Spring 2010
Clockwise from left: Reema in her salon; Nepalese woman selling bangles in the Market; Women dressed in their best for a festival; Intricate hair decorations are popular at festival time.
EVERYONE WANTS TO BE BEAUTIFUL Photos and Story by Lyn Jackson of United Mission to Nepal
Everyone wants to look their best, and Nepali village women are no exception. They love bright colours, wear glittering glass beads and bangles with pride, and treasure their “gold,” the costume jewellery given to them as brides such as necklaces, ear-rings and nose-rings. They wash and oil their hair, braiding in flowers or decorations at festival time.
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ut now and then, a woman needs something a little extra – a visit to the beauty parlour. This is not vanity; it is about dignity, the kind of dignity that God bestows on us as his children, made in his image. And to put this into perspective the cost of this luxury is not what nearly what you would pay in New Zealand. To have your hair styled in Reema’s salon, it costs the equivalent of NZ 57c. Unfortunately, such institutions are somewhat rare in rural villages. But as a student Reema Gurung dreamt of a salon that would serve women, giving them this God-given dignity, in the three rural areas that intersect in her small market town, Mahadevbesi, in Dhading District. Reema trained in Kathmandu before opening her salon. Every day, women come into the town, to sell vegetables, buy household goods, visit the clinic or, in the case of younger women, attend school. Reema saw the potential. She carefully saved what she could, and attended a beauty parlour training program. But she had no idea of how to start her own business.
Fortunately, TEAR Fund’s partner United Mission Nepal, had a partner that was running training programmes for people like Reema – people with an idea, enthusiasm and skills – on enterprise development. Now, Reema’s salon is bustling with customers. Ten to 20 clients a day come by for hairdressing, skin treatments or nail care. They also select from her small stock of basic cosmetics. Reema’s clients say: “We always wanted to look beautiful, but we couldn’t go all the way to Kathmandu for that. Now we have your shop, right here where we can come easily when we are visiting the bazaar anyway, for other things.” Reema is thrilled. She has a thriving business, doing what she enjoys. Maybe you’re thinking that helping set up beauty parlours is a bit frivolous for a development agency. There are lots of other stories I could tell: the story of Haldar the ploughman, whose training as an animal health worker provided a valuable service to his community, and helped him lift his family out of poverty;
the story of Sumitra, who successfully grows asparagus on her vegetable plot, supporting her family while her husband works overseas; the story of Manu, who used the income she earned raising pigs to continue her schooling. Then there are the small grocery shops, tea stalls, mobile phone repairers, blacksmiths, candle-making groups, rabbit-raisers, tailors… The list is endless, because the initiative, creativity, persistence and skills of people struggling against poverty are limitless. Because people dream dreams that aren’t bounded by our priorities, and because women want to look beautiful, as well as feed their families and send their children to school. Because when Jesus invited us all to “live life to the full”, he meant it! There’s no “one size fits all” for micro-enterprises. Instead, there are limitless opportunities, just waiting for a chance to take flight. Please help others like Reema to realise their dreams of working their way out of poverty with dignity, by giving generously to TEAR Fund Microenterprise. Just fill in the form in this publication or visit www.tearfund.org.nz TEAR Fund NZ supports United Mission to Nepal’s Sustainable Livelihoods programme, which works with a range of Christian micro-enterprise organisations.
• MICROENTERPRISE - CHANGING LIVES • NIGER UPDATE • POVERTY CYCLE • events
TEAR CORRESPONDENT
TEAR Fund Microenterprise, moving with the times A
Story by Richard Barter
TEAR Fund Microenterprise as we know it today was birthed in West Bali in 1976 when Kiwi Christian entrepreneur David Bussau responded to the needs of the rural poor after a devastating earthquake.
s he assisted in the reconstruction of villages it became apparent that the villagers wanted small loans so that they could restart their businesses. Bussau provided loans that created income and jobs for the villagers. One borrower Pak Ketut used his loan to buy a motor-cycle to transport goods. Today he operates a large transport company with many trucks. As the demand for loans grew, it became apparent to Bussau that a bank for the poor was needed leading to a number of Christian Microenterprise agencies being established that still operate today.
David Bussau gets alongside a TEAR Fund Microenterprise client.
