some game-changing shifts in countries such as the US, China and India to control carbon pollution. The 2015 Paris meeting is only the next stop on a long road to ensuring a just solution on climate change. The good news is that people across the world have heard the message that while the climate problem is real, urgent and catastrophic if they don’t act, it is also solvable by a just and ambitious response. So yes, I’m a climate optimist! What inspires you about the climate change campaign? I remember the great words of Nelson Mandela: ‘It always seems impossible until it’s done.’ Last month, people around the world showed how much this issue means to them by coming out onto the streets in the biggest ever mobilisation for the climate. We’re seeing a popular, grassroots movement coming to life around the world.

How did your involvement with Christian Aid begin? I joined Christian Aid from Northern Aid, a partner in Kenya that helps livestock herders adapt to the impacts of climate change. I worked with the Christian Aid East Africa team for two years, helping to improve drought management, disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation, before moving to London. I now do my best to influence governments in favour of the world’s poorest people and countries. What have been the decisive moments for you, personally? I’ve had many, from the 1,000mile Cut the Carbon march here in the summer of 2007, to high-level contributions and interventions in the Copenhagen, Cancun, Durban, Doha and Warsaw climate conferences, fostering South-South and NorthSouth connections. From Kenya to the UN… how do you feel about the way your own life is working out? I’m extremely happy. I’ve the fortune of working on a subject I care strongly about – climate justice – and in an organisation working to make it happen.

Christian Aid Magazine Autumn 2014

Can you help in an emergency? Christian Aid helps communities overwhelmed by disaster. Please support us by becoming an Emergency Church. When a big crisis hits, we send donation envelopes to our Emergency Churches so that we can fund immediate lifesaving work. We then email church magazine articles so you can hear how your support brings back hope.

To sign up: visit christianaid.org.uk/ emergencychurch or call 020 7523 2248.

Together, we can make the change Could your church hold an event this October to explore how we can live differently and care better for people and the environment? We can source food differently, reduce wastefulness and use money ethically. One World Week also offers a great opportunity to share Christian Aidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s campaign activities with your local community â&#x20AC;&#x201C; such as the Hunger for Justice weekend of prayer and action for the climate on 18-19 October, and Funding a Fairer Future.

Break the chains! OWW Reg Charity no: 1107762 Reg Company in England and Wales no: 4665250

For more ideas, resources, and to publicise your event, visit oneworldweek.org and christianaid.org.uk/hungerforjustice

A long-term Christian Aid partner, One World Week brings people together to share a message of global justice.

‘I’ve seen just how important the legacy in my Will really is’

Christian Aid/Elaine Duigenan

Naomi Pinder knows what a legacy in support of our work can achieve. She saw for herself when she visited Haiti, and witnessed our partners helping whole communities build lasting solutions to poverty.

‘I’m living out God’s love in practice’ ‘People I met in Haiti are my neighbours too, even though they live far away,’ says Naomi, who’s already entrusted us with a gift in her Will. Join Naomi in leaving a legacy of love. Write your Will with a Will Aid solicitor this November, and they will waive their fee, asking only for a voluntary donation to the Will Aid charities, of which we are one.

To find out more, fill in the form below or contact Alison Linwood on 020 7523 2173 or alinwood@christian-aid.org

Please send me information on legacy giving and the Will Aid scheme. Title:

First name:

Surname:

Address:

Postcode

Telephone:

Email: 15-J2699 A021643

Once completed, please return to: Christian Aid, PO Box 100, London SE1 7RT.

Christian Aid

London

London Autumn 2014 christianaid.org.uk/inyourarea

Legacy for the world

Still serving: John Curry outside Christian Aid’s London office.

Our Regional Coordinator for Sutton, Bromley and Croydon, David Pollendine, has been appointed Christian Aid Legacy Officer for London. ‘He said: I look forward to inspiring people to think about legacy giving. One way is though Will Aid, which is an excellent opportunity to gain peace of mind through writing your will while bringing hope to people living in poverty.’ David can be contacted at dpollendine@christian-aid.org or on 020 7523 2084.

Keep calm and Curry on, John

hen John Curry volunteered to be his local Christian Aid coordinator, he had no idea that he would be doing the job for the next 34 years. As a long time Christian Aid supporter, John felt that taking on the role was something he was willing to do. And after three decades of organising, envelope delivering and door knocking, his dedication has been rewarded with a Christian Aid Long Service Award. This new award was launched at this year’s annual post-Christian Aid Week Thank You Tea, in recognition of the hard work of our volunteers. Along with two other supporters, whose stories we will feature in future editions,

John was presented with the award to acknowledge his service, and to inspire others to get involved. John’s involvement with Christian Aid goes back even further than his 34 years as a coordinator. In 1967 and 1968, while an elder of Hayes Free Church in Bromley, he organised successful sponsored walks for the Upper Norwood Council of Churches, raising more than £1,000 – a huge amount of money in those days. The annual Christian Aid Week collection in Bromley is a huge logistical operation, involving 21 churches. John personally organised 30 collectors in 28 roads, covering more than 1,000 homes, and raising nearly £1,200.

Although the door-to door collection is still a big fundraiser, recently John has seen a shift towards more event-based fundraising, such as a quiz night and coffee mornings. As an inspiration to us all, John said that, motivated by his belief in helping those less fortunate, he will continue to post that famous red Christian Aid envelope through the doors of Bromley for as long as he is able to do so. • If you would like to nominate someone for a Long Service Award, please contact your regional coordinator, Julia Wensley, on 020 7523 2321.

We can’t thank you enough!

e had a jolly time with our supporters over tea and cake in June, reflecting upon Christian Aid Week. It was good to hear that most of you had an encouraging response to your appeals for donations and we hope that the final total will reflect that. Here are just some of the activities that went on in addition to house-to-house, street and station collections:

Stepping out on the Circle the City walk.

• Mile of money

• Open gardens

• Quiz and chips

• Talent show

• School disco

• Circle the City walk

• Scavenger hunt

• Auction of promises.

We are, as ever, enormously grateful for your hard work and enthusiasm during Christian Aid Week – we cannot thank you enough!

