Correspondent - TEAR Fund NZ by Tearfund NZ

TEARFUND.ORG.NZ

ISSUE / SPRING 2011

CORRESPONDENT CHILD BRIDES AT RISK

UGANDA FILLING THE

HUNGER GAP PAGE 8

PAGE 4

BEAUTY FOR ASHES PAGE 12

Saving Baby Girls SAVED: Mothers like Pandeswari, seen here with her daughter, has defied cultural traditions which don’t value girls.

TEAR Fund’s programmes are fighting for the lives of girls who are being killed because they are seen as an economic burden. Story and photos by Jayaseelan Enos

he 21st century has witnessed a great rise in development around the world. Communications and scientific research are developing at a rapid pace. Gender equality is becoming common in many places, and girls are achieving heights once thought impossible. However, even as the world is moving toward progress, the ageold social evil of female infanticide still shows its ugly face in developing

instrument of God to reduce the prevalence of female infanticide and foeticide through adequate postnatal care and effective child development, say staff. Female infanticide is the intentional killing of girl babies. Even in modern India, parents long for boys rather than girls. As a result, they adopt different methods to get rid of baby girls soon after they are born. The dowry system is behind the deaths. The bride’s family pay a huge sum of money or property when a female

We can’t take care of these two children. If you want to save the children, please help us; otherwise we don’t mind killing them. countries such as India. In Chellampatty, Madurai, TEAR Fund’s Compassion Child Survival Programme is addressing this issue. The prevalence of female infanticide there is heartbreaking. No efforts to curb this social evil had succeeded until the project began to tackle the issue. The intervention of TEAR Fund’s Compassion’s Child Survival Programmes is becoming a powerful

child is married. For poor families, the birth of a girl is seen as the beginning of financial downfall and extreme poverty. As soon as a girl is born, the parents start saving the large sum required to be spent on her as she grows up. During puberty, a great feast is traditionally held at huge cost. The event is to declare that the girl is ready for marriage. When giving her in marriage, a large sum is given as a dowry. The dowry is often

beyond what the family can afford. In order to get their daughter married, parents are often forced to borrow the amount demanded, and they can spend the rest of their lives repaying the loan. The cost of a daughter isn’t over with marriage. During the eighth month of their daughter’s pregnancy, they hold a grand event. The first delivery expenses are paid by them. They buy gold ornaments to put on their new grandchild. They pay for an ear-piercing ceremony, to which all friends and relatives are invited. Nearly 50,000 ($NZ 1,285) to 100,000 INR ($NZ 2,568) would be spent on average. The girl’s family also pay the funeral expenses for deaths in her husband’s family. Through the programme, several steps were taken to address the issue which resulted in the rate of female infanticide coming down. Staff identified pregnant mothers and began counselling them. They were encouraged to accept the birth of a girl. Awareness classes also address issues such as family planning, child birth, abortion and child marriage. Beyond advocacy for the babies, there are numerous occasions where staff have intervened and saved the life of a girl. A woman named Pandeswari gave birth to twin girls, Ramaye and Lakshmi. Pandeswari had a daughter already,

so the birth of twin girls disappointed them. Although determining a baby’s gender before birth is illegal in India, it is still secretly done. The moment parents find out they are having a girl, the child is often aborted. In this case, the family members wanted to abort the girl twins. Staff urged the parents to reconsider and the girls were born safely. One day, Pandeswari’s mother-in-law came to a meeting at the project with her newborn granddaughters, and she laid them on the floor. One baby weighed 750gms and other weighed 1kg. She said, “We can’t take care of these two children. If you want to save the children, please help us; otherwise we don’t mind killing them.” The Child Survival Programme intervened and both girls were enrolled in the programme. Had it not been for TEAR Fund’s Compassion Child Survival Programme, girls like Ramaye and Lakshmi would not be alive today. Through the generosity of supporters, the Compassion Child Survival Programmes are helping to stamp out this social evil.

You can help save young lives like those of Ramaye and Lakshmi by supporting A TEAR Fund Compassion Child Survival Programme.

PO Box 8315, Symonds St, Auckland 1150, New Zealand • 0800 800 777 • enquiries@tearfund.org.nz • tearfund.org.nz

2 | TEAR CORRESPONDENT

New look & emphasis for Correspondent The Editor

KENYA TURNS TO CLOUD-SEEDING

his edition of the Correspondent marks some changes – a slightly new look and some changes in content. Addressing issues of poverty, oppression and the marginalisation of people involves more than simple charity and the giving of money. While this is vitally important in our world, our role as Christians asks much more of us. God has a big story playing out, a story of justice and making all things right. We can’t make everything right, only God can, but our lives can be used to contribute to that story. This is the life of a disciple, the journey of every Christian. To do that, we at TEAR Fund recognise four key ways for all of us to engage in issues of poverty, oppression, and marginalisation – we call these four things together a transformational lens, because by engaging in these four things, we allow God to work in our lives, transforming us to be used in his work towards true and lasting justice. These are the facets of that lens. Our aim is to give you ways to engage with each of them: Giving: By learning to give, we ultimately make a statement that the things we have at our disposal such as money, time, material possessions and our skills are not ours. They are ultimately gifts given by God to be used for the good works he has created us for. Praying: Prayer is about allowing God the space to shape our lives in submission to him. Prayer says that we are not in charge, and that we ultimately rely on him for all things. Prayer says that we are powerless but through God, we can achieve much. This holds great significance when we are faced with the

enyan scientists plan to use cloudseeding to produce more rain in an attempt to ease the drought devastating East Africa. Around 3.2 million Kenyans need food and other aid. Cloud-seeding involves dispersing chemicals in the air often by plane or rocket - where they act as a focus for condensation that encourages rain. The government also wants to boost Kenya’s forest cover to 10 percent from 1.8 percent. Forests produce organic compounds called terpenes during warmer weather, which act as a natural catalyst for cloud-seeding. Some of Kenya’s farmers are meanwhile turning to greenhouses to beat changing weather patterns.