In the early days collateral was required for loans but the very poor had nothing of value that could be used as security against a loan. So the concept of loans being guaranteed by a group was started. The loan goes to a group and is divided among members. The group must be paid up before applying for a new loan creating an incentive for members to pay on time, and assist those who are struggling. This has resulted in very high repayment rates. While it is recognised today that Microenterprise loans are an important part of increasing a family’s income, they won’t always overcome problems that require programmes tailored to the needs of a particular village or slum. This has resulted in Microenterprise or “livelihood” objectives being included in most of TEAR Fund’s Community Development projects. Another recent development is that of community owned cooperative businesses. Individual families tend to rely on local customers, if their neighbours are poor, this can limit growth of their business. Cooperative enterprises pool resources, contacts, customers, technology, land, irrigation systems, and transport infrastructure enabling members to access larger and more sophisticated markets. Operating at this level they are less vulnerable to seasonal fluctuations, price variations, and intimidation by corrupt officials along with other constraints small family businesses face. This approach is in line with TEAR Fund’s current focus on working with the strengths and resources in a community rather than dwelling on their problems. So the basic concept started by David Bussau in the 1970s of providing loans instead of handouts has evolved to meet the needs of poorer and poorer families. Microenterprise today is enabling whole communities to engage the market place. As TEAR Fund listens to and learns from its Christian field partners, its programmes will continue to evolve in order to meet the changing needs of the poor.
Inside out By Steve TollestrUp WHAT IS IT? I T received emails of concern from around the world and promise of prayers for the people of Christchurch following the earthquake. Many were from our partners in the UK, USA and Australia. But what really touched me, was the number I received from countries in the developing world; countries and regions we had supported in their time of need; India, Philippines, Central Africa and Latin America. Perhaps the one that made me pause and reflect the most was from Haiti. In the midst of all their suffering and trauma, they took time to remember us. Reflecting on the Haitian earthquake and the wonderful sense of partnership with our Haitian team workers and local churches there, it reminded me of the Apostle Paul’s comments that, we comfort others in the measure in which we too have received comfort. Turning to Pakistan, I thank you for your very generous support for flood victims through our emergency appeal. Because of your concern, we have raised nearly three quarters of a million dollars for aid and relief to Pakistan. It is a very complicated relief effort that has been challenged by the scale of the flooding. However, working through our disaster relief partnership the Integral Alliance, a federation of International Christian relief agencies, we have been able to get supplies on the ground, including food, water, sanitation, health care, pastoral support and emergency shelter. We are also working together for
longer term recovery, especially in agricultural support and community re-building. Without your support, this would not have been possible. Please have a good read of this issue of the Correspondent. Our important work with United Mission to Nepal is featured on the cover. Inside, you can find out about what we are doing in Cambodia, our world-wide work with children at risk through Compassion international and our exciting Poverty Cycle challenge. We have many children needing sponsorship at this time. Would you please consider being a sponsor and supporting one child and being the difference between poverty and well-being in their life? TEAR Fund is full of energy going into spring as we work to challenge poverty and stand with the poorest in Jesus’ name. Thanks again for being part of what we are accomplishing. In Christ, Steve
Steve Tollestrup Executive Director
EAR Fund Microenterprise plays a vital role in our overall strategy for tackling poverty. By giving as little as $50 or $100 to TEAR Fund, you can provide small loans to poor entrepreneurs to provide the capital to kick start a small business, or expand an existing one. By helping to lift family incomes, you give the poor options beyond mere subsistence to provide for the needs of children, by giving them such things as more nutritious food or an education. Your gift also provides business training to help ensure the success of these small businesses. Microenterprise helps the poor to work their way out of poverty with dignity, giving them a hand up, not a hand out. The great thing about Microenterprise is that once the loan has been repaid, it can be lent to someone else. It really is a gift that keeps on giving. You can give a poor family a chance of a better life by giving to TEAR Fund Microenterprise.
MICROENTERPRISE AT A GLANCE • Training and support is given to every participant. • Microenterprise breaks the cycle of extortion
and abuse the poor face from black market money lenders and loan sharks, and the illegal practice of Bonded Labour. • Women are especially empowered through TEAR Fund’s programme as they often suffer the worst of poverty. • All our Microenterprise programmes are assessed, monitored and evaluated, with expected accounting transparency and integrity. • TEAR Fund’s programme is motivated by God’s love for the poor.
PO Box 8315, Symonds St, Auckland 1150, New Zealand • Freephone: 0800 800 777 • Email: enquiries@tearfund.org.nz • Web: www.tearfund.org.nz
Sweet Success in Cambodia F or many living in rural Cambodia, how much land you have or how productive it is, can make the difference between having enough and having too little. La Lorn lives 35km out of Phnom Penh with her husband and two daughters. They are among Cambodia’s poorest. They can’t even earn enough to build a bamboo house on stilts to keep them dry during the rainy season. La Lorn and her family live in a lean-to shack on the ground with a mud floor. During the rainy season, it’s a real battle to keep dry and healthy. This has left them vulnerable, as there is often little access to healthcare in rural areas, and where there is, the very poor like La Lorn can’t afford the medicine. The couple rents land to grow rice, but dependent on the season, they don’t have enough for their family, and they have to buy rice to eat. To make ends meet, they
La Lorn, her husband and two daughters couldn’t earn enough build a basic bamboo house... La Lorn and her family lived in a lean-to shack on the ground with a mud f loor. PHOTO: GLEN HILL
decided to start a business refining palm-sugar, with a TEAR Fund Microenterprise loan. TEAR Fund’s partner, CREDIT Cambodia, is committed to ensuring the poorest have access to credit in order to lift their household incomes above the poverty line. La Lorn borrowed $68 for the equipment to harvest the palm juice. Production costs are about 80c a kg and La Lorn makes 8kg a day, earning her $6 to $7 a day or about $163 a month. But the work is hard. La Lorn’s husband collects the palm juice, while she spends long days in the hot sun fuelling the fire to refine the sugar. She has to buy rice husks to fuel the fire at a cost of $1.60, and she uses two sacks a day to produce the 8kg of refined palm sugar. Although poor, La Lorn and her husband are happy with the loan, and they hope that eventually they can save enough to build a better house for their children and afford health care.