In their own words: meet the interns Our London team is delighted to welcome two new interns who join us for the next 10 months. We thought it would be good to let them introduce themselves…

Nonki Skeef I will be reaching out to young people all over London – hopefully inspiring them to get involved in tackling poverty and injustice. Five years ago, when I volunteered in Peru, living and working in an impoverished part of Lima, I saw how poverty impacts people’s lives. As a Christian, my heart for social justice is fuelled by Jesus’ love for the poor and the oppressed. This opportunity to work with Christian Aid is an incredible chance to show London’s youth my hunger for social justice.

Sarah Carter I am 22 years old and come from Dorset. Having just graduated from Sussex with a degree in Philosophy and English Literature, I am looking to deepen my understanding of the issues of poverty and inequality. I feel privileged to be able to see first-hand the work of Christian Aid’s partners in Ethiopia, which we will be visiting in October, and I look forward to engaging young people in an understanding of the injustices experienced by those living in poverty. I also believe that in order to change the world, I have to start with myself and the person next to me – like throwing a pebble into the water, and seeing the ripple effect.

• If you would like Nonki or Sarah to visit your church, youth group or school, please get in touch. They can offer interactive workshops and exciting presentations on the current work of Christian Aid, and support you with fundraising ideas and campaign actions. Email Nonki at nskeef@christian-aid.org and Sarah at scarter@christian-aid.org Christian Aid London Autumn 2014

I was just thinking…

The Church has gone away? I’ve just returned from brief visits to Angola and Zimbabwe. It was an opportunity to experience first-hand the challenges and battles yet to be won in the fight against poverty. The most tearjerking moments were hearing the stories and seeing the plight of displaced Angolans whose homes and life’s possessions were bulldozed away. Many are now destitute, and live in squalor without easy access to essential services. In Huila province, I asked, ‘How is the church supporting you?’ The answer came: ‘The church has gone away! Initially they looking for us and offered food and blankets – as we were their members. But they were being spied on and held under suspicion of being antigovernment. Life got difficult

and they stopped coming.’ The displaced are making way for new international cities, big businesses, beach side resorts, etc. In themselves there’s nothing wrong with these impressive developments. The vulgarity lies when people are not compensated to move, not given notice and in most cases told to leave the cities. The church via Christian Aid is very active fighting for their right to be treated with dignity through partners like SOS Habitat, the Angolan

Council of Christian Churches and Association for Building Communities. Hope is in the shed of concrete blocks seats where Pastor Abel Satehipati leads his congregation. I shudder that this Christmas many more families will be displaced, many for the second time. Yet I am encouraged that together we will give more, and even love more those whose decisions and actions increase rather than decrease poverty. Mark Sturge, Head of London region

Pastor Abel Satehipati in his humble, but humbling, iron church.

Reflection: Lending a Diary dates helping hand long term Advent Hope Christmas Appeal Thursday 4 December

When emergencies or disasters occur, we often feel unsure about the right way to respond. A good place to start is with prayer and reflection on the words of the psalmist, ‘God is our strength and refuge’. He is always ready to help in times of trouble – even in the face of destruction – and can provide strength in any circumstance (see Psalm 46: 1-3). For many of us, a normal response involves donating to an appeal. But while there is a need to respond generously at such times, there is a great deal that can be done long-term to reduce the vulnerability of marginalised communities to disasters and hazards. Perhaps our reflections can lead us to help Christian Aid build resilience within communities, by making a regular financial commitment. Caroline Lubale-Buluba

Service

7.30pm, St Mary Abbots, Kensington Loretta Minghella and Rev Rose HudsonWilkin, Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons, will lead this special act of worship, followed by a festive fairtrade reception. For your free tickets, email events@christian-aid.org with your name, postal address and number of tickets required. Saturday 13th December

Evening of Carols and Gospel Music City Temple, Holborn Viaduct, London. For further information and ticket details, contact Lorraine on 020 7523 2159. Christian Aid London Autumn 2014

Save the date!

Remember the date you need to order the turkey. The date to send letters to Father Christmas. And most importantly, the date you can start making double the difference for people in poverty. From 7 November, the UK Government will double every donation to our Christmas appeal, meaning we can save even more lives in childbirth.* So get the mince pies ready, have the carol-singers set, and from 7 November it’ll be time to get fundraising! When the time comes, go to christianaid.org.uk/deliverhope to donate. *Donations made to the Christmas appeal between 7 November 2014 and 6 February 2015 will be matched up to a total of £5 million.

Christian Aid News Winter 2014

Christian Aid

North

North Autumn 2014 christianaid.org.uk/inyourarea

‘If we call ourselves Christian, it’s the least we can do’ As a Christian Aid volunteer, former Bradford postie and teacher, David Somerville, has been lobbying hard on climate change. Here, he explains why.

Why is it important for churches to campaign? If we call ourselves Christian, the very least we can do is to take care of our neighbour, here and around the world.

Why is tackling climate change important? Because it affects the poorest most – but it makes all of us poorer in the long run.

Isn’t it all too big a problem? Big problems are sorted in little steps and each step is one of a million steps towards building a cleaner future.

What can we do? Our leaders will only act when they hear that this is an issue we really care about. By making changes in our own lives, we can show them not only that we want change but also that change is possible. christianaid.org.uk/ onemillionways

June Bedford celebrates her 80th birthday with an abseil.

You’re never too old to abseil!

hurch abseils have proved a great way of raising money for Christian Aid, with several taking place over the summer. Rev Stephen Burgess, Chair of the York and Hull Methodist District, was among those facing the drop at Ripon Cathedral. ‘What better way to mark my recent installation as an Ecumenical Canon of Ripon Cathedral than to throw myself off its roof?’ he joked. A long-term supporter of Christian Aid, he added: ‘There is much to be done in the global fight against the causes and effects of poverty, and Christian Aid has a vital role to play in this battle.’ Proving you’re never too old to abseil, June Bedford celebrated

her 80th birthday with a descent at Holy Trinity Church, Southport. ‘It’s a good way to celebrate my birthday and raise funds for such a good cause,’ said June. ‘The more we can do to make people aware of it, the better.’ June was all smiles before, during and after the 142ft descent. And so she should be, as she smashed her original fundraising target of £300, raising more than £1,000! If you would like to hold an abseil for Christian Aid at your church, please contact our Events Fundraising Officer, Hannah Miller, on 01925 582826 or hmiller@christian-aid.org

North England events diary Thursday 16 October

Friday 14 November

From Manna to Market

Sing for your Supper

10am-3.30pm, Foxhill Conference Centre, WA6 6XB. A free event exploring how ‘the market’ affects us and those we serve, and what part this plays in ministry. For more information, contact jane.hood@ chester.anglican.org or 01928 718834, ext 257.