GAS WORKS ‘FUEL’ CONFLICT IN MYANMAR TRANSFORMING POWER: Through God in prayer, we can achieve much. most desperate needs in our world and some of the greatest evils. Learning: We can be people who give our money as simple charity and live in blissful ignorance of the issues facing God’s world, or we can be people who know the issues, know the ins and outs and nuances of the problems we wish to address and who act accordingly. How much more our action, advocacy and prayer can be when we are equipped with effective knowledge about the problems we wish to defeat? Advocacy: Problems of poverty, oppression and marginalization cannot truly be addressed and defeated by charity alone, while the systems that propagate these problems continue to flourish. In the tradition of the prophets, we must be willing to challenge those systems and the people who hold power

by Steve Tollestrup

take my vote seriously. In fact, I love voting and having my say. But even more, I think it is part of my Christian responsibility. Consider Romans 13. This is where Paul writes that there is no governing authority unless instituted (Revised Standard Version) by God. In fact, to resist such government is to resist God. Let’s think about that for a moment. Who or what is the ultimate governing authority in New Zealand? It is you and I, the voter citizens of New Zealand. The government instituted here is a liberal democracy, and as the American formula goes, `It is by and for the people’. Sometimes elected representatives forget this, take it for granted and end up with a rude reminder on election night. The irascible Sunday Star Times columnist, Frank Hayden, with whom I frequently disagreed, cheekily refers to MPs as ‘his employees.’ Frank had a point. We live in a democracy which may not be perfect, but it beats the alternative. In parts of the world, where we are working, people die for democracy and representation. Think through the issues carefully and don’t be

PICTURE / CHUCK BIGGER

in those systems even when we feel like a lone voice in the wilderness. By doing so, we say to those systems that there is a Kingdom greater than them, and it is the values and priorities of God’s Kingdom that we endorse and uphold. When we truly engage with these four things, our lives are transformed, our lifestyles cannot help but be changed and our imaginations can be turned towards those things that God cares about. In so doing, we become the tools of his grace, mercy and desire for redemption and reconciliation throughout his whole creation – we become agents of justice. In this, and subsequent issues of the Correspondent, our aim is to help you engage in each of these four things. Sometimes the emphasis will be different, but hopefully you can find a way to engage in all four.

Inside Out

We live in a democracy which may not be perfect, but it beats the alternative. In parts of the world, where we are working, people die for democracy and representation.

BRIEFS

cynical. Your vote is precious; it counts. I thank all of you who have so wonderfully and generously responded to the great need in the Horn of Africa. Famine is such a sad, terrible and honestly preventable tragedy. However, because of your generosity, lives – especially among undernourished children – are being saved. The hungry are being fed, the thirsty getting fresh, safe water, the destitute and frightened are finding compassion and security in refugee camps, and scattered families are being re-united. All of us together are making a real difference for the people of the region and demonstrating the love and compassion of Christ. Our cover story this issue focuses on the safety and health of the girls, who are often in danger of infanticide or neglect. TEAR Fund is working hard to make sure that girls grow up secure with opportunities for a healthy and satisfying future. Take a moment and read about how we are achieving this and how you can partner with us. God Bless!

wo controversial gas pipeline projects in western Myanmar are fuelling further conflicts, human rights abuses and environmental degradation, Shwe Gas Movement - a group of Myanmar exiles in Bangladesh, India and Thailand - say. China is building the pipelines, expected to be operational by 2013, to supply it with oil shipped from the Middle East and natural gas from Myanmar’s vast offshore reserves in the Bay of Bengal. Thousands of people have had their farmland confiscated to make way for the pipelines, and increased militarisation in the pipeline areas is set to inflame conflict, the group says. Some of those pipeline areas cross areas of clashes between ethnic armed groups and the government.

THE WORLD’S MOST INVISIBLE PEOPLE?

any people hardly give their nationality a second thought except perhaps when on holiday abroad or during big sports events. But imagine not having any country to call home. There are up to 15 million stateless people in the world. Without citizenship they are often denied the basic rights we take for granted - education, healthcare, jobs, the right to own property, to open a bank account, marry or travel. Statelessness exacerbates poverty, creates social tensions, breaks up families and destroys children’s prospects. In some cases it can even fuel wars when disenfranchised people pick up weapons, as has happened in Ivory Coast. Yet only 38 countries have signed the Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness which marks its 50th anniversary this week.

REBUILDING HAITI

aitian President Michel Martelly’s struggle to build consensus among lawmakers has created a political deadlock that threatens already slow reconstruction efforts in the earthquake-shattered country. More than three months after taking office, former pop star Martelly has yet to form a government to begin the task of addressing the needs of 635,000 people who are still homeless after the quake and hundreds of thousands more who are desperate for jobs. The uncleared rubble could fill 8,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools, according to UN estimates. Briefs supplied by Reuters Alertnet.