La Lorn and her family making a living from palm sugar, as a result of a Microenterprise loan.
Time to honour development goals By Frank Ritchie
PHOTO: Alex Carter
Recently at the UN summit on the Millennium Development Goals held in New York, many world leaders committed once again to tackling issues of poverty around the world.
Emma Diack: Normal people can make a difference.
$9000 RAISED FOR NIGER FAMINE
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hen Emma Diack of Manurewa heard about the impending famine in Niger, she didn’t dismiss it like it was another sad thing in the world she couldn’t do anything about. She made it her mission to do as much as she could and raised $9000 for TEAR Fund’s Niger Food Crisis fund. Emma started a Facebook page called Help Niger, which attracted the attention of former Prime Minister Helen Clark, now the administrator of the United Nations Development Programme. As well as encouraging Emma, Ms Clark even donated an autographed UN tee-shirt for the auction. “I was stoked that Helen Clark responded by commenting and donating an item for auction.” Many local businesses donated goods for the auction which was held at Manurewa Baptist. “I was overwhelmed with the amount of money people gave. I felt that the auction went so well, and everyone enjoyed being part of such a fun way to give.” She said the amount raised was above her expectations, and she didn’t expect people to love it as much as they did. Among the 200 people who attended the auction, were Manukau City Councillors Colleen Brown and Daniel Newman. She said she was grateful to the many businesses that donated goods and having brand new items to auction and giving the money to a reputable organisation like TEAR Fund really helped with the fundraising. Emma’s next venture is a half marathon: Run for their life: 21K for Niger, to raise $21,000. She admits she is unfit, but she is encouraging others like her who haven’t run in years, as well as those who are fit, to train for next year’s Auckland half marathon and raise sponsorship to help Niger.
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ne of the major outcomes was a decision to commit more resources to improving maternal health through a programme called the Global Strategy on Women and Children's Health. Altogether, the claimed increase in contributions to this area from all donors at the summit sits at $40bn over the next five years. Since 1970, it has been recognised that a significant part of the battle to combat poverty involves wealthy countries providing resources through Official Development Assistance (ODA). New Zealand, alongside other countries, agreed that we would donate 0.7% of our GNI through our national aid and development budget. That figure has been agreed to multiple times over the past few decades. We have never made it – currently New Zealand’s budget is around 0.3% with no timetable to reach 0.7%. We are one of only a handful of nations that has no official timetable to reach 0.7%. With that in mind, TEAR Fund has launched the 0.7
TIMELINE campaign to ask all political parties to produce public timelines to honour our commitment and get our aid and development budget to 0.7% of GNI. We would
New Zealand...agreed that we would donate 0.7% of our GNI through our national aid and development budget. We have never made it. love you to partner with us. Resources to get involved are available on the 0.7 TIMELINE campaign page on our website at http://www.tearfund.org.nz/07-timeline.html and you can find us on Facebook. Let’s raise our voices together on behalf of the poor and create change.
Net ODA in 2009 - as a percentage of GNI
Net ODA In 2009 - as a percentage of GNI
As % of GNI 1.2 1.1
1.12 1.06
1.01
1.0 0.9
0.88 0.82
0.8
UN Target 0.7
0.7 0.6
0.55
0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1
0.54 0.54
0.52
Average country effort 0.48 0.47 0.46 0.46
0.35
0.31
0.30 0.30 0.29 0.29 0.23
0.20 0.19 0.18
0.16
0.10
0.0
Source: OECD, 14 April 2010.
Source: OECD, 14 April 2010.
PO Box 8315, Symonds St, Auckland 1150, New Zealand • Freephone: 0800 800 777 • Email: enquiries@tearfund.org.nz • Web: www.tearfund.org.nz
TEAR CORRESPONDENT
Like a spectre from Niger’s recent past, famine has returned to haunt the people of Niger in the Sahel desert region of West Africa.