7.30pm, Holy Cross church hall, Timperley WA15 6QG. Come along to this fantastic event where you are the night’s entertainment! Hotpot supper is included. Contact Doris Robinson on 0161 973 2882.

Saturday 18 October

Richmond Christian Aid Coffee Morning 8.30am-12noon, Richmond Town Hall. £1 entry, includes coffee and biscuits. All welcome. Saturday 8 November

Two Sides of the Same Coin Conference 10am, Manchester Methodist Central Hall, Oldham Street, Manchester M1 1JQ. Hear from church leaders who visited Christian Aid partners in Angola and groups tackling poverty in Greater Manchester. Visit church-poverty.org. uk/conference or call Bex Turner on 01925 582826. Saturday 8 November

Autumn Fayre

10.30am-1.30pm, Bold St Methodist Church, Palmyra Square North, Warrington WA1 1JQ. Buy some locally crafted goods or listen to our local school choir. For more information, or to book a stall, contact Ruth Earnshaw on rumumat10@ gmail.com or 01925 266932.

Saturday 15 November

Christmas Stories Workshop

2-4pm, Christian Aid, 42-44 Mosley Street, Newcastle NE1 1DF. For anyone interested in communicating Christian Aid’s stories of hope from Kenya this Advent and Christmas. For more information, call Sarah Moon on 0191 228 0115, or email smoon@christianaid.org

Marilyn Merrin on 0191 489 1405, or email marilyn-13968@sky.com

or contact Bex Turner, as before.

December

Wigan Santa Dash

Sunday 7 December

Marks and Spencer Liverpool Bag Pack Can you join our jolly band of helpers? Call Eirlys Jessop on 01925 582818 or email ejessop@christianaid.org Saturday 6 December

Carols at Selby Abbey 6.30-8pm, Selby Abbey, The Crescent, Selby, North Yorkshire YO8 4PU. Featuring performances from local schools and organisations. Tickets £5 (children free). For more details, call Steph Cooper on 0113 244 4764, or email scooper@christian-aid.org Saturday 6 December

Thursday 27 November

Second Newcastle Jubilee Development Lecture 5.30-6.30pm, Curtis Auditorium, Newcastle University NE1 7RU. Speakers: Kevin Watkins, Executive Director of the Oversees Development Institute, and John Grundy, writer and broadcaster. For more details, email David Golding at david.golding@ newcastle.ac.uk Monday 1 December

Christian Aid Carol Service 7pm, Grange Road Baptist Church (tbc), Grange Road West, Jarrow NE32 3JA. With choirs from South Tyneside primary schools. For more details, call

Christian Aid North Autumn 2014

Rotary Club Sponsored Swim 6.30pm, Manchester Aquatics Centre, 2 Booth Street East, Manchester M13 9SS. We have teamed up with Manchester Rotary Club to raise funds to support our work in Burkina Faso. All funds raised from the swim will be match-funded, which means for every £1 given, the EU will give £5. For more details, visit christianaid.org.uk/swim or call Bex Turner on 01925 582826, or email rturner@ christian-aid.org

Mesnes Park, Wigan. Run this festive 5k in aid of our Christmas appeal. To register, visit wiganevents. co.uk Wednesday 10 December

Big Christmas Sing

7pm, Elsdon Avenue Methodist/United Reformed Church, Seaton Delaval NE25 0BW. With local children’s choirs. For more information, call Sarah Moon on 0191 228 0115 or email smoon@ christian-aid.org Saturday 13 December

Carols in Wonderland 6.30pm, All Saints Church, Daresbury WA4 4AE. Christmas concert. For more information, call Eirlys Jessop on 01925 582818, or email ejessop@christian-aid.org Sunday 14 December

Manchester Santa Dash Time tbc, Manchester. For more details, contact Bex Turner, as above. Wednesday 17 December

Carol Singing in Northallerton Town Square

For more information, call Michael Webster on 01609 777315 or email mic8row@ gmail.com

Sunday 7 December

Liverpool Santa Dash

Thursday 18 December

9am, Pier Head. A 5k festive fun run. For details, visit christianaid.org.uk/run

6.30-8pm, ASDA, Howley Park Road, Morley LS27 0BP.

Carol Singing

Show of hands to support Colombia

any people were touched by the story in this year’s Christian Aid Week materials of Edile, a young boy in Colombia who had been forced to flee from his home because of conflict. Edile was helped by Christian Aid partner the Inter-Church Commission for Justice and Peace (CIJP), which has created safe zones that offer protection

to those who have been forcibly displaced from their lands. So it was a privilege for supporters across our region to meet Father Alberto Franco, a human rights defender and Executive Secretary of CIJP. He spoke at various events including a sponsored walk in Monton, a peace and justice group in Lancaster, and church services in West Kirby and Upton.

He was presented with the hundreds of hands made by people across the north of England in solidarity with the displaced communities in Colombia, and will take two big tablecloths covered with hand prints to communities in humanitarian zones in north Colombia, to remind them that they are not alone in their struggle for justice.

‘You are not forgotten – look I have engraved you on the palms of my hands!’ (Isaiah 49:15-16)

Thank you for all your hard work! In Christian Aid Week, you once again gave your time and effort to help us raise millions of pounds to tackle poverty around the world. It wouldn’t have been Christian Aid Week without the thousands of people who took to the streets to raise money from houseto-house collections. Thank you! You were amazing! There were many other fundraising activities too, including the sponsored West Craven Walk (right), a teddy bear treasure hunt in Whitley Bay, a charity shop takeover in Blackburn, a family fun night in Blucher, a train station collection in Leeds and afternoon tea in Latchford. Thank you to you all for everything you did to help make the week a success! Christian Aid North Autumn 2014

Save the date!

Christian Aid News Winter 2014

Christian Aid

Photo: iStock by Getty images

Scotland

Scotland Autumn 2014 christianaid.org.uk/inyourarea

The Beuckle, one of the best-loved Munros, stands at the head of Glen Etive in the Highlands.