PO Box 8315, Symonds St, Auckland 1150, New Zealand • 0800 800 777 • enquiries@tearfund.org.nz • tearfund.org.nz

Letters to the Editor Your Letters Invited

he Letters to the Editor section is where our readers get to have their say. The new direction of the Correspondent with its more in-depth look into the complex issues which create poverty is bound to invite questions and comments. Some articles may at times even create disagreement. We want a robust Letters to the Editor section in the Correspondent, which will include your thoughts and our response. We are all on a journey together, learning and growing, and we do not want to shy away from sharpening one another. Our prayer is simply that as we do so, even in our disagreements, we would remain united in our desire to live out the values of God’s Kingdom in ministry to the poor, oppressed and disadvantaged.

Technical details

ll letters should be less than 200 words and have full contact details. Noms de Plume are not accepted. Letters may be edited or abridged. All correspondence can be sent to PO Box 8315, Symonds St, Auckland 1150, addressed to the Editor of the Correspondent or can be emailed to enquiries@tearfund.org.nz

Choose by Keith Ramsay

Introducing our new cartoonist

t is with great pleasure that we introduce our talented cartoonist, Daniel Blackball Alexander. Every issue Daniel will create a thought-

provoking cartoon which we hope will challenge our readers and encourage discussion. Comments on these cartoons are invited in our Letters to

the Editor section. Daniel hails from the southern city of Dunedin where he works as a freelance artist and graphic designer.

New Ideas LIFE: Rescue mothers & children for Gift for Life

nfant mortality rates in the world are scandalously high despite the progress that has been made over the past 20 years. In 1990, 12.4 million children under five died, many from preventable causes. Since then, the figure has dropped to an estimated 7.5 million children. While this is good news, too many children are dying of preventable causes. Considering our own infant mortality rate is a mere 4.85 deaths per 1,000 live births, it doesn’t begin to compare with Angola’s, the worst ranked country in the world, at 178 deaths per 1,000 live births. If this rate existed in New Zealand, we would be outraged and would be calling the government to account. In this issue of the Correspondent, we explore child mortality with our Choose Life campaign. We examine the problems, look at some solutions and highlight what TEAR Fund is doing to counter child mortality rates, especially among girls who are over-represented in the statistics. This is due to the widespread

CHOOSE LIFE: Educating girls for five years could increase child survival rates by 40%. PICTURE / CHUCK BIGGER

those who finished primary education half as likely) as those who received little or no schooling. All of TEAR Fund’s child

This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live 20 and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. Deuteronomy 30:19-20 NIV 19

traditions of dowries, child marriage, poor birthing services, and a lack of education. Educating girls for five years could increase child survival rates by up to 40%, and a study in Uganda found that children who finished secondary education were seven times less susceptible to HIV (and

development projects involve education of mothers or their children. We hope that you will join us in taking action against these horrific statistics through prayer, advocating on behalf of mothers and children, and through giving. We hope that you will become passionate

about these issues and pray for change and take action against this injustice and inequality in our world. Through many programmes that TEAR Fund is involved in, the lives of children are being saved in places and in situations where they would have normally died. I hope you will partner with us in saving many more newborn children and give them a future and a hope, as our loving heavenly father intended.

If you are stuck for a Christmas idea, look no further than TEAR Fund’s new Gift for Life catalogue. This year’s catalogue not only has a new look and new items, it has ideas on pairing your Gift for Life item as part of a gift package. It also has short stories from the people who benefit from your Gift for Life gifts. One of the new gifts this year is Fish Farm. For $20 you can buy a fish for a community fish farm which will not only produce an income, it can ensure children get a well-balanced diet. Wherever you see the present icon in the catalogue, you will find an idea for a present you can match your Gift for Life item with. In the case of the Fish Farm item, we suggest popping your Fish Farm Gift for Life card into a tackle box or pair it up with a fishing rod. The $5 Handle the Jandal item can simply be paired with a pair of Jandals so your loved one gets a pair, and a child in a developing country gets a much-needed pair. This gift will ensure a child in the developing world can walk to school without hurting their feet. You can order the new-look Gift for Life catalogue by phoning 0800 800 777 or browse and order gift for life online at giftforlife.co.nz

Choose Life is a message forever Choose Life over child mortality Choose Life and quality education Choose Life to nurture children Choose Life to create a future Choose Life over everything you do Choose LIFE: Rescue mothers & children

PO Box 8315, Symonds St, Auckland 1150, New Zealand • 0800 800 777 • enquiries@tearfund.org.nz • tearfund.org.nz

4 | TEAR CORRESPONDENT

Child brides at risk CHILD BRIDE: This ten-year-old girl could be married in two years.