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ome regions where TEAR Fund has been working have not had significant rain for up to two years. Drought and failed crops have seen medical facilities swamped with children close to starvation. Images of children with stick-like limbs, sunken eye sockets and ribs protruding from the frail frames, are emerging from Niger and Chad once again. TEAR Fund NZ is responding to the mammoth task of helping to feed millions and providing medical care for the sick and malnourished, through its Integral Alliance partners, (a group of 15 Christian relief agencies). Niger is on the brink of a severe emergency, and 7.1 million people are affected (almost half the population). However, TEAR Fund has been working in Niger to help to insulate the nomad communities against the effects of drought for much longer than they normally would have. As raising livestock is the key to their survival, animal loans and a veterinary health care training scheme were
PHOTO: tearfund UK
MILLIONS DESPERATE FOR FOOD in west africa Food and water become priceless in times of severe drought.
implemented to make the semi-nomadic lifestyle more viable. Positive results were soon noticed; herd sizes more than doubled and there was an increase in milk production from 2L to 5L per family. This gave them the ability to buy cereal and other food from the sale of excess livestock. Jeff Woodke of Jeunesse En Mission Entraide et Developpement (JEMED), a partner TEAR Fund has worked with on this project, has worked among the Tuareg nomads for 20 years. He says, “I am frustrated with climate change coupled with poor international aid policies that cause food shortages. At the local level, however, I am encouraged to see how people are adapting to a steadily deteriorating environment. “Because of my faith, I believe that every problem has a solution. I see the potential of the people and the land they live in. Where others see a desert and a colourful but quaint group of people, I see green pastures and
happy prosperous herders living as God intended them to. I love Niger and its people.” However, while they have had more stock to sell, reserve food to eat from grain banks, and rock dams were constructed to capture rain when it comes, it has not been enough to see them through a prolonged lack of rain. This has plunged them back into crisis. Staple foods like grain have increased beyond the means of the people and the value of cattle has plummeted. This means they have no money, and many people are eating just one meal a day. The pastoral sectors are in a critical state. The amount of cereal needed by the population for the coming year is 20,748 metric tons but there is a deficit of 10, 700 metric tons of cereal. Our partners have been working in this region for 20 years. However, to respond to this growing crisis and save lives, they need more resources.
GIVE LIFE TO RURAL INDIA CHRISTMAS FOCUS ‘INDIA – GIVING LIFE’ By Fiona Morris
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ach year TEAR Fund selects one of the projects we support as the focus of our annual Christmas Campaign. We would like to thank all our supporters and churches that gave to last year’s Christmas Focus for Zimbabwe. We can assure you that your gifts are hard at work improving lives there. We hope to report back on this project soon. This year’s appeal ‘India – Giving Life’, focuses on our partner EFICOR’s programme in rural India, where 4000 tribal village families are being supported. Imagine the heartache of not being able to feed your family. This was the reality for Pokhan Raut because the yield from his few hectares of land was never enough to feed his family of seven. However, with a source of water to irrigate his land and farmer training to increase production, this reality can be changed, and hunger and malnutrition can be a thing of the past. The communities in the district where Pokhan Raut lives are trapped in a complex array of poverty issues resulting from inequitable growth and inadequate policy enforcement. Malnutrition is prevalent and largely caused by poor agricultural practises, unpredictable weather patterns and the migration of the youth, drawn to cities. These factors all reduce the production of crops. Deficient governance and a range of badly managed policies exacerbate the problems experienced by marginalized tribal groups. Poor health, limited access to education and inequality for women, have been highlighted through assessments conducted by EFICOR. About 48 per cent of the total population in the district of Amravati live below the poverty line. Through our partner EFICOR we are working with communities to increase crop production, improve awareness of HIV/AIDS, immunisation, malnutrition and material care, strengthen local communities in advocacy, improve the status of approximately 4000 women and increase their family income through income generation schemes. Soon, you will receive information about our ‘India – Giving Life’ appeal. Your church will have the opportunity of promoting this through showing the Giving Life DVD’s, posters and donation envelopes at services. Please help the poorest in rural India by supporting our Christmas Focus appeal and help TEAR Fund change lives.
Give life to India by partnering with TEAR Fund’s Christmas Focus Appeal.
PO Box 8315, Symonds St, Auckland 1150, New Zealand • Freephone: 0800 800 777 • Email: enquiries@tearfund.org.nz • Web: www.tearfund.org.nz
A wall of water in the dead of night Younas John was rudely awoken by the shouts of his neighbours: ‘Everyone was running to save their lives,’ recalls the 48-yearold. Within minutes, the water was 3m deep and Younas’ house was inundated.