70 years of moving mountains!

n 2015, Christian Aid turns 70. That’s 70 years of walking in solidarity with our partners; 70 years of struggle to overcome poverty; 70 years of believing that the mountains of inequality, corruption and injustice can be moved. So, to mark our 70th anniversary, we invite you to the mountain top with us – 70 mountain tops, in fact! Throughout 2015, members of the Christian Aid team are aiming to climb a total of 70 magnificent Munros: Scotland’s mountains of more than 3,000ft (there are actually 282 of them, but it’s not our 282nd anniversary just yet!). We are hoping that individuals and groups will join

us in taking on one, some, or even all of this challenge. We hope, too, that as we venture into Scotland’s wilderness, as we connect with nature and each other, we will get a refreshed view of how the world can be, where all are free from the scandal of poverty.

Funding the future We would love to raise £70,000 from this challenge – that’s £1,000 per Munro – to contribute significantly to our work. We hope that we can reach this target by the end of 2015, and we’re happy to help participants raise money in any way we can. Mountains are particularly important throughout Christian

history. Many significant Biblical events take place on the mountaintop. To reflect this theme, throughout 2015 we will offer reflections, discussion material and prayers, along with stories from mountain communities across the world. So even if you think the walking itself might be too much, there will still be opportunities to participate. If you would like to register your interest, or just find out a bit more, contact us by email at events@christian-aid.org or by phone on 0141 221 7475.

Events diary Wednesday 22 October, Monday 24 November

Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory Evening Two opportunities to hear stories from Christian Aid, the Church of Scotland and the Scottish Episcopal Church about recent trips to Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory. With prayers for peace. 22 October, 7-9pm East and Old Parish Church, East High Street, Forfar DD8 2EG. 24 November, 7-9pm Elgin High Church Hall, North Guildry Street, Elgin IV30 1JR. Sunday 7 December

Service of Thanksgiving 6.30pm, St Andrew’s and St George’s West Church, George Street, Edinburgh. Thanksgiving service for the work of Christian Aid. Save the date: Saturday 3 October 2015

National Conference

Edinburgh, venue to be confirmed. Christian Aid Scotland will hold a National Conference in Edinburgh that will reflect on 70 years of Christian Aid, and what the future might hold. Further announcements to be made soon.

Deliver hope this Christmas If you have been inspired by the stories of our partners helping to deliver hope to new mums in Kenya, which is the focus of our Christmas appeal this year (see main magazine, page 4), we would love it if you would hold a church collection to show your support. We are available to come out and speak at Christmas services throughout November and December. Please give us a call in the Glasgow office on 0141 221 7475. With your help we can make childbirth a time of joy and hope for thousands of families across Kenya.

Christian Aid Scotland Autumn 2014

Sculptor Sandy Stoddart, this year’s patron of the book sale at St Andrew’s and St George’s West Church in Edinburgh.

Thanks for a great week!

ear supporters… thank you for all you did during Christian Aid Week 2014. Everyone who took part has helped give people a future without fear and brought hope to conflict-affected communities around the world. Our Churches Development Officer, Mary Mulligan, said: ‘Once again, we’ve been amazed at the generosity and dedication of our supporters. As I visited events all over Scotland, from Aboyne to Windygates, Falkirk to Banchory, I felt privileged to see so many people holding fundraising events and collections that will help people in war-torn communities around the world build lives free from fear.’

Pictures from Haiti form an inspirational exhibition now touring Scotland.

Haiti exhibition Scotland tour

ur new photography exhibition I Witness has been touring Scotland this summer, sharing inspirational stories and images of our work in Haiti. During August and September it visited six different churches in the Scottish Borders, starting in the small village of Yetholm, near Kelso. It also crept over the border into Northumberland to the United Reformed Church in Crookham. The people of Crookham donated £1,000 to the Haiti Earthquake Appeal in 2010 so they were delighted to be able to see some good news stories from a country that has endured so much. The exhibition also went on display at the

Macrobert Arts Centre at the University of Stirling. All who have seen the exhibition have been moved by the images and stories it captures. Just a quick glance at the accompanying visitors’ book reaffirms this: ‘superb photos showing a poignant story’, ‘the art is fabulous – confirms the strength of the human spirit’. The exhibition will continue its tour of Scotland in the months ahead, so keep an eye on our website for the latest dates and venues. If you are interested in hosting it at your church, community café or village hall, please contact legacy coordinator Jo Dallas on 0141 241 6139 or email jdallas@christian-aid.org

Kaye’s OK with us! We are delighted to welcome this year’s new intern, Kaye Steele, to the Christian Aid Scotland team. Over the next year, Kaye is looking forward to visiting churches and youth groups to deliver workshops on topics such as climate change and

gender. She’s also about to set off on a trip to visit our partners in Ethiopia. If you would like Kaye to come to talk to your church or youth group on her return, you can get in touch with her at ksteele@christian-aid.org or on 0141 241 6135. Christian Aid Scotland Autumn 2014

Save the date!

Christian Aid News Winter 2014

Christian Aid

South East

South East Autumn 2014 christianaid.org.uk/inyourarea

Farewell Bishop John

Did you hear the one about the bearded nun?

hat do a bearded nun and a stone snail have in common? The answer is that both are involved in transforming the lives of vulnerable women and their families through our Community Partnerships. This scheme allows churches and other groups to be linked to particular projects, on behalf of which they commit to raise £5,000 over two years. And the best thing about these partnerships is that they are match-funded by the European Union, meaning that for every pound raised, at least three more are donated. It’s a smart investment and a great way to make your money go further. Groups across the South East have found several imaginative ways to raise money for their partnerships. A bearded nun turned up to a singalong screening of The Sound of Music in Kent, organised by the Canterbury Christian Aid Group.