Poverty combined with strong traditions, and cultural practices can be a volatile mix, leading parents to go to unimaginable extremes, which violate human rights. by Keith Ramsay

While the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child says 18 years should be the minimum age for marriage, an estimated 51 million girls a year are married before this age; some as young as 12. From horrific childbirth injuries to

PICTURE / WREN GREEN

death, millions of teenage brides face a silent health emergency as their young bodies struggle to cope with pregnancy. Not only is this a human rights issue but it can be a death sentence for mother and baby as a young girl’s body is not developed enough to bear children. The mortality rates for babies born to mothers under 20 are almost 75 per cent higher than for children born to older mothers, and the children who survive are more likely to be premature, have a low birth weight, and are more at risk for contracting HIV/

A Women – A Biblical Snapshot leading cause in the appalling global maternal and infant mortality rates is the issue of child brides.

by Frank Ritchie

ometimes parts of the Bible are used to justify a less than equal view of men and women, but there is much within it that can be used to inform all people of the value of both genders as equal and interdependent. A culture that demotes one gender does so to its detriment. A great starting point to demonstrate the interdependent nature of the genders is in the story of Adam and Eve. In Genesis 1:27 we see the declaration of the creation of humankind; one unit made up of two parts, male and female. ‘In the image of God he created them.’ In the following verses, as one unit, they are given stewardship of the earth. In those verses they are addressed together as a partnership. In Genesis 2:18 we encounter a term often used to suggest that the nature of women is subordinate to that of men when God declares of the man ‘I will make a helper suitable for him.’ That term ‘helper’ has been used by some to portray women as some sort of weaker servant to men – it is not the case. The word translated as ‘helper’ is ‘ezer’ and is often used in the sense

AIDS. Child marriage is also a major way in which women are trafficked into prostitution or bonded labour. Worldwide, 70,000 girls aged 15-19 die each year during pregnancy or childbirth, UNICEF says. The UN World Population Fund considers pregnancy the leading cause of death in that age group, citing complications during childbirth and unsafe abortions as major factors. Child brides are more likely than unmarried girls to die younger, suffer from health problems, including mental health, live in poverty and remain illiterate. In many low-income countries, the decision to marry girls early is often a financial one based on the cultural practice of dowry or simply because of family poverty. While TEAR Fund respects the customs of the people it serves, we will speak out against practices, which contravene a person’s human rights. Through many of its programmes TEAR Fund is helping to reduce the number of girls who marry young. Key factors in reducing child marriage are to ensure girls and women receive an education, that they are helped to generate an income once they leave school, and educating women on the health and social dangers of marrying young. Statistically, girls with a secondary education are up to six times less likely to marry young compared to girls with little or no education. Girls who earn a wage or their family has a higher income are more likely to be married later in life.

PRAY • That education programmes for girls would be well resourced and effective. • Pray that practices that necessitate early marriage, such as the practice of dowry, would be effectively challenged and changed.

of an ally, denoting strength and some type of salvation where there is need. It is the same term given to God in his relationship to Israel in Exodus 18:4; Deut 33:7; Psalm 124:8 and in many other places. There is no way we would view God as subordinate to Israel and therefore where this verse in Genesis is used to portray women as less or unequal to men, we must challenge it and in so doing, challenge any culture that does not provide equal status to females. To be true to God’s creation we must speak up for girls subject to cultures that diminish them. We must protect the lives of those a culture may toss aside and in addressing poverty we must step beyond economics and constantly tell the story of God’s value for every human being.

PRAY • That the value God gives females would be taught where it needs to be heard. • That the Bible would be used as a tool of liberation for females rather than oppression.

EQUALITY: Adam and Eve are partners.

PICTURE / ALEX CARTER

PO Box 8315, Symonds St, Auckland 1150, New Zealand • 0800 800 777 • enquiries@tearfund.org.nz • tearfund.org.nz

Human rights should supersede cultural practices by Keith Ramsay

ome of the issues raised in this Correspondent may seem as if we are stepping on other people’s cultural practices. However, where these practices violate human rights, we believe we have to stand against them and campaign for changes, which recognise the rights of people, especially the most marginalised and oppressed. These are generally children and females. Cultural practices such as dowries, which lead to undervaluing of females,

which lead to the killing of innocent children or marrying off their daughters before they are of age. The legal age for marriage varies between 16 and 18 years in most countries, but cultural practices still see girls married as young as 12. In countries such as India, the number of girls being married young is on a downward trend, but it is still rife in many developing countries. Child marriage is a common practice in Niger, Chad, Mali, Bangladesh, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Mozambique, Nepal, Uganda and Cameroon, where

Child marriage impacts girls’ education, health, psychological well-being, and the health of their offspring. should be challenged. In India, 7,618 dowry deaths were registered in 2006, followed by 8,093 cases in 2007 and 8,172 in 2008. It is estimated that fewer than 5% of dowry deaths are reported. Out of the ones that are reported, most are disguised as suicide or accidents. The culprits get away. Members of those societies should be encouraged to change such practices

more than 50% of girls are married by the age of 18. More than 30% of girls are married by the age of 18 in another eighteen countries, mostly in Asia and Africa. Child marriage impacts girls’ education, health, psychological well-being, and the health of their offspring. It increases the risk for depression, sexually transmitted infection, obstetric fistulas and maternal

mortality. The Correspondent is not pointing the finger at the developing world either. We in New Zealand can hardly be proud of our own track record. Here in New Zealand abortion is common,

and our child abuse statistics are among the worst in the OECD countries. In all cases, human rights should supersede cultural practices and even the laws which contravene them.