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e just managed to escape with his family to higher ground in time. Their possessions were not so fortunate. Everything from clothes to cooking utensils was lost in the fast-flowing murky waters that descended on the area. Beyond the physical toll of Pakistan’s floods, many survivors have suffered the emotional hammer blow of suddenly finding their lives ruined. With tears in his eyes, Younas said, ‘Thank God my family is saved – but now I’ve no food or shelter to provide for them.’ The donations from our Kiwi supporters are helping people like Younas who have been left physically and emotionally stricken by this climatic disaster, which started at the end of July when extraordinary monsoon rains led to the mighty river Indus swelling and breaking
BRIEFS Get an Insight into how TEAR Fund is changing lives
its banks with awful effect. Our partners in Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have supplied more than 25,000 people with food and other essentials, such as plastic sheets for shelter, hygiene kits and cooking equipment. The speed and scale of support from individuals and churches for TEAR Fund’s emergency appeal has enabled us to respond swiftly. Thank you for displaying Christlike compassion through your giving and prayers. But with 20 million Pakistanis affected by the worst flooding in Pakistan for 80 years, our work will need to continue for many months to come. Vast numbers of people who rely on farming have seen their crops and livestock washed away, as more than 3 237 000 ha (8 million acres) of land has been damaged. Little wonder that the World Food Programme is warning that malnutrition is a growing threat, particularly for children. Flood damage to clean water sources and sanitation systems has left survivors vulnerable to illnesses such as gastroenteritis, diarrhoea, and skin and eye infections. Thank you to all the generous Kiwis who have supported our appeal so far. Thanks to you TEAR Fund has raised $750,000 to help flood victims like Younas, giving hope to those who have lost everything.
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t’s not long until Christmas so why not take the pressure off the end of year madness by purchasing a Gift for Life item from TEAR Fund’s new catalogue? The catalogue launched this month has a great assortment of new items to meet the practical needs of the poor in developing world. Animals are popular Gift for Life items, and if you can’t decide which animal to give, you can choose our Noah’s Ark, which gives you two of each animal in our catalogue. Gifts start at just $5 and our Going Nuts is one of these cheaper items. This gift buys peanut seeds for farmers so that they can get a start in the nut growing industry. Your family member or friend will appreciate the fact that they have played a part in making life easier for the poor. Or this year, you could champion Gift for Life gifts in your workplace. For those who are unfamiliar with Gift for Life this is how it works: By purchasing Gift for Life for a family member or friend the money goes towards a project that ensures your item gets to poor people overseas. You receive a gift card to send to your family member or friend. If you don’t want the hassle of sending a physical card overseas this year, you can send an E-card to a loved one. If you hate Christmas shopping avoid the crowds and
Uganda TEAR Fund is running tours to Watoto Children’s ministries in Uganda through Break Free Expeditions. Watoto creates homes for Ugandan orphans. On this tour, you can volunteer at the Watoto Village babies’ home. You will also have the opportunity to visit a TEAR Fund, Compassion child sponsorship programme as well. This tour is scheduled for January 2011. Contact 0800 800 777 or email contact Diana Judge at info@breakfreeexpeditions.com.
Ethiopia and Uganda Join TEAR Fund’s Compassion Tour to Ethiopia and Uganda in mid 2011. This trip to Africa is aimed at engaging New Zealanders with the amazing work going on through TEAR Fund and Compassion, which is empowering Ethiopians and Ugandans alike, to lift themselves above the poverty line. The tour is limited to the first 15 people, and applications close on February 1, 2011. For an application form, email jane@tearfund.co.nz.
Trip Highlights Ethiopia
• Hospital by the River • The Fountain of Peace orphanage order Gift for Life by filling out the form on the catalogue or on our website giftforlife.co.nz. If you haven’t received a catalogue in the mailbox you can order one by phoning 0800 800 777.
Note: The amount spent is not on the card but TEAR Fund will send the purchaser of the card a tax-deductable receipt.
Eight-year-old responds to Pakistan disaster PHOTO: CHRISTCHURCH STAR
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oved by the plight of Pakistan’s flood victims, amazing eight-year-old Mackenzie Smith from Christchurch decided he wanted to do something about it. He was willing to sacrifice the $2 he gets weekly as pocket money, but he figured it wasn’t enough. That was when he came up with the idea of making and selling muffins. Along with his mother Maree, they baked more than 500 muffins and raised $550. Most of the muffins were sold through his school in Queenspark. What’s more his mother’s employer, Digital Copy centre CQ, matched the amount Mackenzie raised, bringing the total to more than $1000. Maree said the idea came from Mackenzie and that she was proud of him. “He's just got a real heart attitude and is excited at how much he has raised.”
Most Kiwis have never experienced life in the developing world, but every year TEAR Fund gives New Zealanders life-changing experiences by showing supporters some of our projects around the world. Next year we are offering three opportunities for adventure where you can see how your support for TEAR Fund is changing lives for the better.