The event raised nearly £300 and brought the total raised by the group to more than £3,000 for its Kenyan Community Partnership, supporting maternal and child health programmes. Princes Risborough Christian Aid Group raised more than £1,200 for its Afghanistan Community Partnership through an open garden event at Bledlow Manor in Buckinghamshire. Thanks to the generosity of Lord Carrington – who opened his gardens to us – and the hard work of local volunteers, nearly 200 people enjoyed exploring the stunning and surprising gardens, and meeting the giant snail! This will support the work of Christian Aid partner the Afghan Women’s Educational Centre and its literacy work with Afghan women in some of the poorest areas of the country. • To find out more about Community Partnerships, go to christianaid.org.uk/partnerships

Back in August, the Christian Aid team in Oxford organised a surprise farewell for the Bishop of Oxford, the Right Reverend John Pritchard, who is retiring after seven years in the diocese. The surprise afternoon tea took place at St Ethelwold’s House in Abingdon. Christian Aid Chief Executive, Loretta Minghella, and Head of South East Region, Jenny Ayres, praised Bishop John’s national and regional support for Christian Aid. This has included living on a pound a day for a week, taking part in a Bishops’ Bake Off, being a coffee barista and even squeezing into a portaloo with other clergy for a Christian Aid Week photo. He has also hosted many events at his home and highlighted Christian Aid’s work in the House of Lords. Goodbye Bishop John and thank you again – enjoy your retirement.

Coming and going

The band You, Me and Him take part in a community concert during Christian Aid Week at St George’s Church in Weald, Kent.

Thank you for all of your hard work Christian Aid Week is an amazing time of year, when so many of you give your time and effort to help us raise millions of pounds to tackle poverty. Thousands of you walked the streets collecting door to door, many churches hosted speakers, schools held assemblies and, of course, there was the usual range

of plant sales, sponsored events, afternoon teas and so much more. One group in Weald, Kent, managed to hold a different event every day, including a community concert, fish and chip supper and even a vintage tractor show! Thank you for everything that you all did to help make the week such a success.

We are sorry to say goodbye to Steve Johnson, Oxfordshire Regional Coordinator, who has left to start ministerial training in Cambridge. However, we are pleased to welcome Anwen Newman as his replacement. We also welcome Katie Roberts, who is job-sharing the Head of South East Region with Jenny Ayres, and Cat Garsed, who is covering Rosie Venner’s maternity leave as Regional Coordinator for Essex. September also saw the arrival of this year’s interns. Jonnie Walker is based in the Oxford office, while Callum Humphries and Thomas Hackett are with the regional team based in London. All the interns will be visiting Ethiopia in October and will be keen to speak about their experiences. Do get in touch if you would like to book them at your church or youth group.

Advent – a time of expectation The end of November sees the start of Advent, a season of preparation and waiting. For Christians, this is an expectant journey towards the celebration of the birth of Jesus at Christmas. The birth of any baby involves waiting and preparation, and this is the same the world over. And yet the birth itself can be so different. In Narok County, Kenya, one child in 11 dies before its fifth birthday. Healthcare centres are few and far between, and women often rely on traditional birth attendants with little or no formal training. This is so different from our western ways of preparing – countless trips to doctors, antenatal classes and clinics ensuring that babies arrive safely into the world. Not to mention maternity shops and baby showers. This Advent, we welcome to our region Stephen Ngugi who is based in Nairobi, Kenya, with Christian Aid. He works in partnership Christian Aid South East Autumn 2014

with local authorities and community groups to improve maternal health services, making childbirth and childhood safer for Kenyan families. He will be sharing stories of Christian Aid’s work bringing hope and joy to new mothers in rural areas. These stories also feature in our Advent and Christmas appeal resources. As you will see in the main magazine, we are delighted that the UK Government will be matching pound for pound, donations made between 7 November 2014 and 6 February 2015. That means double the difference for people living in poverty. Join us at one of our special events listed opposite, to hear first-hand how you can help deliver hope at this special time of year. If you are unable to come along, why not do something at your own church? For resources and fundraising ideas see christianaid.org.uk/deliverhope Christian Aid South East Autumn 2014

South East events diary Advent events with Stephen Ngugi from Kenya Stephen Ngugi, Programme Officer for maternal health projects for Christian Aid Kenya, will be the guest speaker at a range of Advent services, events and retreats across the region. All events are free unless otherwise stated – please join us. Because they are linked to our Christmas appeal, any donations made during these events will be matched by UK Aid (see main magazine for more details).

Tuesday 25 November

Advent Reflections

10am-2pm, St Mary’s Church, Church Street, Watford WD18 0EG. Includes buffet lunch and concert. . Wednesday 26 November

Advent Retreat

10.30am-3pm, St Paul’s Church, St Paul’s Square, Bedford MK40 1SQ. Bring your own lunch. Wednesday 26 November

An Evening with Stephen Ngugi

7.30pm, St Andrew’s Church, Kimbolton Road, Bedford MK40 2PF. Thursday 27 November

Afternoon Prayer Retreat followed by

An Evening with Stephen Ngugi Amersham Free Church, Woodside Road, Amersham HP6 6AJ. The afternoon event is at 2pm, and the evening one at 7.30pm. Friday 28 November

Advent Hope Service 8pm, Magdalen College Chapel, Oxford OX1 4AU. Carols by candlelight,

with stories of hope, in a beautiful setting. Saturday 29 November

Unto us a Child is Born – Advent Retreat 10.30am-4pm, Mortimer Methodist Church, Berkshire RG7 3TB. A time to stop and reflect at the start of the Advent season. Lunch is provided. To book your place at any of the November events, please contact 01865 246818 or email oxford@ christian-aid.org

Advent Hope Services – Carols by Candlelight Evenings of music and reflection. Tickets are free, but on a first-come, firstserved basis. Monday 1 December 7.30pm (doors open 7pm), Lancing College Chapel, Worthing, Sussex BN15 0RW. Tuesday 2 December 7.30pm (doors open 7pm), Holy Cross Church, Bearsted, nr Maidstone, Kent ME14 4EF. Thursday 4 December 7.30pm (doors open 7pm), St Leonard’s Church, Lexden Road, Colchester, Essex CO3 4BL.