HUMAN RIGHTS ARTICLES RELATING TO CHILD MARRIAGE • The Convention on Consent to Marriage, Minimum Age for Marriage and Registration of Marriages (1964) says that no marriage shall be legally entered into without the full and free consent of both parties. States should specify a minimum age for marriage (not less than 15 years) and all marriages should be registered by the competent authority. • The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) states that men and women of full age are entitled to equal rights as to marriage, during marriage and at its dissolution. Marriage shall be entered into only with the free and full consent of the intending parties. • The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination of Women (1979) states that the betrothal and the marriage of a child shall have no legal effect, and all necessary action, including legislation, should be taken to specify a minimum age for marriage and to make the registration of marriages in an official registry compulsory. In their general recommendations of 1994, the Committee considers that the minimum age for marriage should be 18 years for both men and women.

Progress Report on Millennium Development Goals The eight UN Millennium Development Goals are highly admirable objectives but will any of these goals be reached by the deadline of 2015? by Drew Dallaston

ake the closely linked MDGs four and five, which focus on reducing child mortality, maternal mortality and improving maternal health. Steady progress is being made in reducing child deaths. Globally, the mortality rate for children under five has declined by a third, from 89 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1990 to 60 in 2009. All regions, except sub-Saharan Africa, Southern Asia and Oceania, have seen reductions of at least 50 per cent. Despite population growth, the number of under-five deaths worldwide declined from 12.4 million in 1990 to 7.5 million in 2010. The figures are still appalling. Pneumonia is the biggest killer, accounting for 19% of all infant deaths, although it could be easily treated with antibiotics. Diarrhoea kills 17% and is easily treatable. Diarrhoea could be largely prevented by exclusive breast feeding, better hygiene, safe drinking water, vitamin A supplements and immunisation. These basics could save two million babies each year. The greatest success has been in Northern Africa and Eastern Asia, where the under-five mortality declined by 68% and 58%, respectively. Among countries with high under-five mortality (above 40 deaths per 1,000 live births), 10 countries reduced their rates by at least half. Among them were Bangladesh, Eritrea, Lao People’s

LIFE & DEATH: Giving birth is risky business in developing countries. Democratic Republic, Madagascar, Nepal and Timor-Leste. These countries recorded a 60 % drop or more.

Maternal Mortality If a pregnant mother is seriously malnourished her chances of surviving the birth are lessened and of course, the baby’s hope for life is also reduced. Around half a million mothers die each year – either during child birth or shortly afterwards. That’s nearly one mother lost every minute. Education

PICTURE / CHUCK BIGGER

is a key factor in determining whether her children will survive their first five years of life. In all developing regions, children of mothers with some education are at less risk of dying. In the developing regions, the maternal mortality ratio dropped by 34% between 1990 and 2008, from 440 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births to 290 maternal deaths. However, the MDG target is still far off. Eastern Asia, Northern Africa, South-Eastern Asia and Southern Asia

have made the greatest strides. Between 1990 and 2008, 90 countries showed declines in their maternal mortality ratios of 40 per cent or more, while another 57 countries reported some gains. However, more can and must be done to save women’s lives. A major factor in maternal mortality is the absence of trained medical assistance during birth. Throughout the world more than 65% of births are now attended by a skilled health professional. This significantly reduces the chances of a mother dying of complications. Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia lag well behind in this respect. Training medical personnel is a priority to ensure that mothers have professional help at the birth and benefit from antenatal and postnatal care. However, progress is often impeded by war, corruption, extreme poverty and natural disasters. It’s vital that the UN and NGOs such as TEAR Fund chip away at the complex tangle of human problems behind the grim statistics.

PRAY • That those tackling this issue would find creative and effective solutions for addressing it. • That world leaders would maintain hope for future initiatives even if the MDGs are not reached.

PO Box 8315, Symonds St, Auckland 1150, New Zealand • 0800 800 777 • enquiries@tearfund.org.nz • tearfund.org.nz

6 | TEAR CORRESPONDENT

AID is an Election Issue F or many, aid and development policy is not a high priority when voting for a government. The economy, health, education and taxes seem to be the hot buttons for voters. However, all of us pay taxes that support the New Zealand Aid Programme and we should expect good use of them. First of all, a well-run, intelligent and compassionate aid programme shows the maturity of a nation. Poverty reduction and elimination is part of defining ourselves as a bona fide member of the developed world. We have a moral imperative, outside of ‘what’s in it for us,’ to share out of our comparative wealth with those destitute in other parts of the world, and require the international community to provide support for progress and growth. Secondly, aid is a driver of peacebuilding. It helps build stability in poor and fragile states where, if left unaddressed, would run the risk of war and terrorism. Local wars become regional conflicts, and the conflict can have a wide ranging international impact if sought after resources like oil, gold, water or precious metals are at risk. Thirdly, promoting international health is in our interest. We need to see diseases and parasite infections addressed. In a world with a million people in the air at any one time travelling in a criss-cross of routes, contamination and spread of disease is a real concern. Another

BUSY BEES: The Beehive in Wellington. comes from Afghanistan. Finally, there is the reality of strategic interests. These may be political or economic in nature. Aid is a tool for constructing alliances in the international arena and these alliances directly benefit New Zealand

Aid helps build stability in poor and fragile states where, if left unaddressed, would run the risk of war and terrorism. important point in a globalised world is that countries are interdependent and the prosperity of one increases the economic potential of the other. New Zealand has legitimate interest in seeing a prosperous world as part of its own prosperous future. Fragile states can bite back hard, and from a distance. Just consider that 90% of the world’s heroin

and its future aspirations. When we consider good development, what should we expect to find? Perhaps the most salient point, is that a government honours its international commitment to focus on the eight Millenium Development Goals (MDGs) as well as the agreement to meet international funding for development of

PICTURE / SUPPLIED

0.7 per cent of GNI. Government aid and development is best when done in partnership with the NGO community; when government and NGOs are moving forward in agreement and partnership. New Zealand needs to be part of a concerted drive along with other nations, to ensure that trade and economic policies consider the poor and weakest, and don’t cause them further harm while positioning advantage for developed countries. Government aid that supports governance, transparency, domestic business and enterprise development, and sound financial systems are critical. These important points were all agreed internationally by the 2002 Monterrey Consensus agreement. As a Christian agency, we ask

the fundamental question; will this Government’s policies or this strategy benefit the poorest first, and does it build a coalition for poverty alleviation and economic development conducive to peace and prosperity? Aid is an election issue and your vote matters.