Mackenzie Smith with his muffins for Pakistan.
Uganda
• Watoto Village • Compassion child sponsorship programme
Destination Philippines TEAR fund’s Insight Tour to the Philippines is a must for those who support Microenterprise or want to learn more. On this trip led by TEAR Fund’s Richard Barter, you will see firsthand the impact Microenterprise loans can have on raising the poor out of poverty with dignity. You will meet rural families in Canabantuan, who have broken out of the vicious cycle of debt and usury and through Microenterprise can now adequately provide the basic necessities of education, good health and nutritious food. You will also visit slums in Tondo near Smokey Mountain rubbish dump which provides a living for the poorest. Email Richard@tearfund.org.nz Visit www.tearfund.org.nz for more information
Hot Tips for letter writing Hot Tips writing evenings are being held in centres all around the country encouraging sponsors with creative insights on writing to their sponsor child. Letters from sponsors across the world can send messages of love and encouragement to a child who is receiving precious little. Poverty’s greatest damage to a child’s heart is the relentless message, “Give up! You don’t matter, and no one really cares about you.” Sponsors can exchange this lie with the truth! Each person is made in God’s image and immensely precious to him! Esther, a former sponsored child in India says of Sonia her Kiwi sponsor, “though Naomi and Reddulha are her two daughters, I am always considered as her other daughter. Sonia used to send frequent letters that had prophetic statements such as, “God will use you like little Daniel.” They were very optimistic. I consider my sponsor’s family to be my own family!” Through a relaxed evening, around cake and coffee, sponsors are encouraged with a host of “take home,” ideas, which will give their letter writing a real lift.
PO Box 8315, Symonds St, Auckland 1150, New Zealand • Freephone: 0800 800 777 • Email: enquiries@tearfund.org.nz • Web: www.tearfund.org.nz
TEAR CORRESPONDENT
Sponsorship; a light in a dark situation Story and photos by Caroline Atuhwere
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hildren with disabilities face huge obstacles and cruel discrimination in third world countries. However, one person’s decision to sponsor Joseph through TEAR Fund’s partner Compassion, has given him a much brighter future. Eleven-year-old Joseph has a light, beautiful smile. He speaks slowly and has a frail body. His sweet chuckle brightens his face and makes his eyes sparkle. Joseph emits warmth and positive energy and speaks about life and God with so much passion, but beyond his sweet smiles and chuckles lies a heartbreaking story. Joseph was born with hydrocephalous, a congenital condition characterised by an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the cranium, causing the head to swell and become disproportionate to the body. As a baby he couldn’t sit up. His body was unstable, and he needed support all the time. Joseph and his family lived in a congested oneroom house with no bed or mattress. The children wore dirty clothes; the home was unhygienic. Joseph’s parents considered him a ‘useless child’ and an embarrassment to the family. The community where Joseph was born in Kigunga, Entebbe, Uganda also shunned him because of his condition. To make matters worse, both his parents had HIV/AIDS. Life for Joseph was a misery. Fortunately, TEAR Fund’s child sponsorship partner, Compassion International started a child sponsorship programme in Joseph’s home area. During the child registration process, the project staff visited Joseph’s home. Joseph’s mother refused to let him enter the programme because she said his sister had a better future than Joseph. But the staff managed to convince her otherwise and registered Joseph. The doctors said Joseph’s body would eventually stabilise, and his enlarged head would appear normal. They recommended immediate physiotherapy, which he started with the help of Compassion. They also gave him a walking aid and a potty to practice on so that he could manage his sudden and uncontrollable bowel movements. When Joseph started attending project activities, his 7-year-old sister carried him to the project. While project activities went on, she sat under a tree and waited, before lovingly carrying him back home when it was over. She was registered into the programme later.
However, Joseph’s problems were far from over. His mother died and his father abandoned the family, leaving them in a rented house with unpaid bills. The landlord eventually evicted the children despite the pleading of the project staff. The church and project staff provided them with a new home. The two siblings and another abandoned child were given to Miriam, a mother of one to care for. Miriam graciously helped Joseph to use his potty. In the beginning, it was hard for Joseph because he felt pain. With consistent practice, however, he stopped soiling his clothes and used his potty. He also practiced walking with his aid until he walked properly. He finally stopped using it in 2007. Miriam loves Joseph to bits, and says Joseph is a special child who loves and cares about people. Whenever Joseph sees needy children, he wishes they were registered in the programme, and he prays for them. Joseph is amazed at how much Jesus has done for him and desires to preach in the future. ‘When I was growing up, I could not walk. I crawled on my buttocks, but Jesus has saved me. Today I can even run and play some football,” Joseph grins. A child who once could not sit on his own now does chores like fetching water and washing dishes. A child once rendered shameful now has an education and walks 2km to and from school. Joseph, who lost his mother and was abandoned by his father, does not lack much today. The project gives him food, clothes and bedding. He also receives a mosquito net, education and school materials. Joseph dreams big and he would like to become a pilot. He is a bright student and is doing well at school. Hope was only possible for this young visionary boy because Christ’s love was extended to him and one person decided to sponsor him. Joseph says, “I feel very happy because my sponsor is helping me.” Joseph’s sponsor might never really know how much impact he made in the life of Joseph but his past filled with hopelessness, has been turned into a bright future. You can help change a life by sponsoring a child through TEAR Fund. You can find children in urgent need of sponsorship on the opposite page. The majority of children in our sponsorship programme do not have disabilities, but we are committed to looking after children in most need regardless of their situation.