Friday 5 December 8pm (doors open 7.30pm), St Mary’s Church, Quarry Street, Guildford, Surrey GU1 3UA. To book your place at any of the December events, please contact 020 7523 2105 or email LSE@ christian-aid.org

OTHER EVENTS Tuesday 2 December, Wednesday 3 December

Oxford Big Christmas Sing

6.30pm, Oxford Town Hall. Join primary schools from across Oxfordshire as they sing their favourite Christmas carols in two gala concerts. £4 adults/£2 children. For tickets or more information, contact Sarah Clay on 01865 246818 or sclay@christian-aid.org

will lead this special act of worship, followed by a festive fairtrade reception. For your free tickets, email events@christian-aid.org with your name, postal address and number of tickets required. Saturday 13 December

Music and Carols on the Train Evening with the Bishop of Dorchester 7-9pm, Chinnor station. Chinnor and Princes Risborough Steam Railway and Chinnor Christian Aid Group, together with the Bishop of Dorchester, invite you to come and sing carols on a train! The train will depart from Chinnor station at 7pm and return at 9pm. Mulled wine and mince pies will be served. To book a ticket, please call 07979 055366. Thursday 29 January 2015

Thursday 4 December

Advent Hope Christmas Appeal Service 7.30pm, St Mary Abbots, Kensington, London. Join us in London for this annual Christian Aid event. Loretta Minghella and Rev Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons,

Pre-Christian Aid Week Supporter Sessions 2-4.30pm and 6-8.30pm. Our annual gathering for supporters involved in Christian Aid Week. Both sessions are the same. To register your place, contact Rubita Ajanthakumar on 020 7523 2105 or LSE@christian-aid.org

Christian Aid South East Autumn 2014

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South West

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Photo: Phil Blackmore

Girls’ Brigade members lobby MP

Robert Plant, Steve Winwood and Tony Kelsey rock for Christian Aid.

Stairway to heaven in the Cotswolds

etired musician Gordon Jackson pulled off a real coup when he gathered a few old friends to play at a concert to raise money for Christian Aid and some other charities at his local church in the Cotswolds. For those old friends included rock legends Robert Plant (Led Zeppelin) and Steve Winwood (Traffic, Blind Faith, Spencer Davis Group), along with Tony Kelsey (The Move), Bill Hunt (Wizzard) and Mary Jess (winner of China’s version of The X Factor)! St Peter and St Paul Parish Church in Northleach only seats 250 people and so the concert was not advertised. But word of mouth led to the doors having to be closed after 410 people had crammed into the church.

Gordon said: ‘I’m always hopeful when I ask someone to play. I had Robert’s contact details so I sent him an email asking him if he fancied playing, and got one back within an hour saying yes. I think Steve and Robert have talked about playing together, but I don’t think they’ve ever actually done so. Robert performed Nobody’s Fault But Mine, and he asked Steve if he wanted to sing a verse or two. So they duetted. I don’t think they’ve ever done that before.’ Nigel Quarrell, head of Christian Aid South West region, added: ‘We are really grateful to Gordon, all the musicians and the church in Northleach for a fantastic evening of gospel music and the gift of more than £1,000 to Christian Aid.’

Girls’ Brigade members lived out their mission to see lives transformed when they took Christian Aid climate change and tax justice campaign messages to their local MP. Together with leader Nicky Partridge, Olivia Timms and Lydia Fitter of the Girls’ Brigade’s 1st Andover group, visited Hampshire North West MP Sir George Young in his Andover surgery. They urged him to act on these two issues, which trap people in poverty across the world. Olivia, a member of All Saints’ Church, Upper Clatford, and St Peter’s Church, Goodworth Clatford, said: ‘Sir George listened carefully and said he would take forward all of the actions we suggested.’ These included asking Sir George to ensure that the government works towards a science-based global climate deal in Paris in 2015 and urging him to call on the government to put pressure on tax havens. Christian Aid’s Hampshire coordinator Charlotte Page said: ‘The girls were terrific ambassadors and we were delighted with their support.’

South West events diary Saturday 18 October

Prayer and Action Breakfast

9am, Village Hall, Middle Woodford SP4 6NR. Exploring our climate change campaign. Contact the Bristol office on 01454 415923 or email bristol@christian-aid.org Saturday 18 October

Taunton Sponsored Walk Walk 14 miles along the Bridgwater to Taunton Canal. For details, contact Fiona Daborn on 023 8070 6969 or email fdaborn@christian-aid.org Thursday 23 October

Film: The UK Gold

7pm, The Engine Room, 50-52 High Street, Bridgwater TA6 3BL. Introduced by Dan Doherty, regional coordinator for Bath and North Somerset. For details, contact the Bristol office, as above. Thursday 23 October

Building a Legacy of Hope

3pm, Holy Trinity, Rolle Road, Exmouth EX8 2AB. Tea and photographic legacy exhibition on children in Gaza. For details, call the Southampton office on 023 8070 6969 or email southampton@ christian-aid.org Friday 7 November

Christian Aid Lunch 12 noon, Vicarage Street Methodist Church, Yeovil BA20 1JZ. For details, contact the Southampton office.

Saturday 8 November

Exploring Climate on a Local and Global Scale 10.30am-3.30pm, Avalon Marshes Centre, Shapwick Road, Westhay BA6 9TT. A joint event with the Somerset Wildlife Trust, featuring hands-on activities for all the family. For more details, contact Fiona Daborn, as before. Saturday 15 November

Avon Gorge Abseil

Get sponsored to abseil 100ft down the iconic Avon Gorge in Bristol. Register at christianaid.org.uk/abseil, or contact the Bristol office. Tuesday 18 November

Film: The UK Gold

7pm, Wadham School, Mount Pleasant, Crewkerne TA18 7NT. Introduced by Fiona Daborn, our regional coordinator for Somerset. For details, contact the Southampton office. Saturday 22 November

Quiz Evening

7pm, Clapton Village Hall, Crewkerne TA18 8PS. For more details, contact the Southampton office. Friday 5 December

Christian Aid Lunch 12 noon, Vicarage Street Methodist Church, Yeovil. For more details, contact the Southampton office. Friday 5 December

Christmas Concert 7pm, Pelynt Village Hall, Pelynt, Looe PL13 2LP.