PRAY • That all voters will consider the use of the nation’s aid budget as they consider who to vote for. • That whatever government is elected would use the aid programme budget wisely and in partnership with New Zealand NGOs.

Micah Challenge – a Political response to Poverty by Andrew Urquhart - Micah Challenge NZ National Coordinator

ave you noticed that your local MP is suddenly spending more time in their electorate, and Political parties are suddenly more interested in the views of the Church as a valued part of a civil society? Yep it’s an election year - time for our politicians to knock on doors – shake hands and kiss babies – and more importantly get photographed doing so. But before we get too cynical, it’s good to remember how privileged we are to live in a part of the world that has free and open elections. This is a privilege many of us take for granted, at times with apathy and disinterest - while in other parts of the world people are protesting, fighting, even risking their very lives for the right to engage in the democratic process. Firstly – make sure that you are registered correctly for this year’s election. Secondly – Think and pray about the

issues that you care about – and then let your MP know about what is important to you. Thirdly – Make an informed decision, for both your electorate vote and your party vote. Find out what the different party policies are on key issues that are important to you. Find out what the values and priorities are of your local candidates on key issues that are important to you. Finally – make a decision and make your vote count.

Micah Challenge and the MDGs Micah Challenge is a global Christian organisation committed to raising a powerful voice for and with the poor. Based on Micah 6:8 “What does the Lord Require of You?...” the organisation challenges Christians to engage deeply with the poor. As part of this mandate, it challenges political leaders to fulfil their public promise to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to halve global poverty

by 2015. Micah Challenge Aotearoa NZ enjoys the support of many Christian organisations, including TEAR Fund NZ. Together, Micah Challenge and its partners are committed to alleviating extreme poverty. This includes holding our politicians to account for the promises that we have made as a nation. To meet the Millennium Development Goals, all signatory countries promised to fund the achievements of the MDGs by committing 0.7% of their Gross National Income (GNI) to overseas aid. At less than 0.3% New Zealand has never come close to the target. Micah Challenge has outlined where each of the major parties sit in regard to this commitment. In the lead-up to the election, Micah Challenge will ask the main political parties what their policies are on the Millennium Development Goals. The answers the politicians give to these questions may help you make a decision, if caring for the world’s poor is important to you.

The Issue: Raising our overseas aid budget to 0.7 percent of Gross National Income. PARTY

RESPONSE

National

Opposed

Labour

Supports

Greens

Supports

Act

Opposed

Maori

Supports

United Future

Supports

Mana

Neutral

NZ First

Neutral

Micah Challenge will post the responses from the main political parties on its website – www.micahchallenge.org.nz or you can keep up to date by following Micah Challenge on Facebook.

PO Box 8315, Symonds St, Auckland 1150, New Zealand • 0800 800 777 • enquiries@tearfund.org.nz • tearfund.org.nz

BRIEFS FARM NEGLECT STOKES HUNGER THREAT

cenes of starving children in the Horn of Africa could well be played out in parts of South Asia unless governments invest more in agriculture and give poor farmers access to finance, experts warn. Soaring food prices, climate-related disasters and land grabs are not only set to push the number of the world’s hungry back past one billion, but could also drive some to the brink of starvation, especially in vulnerable parts of the world like South Asia. Experts say that, despite rapid economic growth over the last two decades, the region has failed to reduce its vulnerability to food insecurity, with almost half its 1.5 billion people going without three meals a day.

TEAR Fund prepared for latest Pakistan Floods

REBUILDING HAITI

FLOODS RETURN: A man carries his daughters after flood waters engulfed his house in the town of Khoski Pakistan’s Sindh province last month. PICTURE / AKHTAR SOOMRO / REUTERS ALERTNET

When massive floods devastated Pakistan last year affecting over 20 million people, TEAR Fund New Zealand recognised that this was a complex and protracted disaster which required both emergency action and long term rebuilding of infrastructure. by Drew Dallaston

EAR Fund Programme Officer Kevin Riddell visited the badlyaffected Sindh province of Pakistan in May to assess the ongoing relief programme. “I noted that there was a serious possibility of more severe flooding during the mid summer rainy season (July to September),” Kevin reported. “In response to this threat, TEAR Fund NZ released a second grant of funds in June to assist recovering communities and increase their

emergency response capacity.” The heavy rains started in August and have continued destroying villages and crops. About 8.9 million people are affected by the flooding in Sindh province, with all 23 districts overwhelmed. So far, the death toll stands at about 450. The flooding has damaged or destroyed an estimated 1.5 million homes in 37,000 villages and 1.6 million acres (0.647497 ha) of crops have also been destroyed. However, this tragedy had been lessened because TEAR Fund’s partners in the area had been able to swing immediately

into action, Kevin says. “Our partners are aiding 1,750 families in Sindh with food, health kits and plastic sheeting and will shortly extend assistance to over a thousand more. TEAR Fund will be working with local partners to ensure that there is food, medicine and clean water, but more than that, TEAR Fund is committed to making communities stronger and more resilient.” Donations for this vital disasterrelief work can be made on the TEAR Fund website tearfund.org.nz.