Children like Joseph are given hope through child sponsorship.
Joseph and Miriam working together.
UPCOMING EVENTS Watoto Restore tour coming March 2011!
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atoto’s, Restore Tour, is an epic event of music, dance and song. The show is interspersed with accurate stories and real testimonies from former child soldiers, woven into a spectacular and moving drama. This tour is very different to the Watoto children’s choir which New Zealand has enjoyed for many years. While there a stories of the tragic experiences many of these young people faced during the war in Gulu, they have found hope and healing, restoration and forgiveness, through Watoto’s rehabilitation programme. This show is not for the faint-hearted, but it is deeply rewarding.
Tony Campolo coming April 2011!
I
t is our pleasure to bring Dr. Anthony Campolo to New Zealand. Dr Campolo is well known as an outspoken advocate for the poor and he continually challenges Christians all over the world to respond Biblically to the poor. He is Professor Emeritus of Sociology at Eastern University in St. David’s, Pennsylvania, a renowned speaker, religious media commentator, author, sociologist, pastor, social activist, and passionate follower of Jesus. Over his many years of Christian service, Tony has challenged millions of people all over the world to respond to God’s boundless love by combining personal discipleship, evangelism and social justice. Among his many achievements, he is an ordained Baptist minister and the founder and president of the Evangelical Association for the Promotion of Education, which works to help at-risk youth, and has helped to establish several schools and universities. He was also one of the spiritual advisers to President Bill Clinton. He is married to Peggy and they have two children, and four grandchildren.
our purpose: The purpose of TEAR Fund is to glorify God by extending His Kingdom in ministry to the poor, oppressed and disadvantaged, and to encourage God’s people in NZ to live out the values and principles of His Kingdom by sharing with those in need. TEAR Correspondent is published three times a year.
PUBLICATION DETAILS:
Editor: Keith Ramsay Contributors: Richard Barter, Steve Tollestrup
Lyn Jackson, Frank Ritchie, Sarah Jefferies Caroline Atuhwere. Graphic Designer: Alex Carter Printing: Wyatt-Wilson
contact:
PRINTed on 100% recycled Paper
0800 800 777 enquiries@tearfund.org.nz tearfund.org.nz
PO Box 8315, Symonds St, Auckland 1150, New Zealand • Freephone: 0800 800 777 • Email: enquiries@tearfund.org.nz • Web: www.tearfund.org.nz
YES! – I WANT TO INVEST IN THE POOR! Name:
Title
First
Last
Address:
ABAYNEH
ABIJIA
ATHIRSON
Phone:(H)
5 year old girl, ETHIOPIA
3 year old girl, ETHIOPIA
10 year old boy, BRAZIL
Phone:(W)
Abijia mother is sometimes employed as a seller in the market.
At home Athirson helps by making beds.
Phone:(M)
DOB 14 May 2005
Abayneh lives at home with her mother.
DOB 9 September 2006
DOB 5 May 2000
Email:
These children need
URGENT HELP!
Sponsor one of these children for just $45 a month. Fill out the form on this page, tick the circle of a child and send to our address below, or call 0800 800 777. I would like to sponsor a child for $45 per month. If you have ticked an image on the left, please leave these preference boxes blank. My preference is: Girl No Preference Boy From:
South America
Africa
Central America
No Preference
Asia
Please add Sponsorship Plus for $10 extra per month:
BANCHIWOSEN
BEINAS
BELA
9 year old girl ETHIOPIA
10 year old girl, KENYA
7 year old girl, INDONESIA
Banchiwosen goes to church and sings in the choir.
At home Beinas helps by caring for the animals.
Bela enjoys singing.
DOB 16 Aug 2000
DOB 4 April 2000
DOB 8 October 2002
AND / OR I would like to become a Change Maker supporter by making regular monthly donations of: $15
$35
$50
$100
Other
AND / OR I would like to make a one-off donation of: $ For:
Nepal Microenterprise
BRENA
GETENET
IVAN
9 year old girl, BRAZIL
6 year old boy, ETHIOPIA
6 year old boy, BOLIVIA
Brena enjoys playing with dolls and walking.