Christian Aid South West Autumn 2014

With Pelynt Male Voice Choir and Pelynt Primary School Choir. For more information, contact Chris Jadav, regional coordinator for Cornwall, on 023 8070 6969 or at cjadav@christian-aid.org Saturday 6 December

Big Christmas Sing

9am-2pm, Highworth URC, High Street, Highworth SN6 7AG. Annual fundraising festive sing-song. For details, contact the Bristol office. Friday 12 December

Big Christmas Sing 7.30pm, Truro Cathedral. Featuring White River Gospel choir and other local choirs. Further information from the Southampton office. Friday 12 December

Night of a Thousand Voices 7.30pm, Exeter Cathedral. An evening of carols and local choirs. Further information from the Southampton office. Sunday 14 December

Big Christmas Sing 6pm, St James’ Church, Torpoint PL11 2BH. Community carol singing. For more details, contact Chris Jadav, as above. Friday 9 January

Film: The Lunchbox 7pm, Crewkerne and District Community Cinema, Wadham School, Mount Pleasant, Crewkerne, TA18 7NT. Films of Christian Aid

work in India, introduced by Fiona Daborn. For more details, contact the Southampton office. Friday 23 January

Back from Brazil! 7.30pm, Feock Methodist Church, Feock TR3 6RA. Chris Jadav brings stories about her recent trip to Christian Aid partners in Brazil. For more details, contact Chris, as above. Saturday 24 January

Global Aware Conference 2014: Climate Change – A Matter of Faith 9.30am-4.30pm, Elim Bristol City Church, Jamaica Street BS2 8JP. Dr Rowan Williams and others consider how we should respond to climate change. To book, visit globalaware2015. eventbrite.co.uk or call our Bristol office. Friday 6 February

Christian Aid Lunch 12 noon, Vicarage Street Methodist Church, Yeovil. For more details, contact the Southampton office. Thursday 12 March

Eat, Drink and Be Inspired 7-8.30pm, St Andrew’s Church, Long Street, Devizes SN10 1NJ. A chance to be inspired and informed ahead of Christian Aid Week 2015, by Tekalign Kebede from Christian Aid Ethiopia. More information from the Bristol Office. Look out for future publicity for events with Tekalign in

‘Couch potato’ tackles cycle challenge for Christian Aid

Made it! Jeremy is pictured (left) with co-rider Stephen Dominy. Turning 40 became a driving force for Dorset vicar Rev Jeremy Brading, who surprised himself by successfully completing a 140-mile cycle ride from Guildford to Weymouth for Christian Aid this summer. The self-confessed ‘couch potato’ saw his milestone

birthday as an opportunity to take on a challenge to help those living in poverty. Not only did he complete the Cathedrals to Coast event in one piece, but he reached his target of £500. Together with Christian Aid’s regional coordinator for Dorset, Stephen Dominy, Jeremy set off on the two-day

ride from Guildford Cathedral, pedaling past the cathedrals of Winchester and Salisbury, before finishing on Weymouth’s seafront. Jeremy, vicar of Chickerell with Fleet, said: ‘I put in some training, but it’s fair to say there were some hills that pushed me to my limits. ‘I really wanted to do it though. Faith is a journey and this journey was motivated by my faith, which tells me that we have to put ourselves out of our comfort zone to help others who are trapped in their circumstances. We should all have dignity and an opportunity to lead a full life. This is what Christian Aid gives people and it is why I took on the ride.’

What a week that was! absolutely ruined by violence and tragedy and seen how long it takes to rebuild things. ‘I think it resonated with lots of churches and clergy, and it was fantastic to see so many of them there.’ Christian Aid’s Wiltshire coordinator Katrine Musgrave commented: ‘I was overwhelmed by the success of the day.’ To watch a round-up of the week’s events around the UK see bit.ly/caw2014

Photo: Chris Dobson

From a bishop spending a solitary night in a shepherd’s hut or another dropping 70ft in a free-fall abseil, to footballers, collectors, sponsored walkers, stallholders and climbers, supporters across the South West were galvanised into action for Christian Aid Week 2014. United behind a theme of showing solidarity with those across the world living with conflict, supporters took advantage of fine weather to help raise thousands of pounds to help break the chains of poverty. The final totals have yet to be totted up, but the thank yous have already been earned by the hundreds of you who prayed, acted and and gave this May, during Britain’s longest running door-to-door fundraising week. Among those taking part was the Bishop of Swindon, the Rt Rev Lee Rayfield (right), who was one of 42 people to ‘step out into nothingness’ and drop 70ft in a free-fall abseil at St Sampson’s Church, Cricklade, in Wiltshire. Other participants in the abseil, part of a ‘Big Day Out’ of events at the church, that raised more than £9,000, included two octogenarians, three generations of one family and five members of local clergy. Bishop Lee said: ‘I don’t have a great head for heights, but this year’s theme was particularly close to my heart – I’ve seen people who have had their lives

Christian Aid South West Autumn 2014

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Cymorth Cristnogol

Wales/Cymru

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Cyclists Manon, Nia, Elinor, Carys, Rhian and Megan cycled to Paris.

Cyclists cap a brilliant week

nce again this year, hundreds of events and services took part across Wales to mark Christian Aid Week. The commitment and dedication of all those involved is truly amazing, and we want to say a huge thank you for this fantastic support. There were so many, but here are a few highlights: Following an invite from the Prison Chaplaincy team to share the Christian Aid Week message at Parc Prison in Bridgend, Pete, our Regional Coordinator, spoke at two morning services and led a study group on the work of our partners in areas of conflict. Those attending became really

engaged with the complexities of conflict across the world and what our partners are achieving in very difficult circumstances. They also collected £91. There was a huge boost for one group of house-to-house collectors in south east Wales. Inside one envelope was a cheque for nearly £200. The recipient had taken the envelope to work and organised a collection among her colleagues. Holyhead Christian Aid group invited all the local schools to participate at their annual Christian Aid Week service. Ten schools attended and it was standing room only at St Joseph’s Catholic Church.

Manon Defis, our intern last year, organised a group of friends to take part in the London to Paris Cycle Ride. ‘We had an awesome time, met some lovely people and came back with some interesting tan lines! More importantly, we raised a huge amount of money for communities in Colombia… well worth the sore bums!’ Diolch i bawb am eich cefnogaeth… thanks to everyone for your support. To date, our cycling has raised more than £8,000.