‘STICKING PLASTER’ APPROACH TO AID FAILS PALESTINIANS

s the United Nations considers the Palestinian application for statehood, the humanitarian situation in the Palestinian Territories shows little sign of improvement, despite Israel’s easing of its blockade in 2010. Palestinians continue to depend on foreign aid and smuggled goods, while constrained access hampers aid delivery and stops much-needed reconstruction taking place. With an unemployment rate of 45%, among the highest in the world, only one in five Gazan households has enough food to eat, and housing and healthcare needs remain unmet, according to a report by advocacy group DARA International. Briefs supplied by Reuters Alertnet.

Flood victims helped by TEAR Fund by TEAR Fund UK

huri lives in the village of Gafar Chudhary in the south of Sindh Province along with her husband, Geno, and their three children. The recent monsoon rains badly affected their village, partially destroying their home and spoiling their crops. The family struggled to survive and turned to their landlord for help. Instead, the landlord evicted them from their home and the village, and kept hold of their livestock as payment towards the funds the family had borrowed from him. Having nowhere else to go, Bhuri and

her family were forced to stay on the embankment of the canal with little hope of receiving any help. The family didn’t have much food, no safe drinking water, and they found themselves vulnerable to diseases, snakebites and malaria – the stagnant flood water was a breeding ground for mosquitoes. However, TEAR Fund’s local partner gave them a food pack to sustain the family. The pack included a mosquito net to protect them against malaria, and plastic sheeting to provide some shelter from the rain and scorching heat in the day. Bhuri said she thanked God that TEAR Fund helped to support her family at this difficult time. To donate phone 0800 800 777

PRAY

GRATEFUL: Bhuri received emergency supplies. PICTURE / TEAR FUND UK

• For all those left homeless and vulnerable: that God will give them endurance. • For TEAR Fund partners and operational team as they respond to the needs of the affected people. • That the rains will stop and that the flood water will drain quickly. • Please pray for the safety and security of all staff working in these areas. • For the prevention of an outbreak of diseases and protection from snake bites and mosquitoes.

PO Box 8315, Symonds St, Auckland 1150, New Zealand • 0800 800 777 • enquiries@tearfund.org.nz • tearfund.org.nz

8 | TEAR CORRESPONDENT

Drought bites in Northern Uganda HUNGRY: These children have never known what it is like to have a full stomach

by Keith Ramsay

hange has come slowly to the ancient peoples of the Karamoja region of North-east Uganda. The majority still hold strongly to the traditional nomadic herdsmen and warrior lifestyle they have observed since their forefathers came to this harsh semi-arid land between 1000 and 1600. The word Karamojong translates roughly as ‘the old tired men who stayed behind’, and in some respects, the

while searching for pasture on the vast savannah lands, they drink milk mixed with the blood of their cows which they tap from the jugular vein of the live animal. The women stay behind at the Manyata (a central settlement) where they grow what food they can, and raise the children. The Karamoja district has the driest climate in Uganda and is often prone to droughts. The drought in 1980 led to one of the worst famines in that area. About 21% of the population died; more than half of them were infants. The towering

...the majority of the people in the region had never known what it was like to have a full stomach. Karamojong have stayed behind as they have resisted change in this modern world. In fact, under the brutal rule of Idi Amin in the 1970s, an estimated 30,000 Karamojong were executed for being `too primitive’. Their cattle are their currency, and for a young man to marry he must pay a bride price of about 30-head of cattle. One head of cattle costs about $180$200. This means their cattle are too precious to eat unless they die from natural causes. To sustain themselves

mountain range, which includes Mount Kadam, holds back the life-sustaining rains so that this region only receives one short monsoon season a year, unlike the rest of Uganda, which receives two. In many areas, rains do not often exceed 800mm a year, sometimes it is a mere 500mm. At least 1,000mm is needed to sustain life in undeveloped areas like the Karamoja. The rain usually comes sporadically between June and October with the desert winds and the hot dry season taking over the land from

PICTURE / MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME

November to March. In recent years drought has become more frequent and severe. The drought that is affecting the regions of the Horn of Africa has pushed the land and its people beyond sustainability and the normal rates of malnutrition have begun to soar. To help prevent another famine on the scale seen in 1980, TEAR Fund is partnering with its Integral Alliance partner Medical Assistance Programs (MAP). This is one of the projects being funded by our Horn of Africa appeal. Dr. Ravi Jayakaran, MAP’s Vice President of Global Programmes, visited recently to see the work being done to alleviate the effects of the drought in the region, and in the medium to longterm, help the Karamojong to insulate themselves against drought. Ravi has been involved in aid and development for decades but he was most disturbed to hear that the majority of the people in the region had never known what it was like to have a full stomach. MAP has been working in the region for about eight months alongside the World Food Programme to help provide for their immediate needs through a foodfor-work and nutrition supplementation programme.