Getenet loves to play with his friends.
Ivan has 6 brothers and sisters.
DOB 24 August 2000
DOB 28 December 2003
DOB 1 September 2003
Niger Disaster Relief TEAR Fund Ministry Other PAYMENT OPTIONS: Online Payment (www.tearfund.org.nz) Cheque (make payable to TEAR Fund) Visa / Mastercard (please complete below) Card number: Expiry date:
JAMES
JEFERSON
MASIEL
5 year old boy, PHILIPPINES
10 year old boy, COLOMBIA
10 year old girl, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
James likes to listen to music and play with marbles.
Jeferson likes riding his bike.
Masiel lives at home with her father and mother.
DOB 13 July 2004
DOB 20 April 2000
DOB 25 November 1999
/
Cardholder name: Signature: To save posting your credit card details use our secure online payment facility www.tearfund.org.nz 1498
PLEASE SEND ME: Information on remembering TEAR Fund in my will Information on becoming a volunteer Advocate Please take me off your mailing list
Please send to: TEAR Fund, Freepost 140677, PO Box 8315, Symonds St. Auckland 1150
MIKE
MUEL
MUTONI
3 year old boy, PHILIPPINES DOB 16 June 2006
4 year old boy, INDONESIA
12 year old girl, RWANDA DOB 24 September 1997
Mike likes to play hide-and-seek.
DOB 29 January 2006
Muel enjoys art and soccer.
Mutoni’s father is sometimes employed as a farmer.
Tick here and TEAR Fund will, from time to time, keep you informed on events, projects and disasters by: Email
Luke 6.38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
NAITOTI
NICO
RAMDAN
10 year old girl, KENYA
8 year old boy, INDONESIA
DOB 14 May 2000
DOB 22 February 2002
10 year old boy, INDONESIA
Naitoti attends primary school where her performace is average.
Nico enjoys playing soccer.
Ramdan likes playing with cars and doing art.
DOB 30 December 1999
Call 0800 800 777 NOW to sponsor one of these children
Call 0800 800 777 or Visit tearfund.org.nz
New life-changing cycle CHALLENGE .org.nz If you want a challenge or just a fun day out with the family on a a bike, join with TEAR Fund in its inaugural Poverty Cycle event. While you are out having fun, you can help raise funds to improve the lives of the poor and most vulnerable in your own community and overseas in TEAR Fund projects. The TEAR Fund Poverty Cycle is about encouraging people to participate in Auckland, New Plymouth, Nelson and Christchurch cycle events on Saturday 5th March 2011. For a greater challenge, register for the rides covering most of either the North or South Island starting in February 2011, ending in Wellington on Friday 4th March.
Fun for the whole fa m
Help to change young lives by getting friends, family or work colleagues to support you. Just register to cycle or volunteer to help at any of the events on www.povertycycle.org.NZ
ily!
The Poverty Cycle Iconic Rides (5th March 2011) Most routes are planned around established cycle paths to make them safe for families
Auckland
New Plymouth up to 36km
up to 50km
This ride is a unique opportunity to see and experience some of Auckland’s finest cycle ways, coast lines, and parks. This family friendly off road route can be tailored from a short amble up to a 50km adventure.
Nelson
The award-winning Coastal Walkway path forms an expansive sea-edge promenade stretching the entire length of the city through to Bell Block. It is ideal for a safe whole family outing. You will enjoy views of the dramatic west coast.
.org.nz e cl cy y rt e v o .p w w w p u Sign
Christchurch up to 42km
up to 38km This ride provides a number of options taking advantage of the cycleways that are part of the Railway Reserve, those alongside the coast adjacent to Whakatu and Atawhai Drives as well as the new link between Wakatu and the city.
The off-road family friendly Little River Rail Trail hugs the shoreline of Lake Ellesmere, and Lake Forsyth. Enjoy views of the Southern Alps and the Canterbury Plans. The Little River Rail Trail is abundant with wildlife and history.
The Poverty Cycle Length of NZ Rides SOUTH ISLAND Feb 21 - Mar 4
NORTH ISLAND Feb 22 - Mar 4
If you’re feeling up to a challenge and would relish the opportunity to take in some of the South Island’s magnificent scenery, why not join one of TEAR Fund’s Length of the Country rides. You will make your way from Invercargill up the East Coast to Picton, before boarding a ferry to Wellington to connect with the North Island team. This Length of the NZ Ride will challenge you but give you the chance to escape the rat race as you cycle your way through the North Island from Whangarei to Wellington, taking in the beauty that normally passes you by. This ride will not only give you the satisfaction of having completed it, but you will feel great that you have done something significant for others.
For more DETAILED information, go to
OR CALL TEAR FUND
Povertycycle.org.nz 0800 800 777