Wales events diary Digwyddiadau yng Nghymru Sul 19 Hydref

Gwasanaethau Penwythnos Newyn am Gyfiawnder 2.00 yng nghapel Annibynwyr Henryd, Conwy ac am 3.00 yn Eglwys Noddfa, Caernarfon. Manylion ar 01248 353574 Monday 20 October

Climate and Energy Prifysgol Glyndwr University, Wrecsam. Panel Debate with Yamikani Dakalira, climate change

campaigner and Christian Aid partner in Malawi. For details and time, contact Ruth Holden on 01978 293336 or at chaplains@glyndwr.ac.uk

adviser for Tackling Violence, Building Peace. Tickets £5 (from local churches or at the door). Organised by the Denbigh and District Christian Aid Committee.

Friday 21 November

Just Desserts and Peace Building 7pm in St Thomas’ Church Hall, Denbigh. An evening of hot and cold desserts with guest speaker Virginie Lacroix, Christian Aid programme

Broadening the horizons August saw the publication of a new book about Christian Aid. Ehangu Gorwelion – Hanes Cymorth Cristnogol yng Nghymru (Broadening the Horizons – The story of Christian Aid in Wales) is a book of reflections and memories, written in Welsh, by Wynn Vittle, National Secretary of Christian Aid in Wales between 1972 and 1990. ‘Writing the Welsh Christian Aid story has been on my mind for a long time,’ said Wyn. ‘It was in April 1964, 50 years ago this year, that the board officially adopted the name of Christian Aid and, for us in Wales, Cymorth Cristnogol. ‘One of Christian Aid’s most important contributions is to have broadened horizons within Wales. It was instrumental in getting the churches here to be more ecumenical – with all traditions within a town or area worshipping and working together.’ Proceeds from the sale of the book will go to Christian Aid.

Christian Aid Wales Hydref 2014

Gwener 21 Tachwedd

Gwledd o Adeiladu Heddwch

7.00 yn Neuadd Eglwys St Thomas, Dinbych Noson o bwdinau amrywiol a sgwrs gan Virginie Lacroix, Ymgynghorydd

Rhaglen Cymorth Cristnogol ar Daclo Trais ac Adeiladau Heddwch. Tocynnau £5 (o’r eglwysi lleol neu wrth y drws). Trefnir y Noson gan Pwyllgor Cymorth Cristnogol Dinbych a’r cylch Sadwrn 8 Tachwedd

Ffair Elusennau

10.00-12.00 yn Berea Newydd, Bangor. Manylion ar 01248 353574.

If you could only take one thing…

or Christian Aid Week this year, supporters in Wales were asked to take part in the #onething challenge. Linking with the theme of families abandoning homes and possessions because of conflict, people were asked what was the one possession they would take if they were in similar circumstances.

One of those who responded was Councillor Michael Gray, local organiser for Risca, near Newport. He said: ‘If I had to choose one thing, it would be my Bible. It is something I treasure because it was presented to me in 1960 when I became an accredited local preacher with the Methodist Church. It is the Bible I always use to prepare my sermons.’ Michael’s involvement with Christian Aid began more than 45 years ago, when the local Council of Churches formed a Christian Aid group. They celebrated this year’s Christian Aid Week with a joint service at Danygraig Ecumenical Church, a house-to-house collection across Risca and Crosskeys, and a Tesco supermarket collection. ‘Christian Aid Week serves as a special reminder to us all of what we can and need to do,’ said Michael.

Cofio Gaza yn yr Eisteddfod Genedlaethol/Remembering Gaza at the National Eisteddfod

Ar ganol stondin Cymorth Cristnogol roedd tomen o rwbel yn portreadu’n fyw iawn y difrod eang a brofwyd yn Gaza, a gwahoddwyd pobl i gynnau canhwyllau a’u gosod ar y domen ar ddiwedd yr wylnos. Arwyddodd dros 1,000 o bobl ddeiseb arbennig yn galw am gadoediad yn ystod yr wythnos a threfnwyd sawl casgliad ar y maes tuag at Apêl Gaza gan godi dros £2,000.

Precis of the above story Eisteddfod visitors sign the petition calling for a Gaza ceasefire.

oedd 300 o bobl yn bresennol mewn gwylnos dros Gaza ar stondin Cymorth Cristnogol ar faes yr Eisteddfod Genedlaethol. Ymhlith y siaradwyr roedd Cathrin Daniel a Branwen Niclas o Cymorth Cristnogol, a Jane Harries, a fu’n Hebryngydd Eciwmenaidd yn Israel a Phalestina. Y nod oedd cyd-sefyll gyda phobl Gaza, sy’n byw o dan

gysgod rhyfel, cofio’r dioddefaint a’r colledion, a galw am heddwch cyfiawn a pharhaol i bawb yno. ‘Roedd yn ddigwyddiad emosiynnol a theimladwy iawn, gyda nifer o’r rhai oedd yn bresennol yn eu dagrau,’ meddai’r trefnydd, Branwen Niclas. ‘Fedra i ddim cofio digwyddiad arall mewn Eisteddfod gyda’r fath awyrgylch ac a lwyddodd i gyffwrdd cymaint o bobl.’

Gaza featured in Christian Aid’s presence at the National Eisteddfod in Llanelli. There was a striking display portraying the devastation of Israel’s recent offensive, and more than 1,000 people signed a petition calling for an immediate ceasefire. More than 300 people attended a Gaza vigil: ‘one of the most moving events I can remember at any Eisteddfod,’ said organiser Branwen Niclas. Collections during the Eisteddfod raised more than £2,000 for the Gaza Crisis Appeal.

In praise of a ‘collective achievement’ Every year thousands of Christian Aid supporters across Wales give up their time and energy to the vision of ending extreme poverty. Much of this hard work goes unnoticed in the media, and it is cause for celebration when someone is officially recognised for their dedicated support of Christian Aid. One of the few who have received such recognition is Carol Evans (above), the Christian Aid organiser for Porthcawl town. She was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Christian Aid and the local church community, and recently attended a garden party at

Buckingham Palace to receive her award from the Queen. Carol took on her role in 1990 with a commitment to grow the annual collection, which was around £2,200 at that time. She has transformed a small group into a vibrant organisation. The Christian Aid Week calendar is full of events: coffee mornings and soup lunches, and an inter-denominational church service with guest speakers. But the icing on the cake is the house-to-house collection. Through the efforts of Carol and her volunteers, the amount raised every year has grown to around £10,000. Carol stressed that the achievement reflects the huge number of people taking part, and of course the support from community. ‘I’m a facilitator of a collective achievement,’ she said.

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