TEAR FUND IS HELPING TO PROVIDE: • In the short term: Making water, food, and nutritional supplements available (this is being done through a food-forwork programme). • In the medium term: Using the food-for-work programme to plant crops such as maize, sorghum, and other millets so that the community will have a crop to harvest when the rains come and be less dependent on food aid. This food-for-work programme is also being used to rehabilitate the water holes used by the community for their cattle. • In the long term: The foodfor-work programme is also being used for micro water collection systems and tree planting that will help improve the environment, and help attract rain clouds.

Fantastic response to Horn of Africa appeal by TEAR Fund NZ

EAR Fund has been heartened by the response to its Horn of Africa appeal. Executive Director Steve Tollestrup says “we are delighted to have reached our initial fund raising target, which is helping those in desperate need”. Many individuals and churches have responded to this appeal finding creative ways to raise funds, and many have given sacrificially. However, the situation is grave and is deepening

with more regions officially recognised as famine zones by UN. If the expected rains in October and November fail, more will die without help. Our partners have requested more funds because the need is growing, so we have raised our fund raising target so that we can help more famine victims. With your continued help, TEAR Fund can extend its work to help feed more people and ensure that food will grow if the rains come, or if they fail, we can continue to feed people until the situation improves.

SAVED: Women queue for supplies at a refugee camp. PICTURE / FEISAL OMAR / REUTERS ALETRNET

PO Box 8315, Symonds St, Auckland 1150, New Zealand • 0800 800 777 • enquiries@tearfund.org.nz • tearfund.org.nz

Hope for Creation

PICTURE / SUPPLIED

by Frank Ritchie

THIRST QUENCHING: : Maureen Bamber (left) Di Watson, Chrissy Collins and Julie Laird take part in the Equippers Church Walk for Water event in Whanganui to raise funds for TEAR Fund’s Horn of Africa appeal. PICTURE / RAE CLIFFE /WANGANUI CHRONICLE

Churches get creative for African famine victims

EAR Fund has had a fantastic response from churches to its Horn of Africa appeal. Many churches organised fundraising events from making and selling cheese rolls to cutting hair and giving beauty treatments. There are probably too many events to mention. However, one church managed to mobilise other churches and the whole community, to raise money for famine victims. One such church was Equippers church in Whanganui. A member of the congregation, Shirley Spooner, was determined to take action. She had been profoundly impacted by a Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph of a starving child being stalked by a vulture during a famine in Sudan in 1993. “When I saw the photo I promised myself that if another famine occurred I would do something about it,” says Shirley. So she took a proposal to church leaders city-wide to get them involved in raising funds. Her own church, Equippers, was quick to respond and church members came up with a raft of creative ideas to raise money. Equippers’ Pastor Patrick Coneglan

says the situation resonated with the congregation because it was a crisis. “Lives are literally hanging in the balance, but fortunately, we are in a position to help, and we felt compelled to do something. It’s pretty hard not to care when you see infants and children dying of hunger and disease, both of which are preventable.” The church set a budget for fund raising events over the month of August. The church members came up with creative ideas to raise the money. “We hosted a kid’s disco at church one night, followed by a quiz night the next. The outlay of money we gave to the organisers went towards balloons, snacks and supper, but the money that came in from ticket sales far exceeded the costs to run the events. We had a hairdresser and a beautician donating two days of their labour, charging $10 for various treatments; they raised close to $1000. Among the other initiatives, was a clothes swap auction, a garage sale, and a relay with cups of water. My personal favourite was the Brazilian barbecue; it was a gastronomic delight.” Patrick says, the events were

resoundingly successful. There was lots of energy and enthusiasm, and it rubbed off on others and the wider community. “It was an exciting endeavour to be part of, and people were drawn to it.” “It’s amazing what can be achieved when everyone pulls together. We were hoping to raise at least $10,000. I’m happy to say that we managed to exceed the target by a few hundred dollars, which is excellent when you consider that we only had about a three-week build-up before we started rolling out the events.” Patrick says that Equippers believed that ministry to the poor was a vital expression of the gospel. Jesus proclaimed the gospel with words and actions. “We ought to do the same.” He says, the needs in the Horn of Africa were massive, and when you considered the hundreds of other needs in the rest of the world, it was easy to feel overwhelmed. “However, we took heart from the fact that countless other churches and aid agencies are also committed to bringing relief to the region. Between all of us, we can make a real difference.”

SuperBadger digs the dirt on… by Frank Ritchie

uperBadger has been a busy little beaver thanks to your support. We’re sure the badger won’t mind being called a beaver. The last two SuperBadger digital campaigns saw many people raising their voice on issues worth speaking up about. With many Kiwis showing their generous support for the work being done to assist those affected by drought and famine in the Horn of Africa, SuperBadger was used to send a message

to the government that their contribution to the crisis would be appreciated. The government then agreed to release $1 million in aid money to help those in need. With a free trade agreement being pursued with India we used the SuperBadger to send a message to our government expressing concern over the land grabbing taking place there that is depriving subsistence farmers of fertile land, which is being taken at extremely low prices and passed to wealthy developers who are then on-selling it at greatly increased prices.

It is easy to look at these issues and say they are too big, but with many people lending their voices to stand against these problems, we can make ourselves heard. If you would like to become a busy badger and join the work of our SuperBadger, check out www.change. org/tear_fund and sign up to be part of the effort to create change. It’s a simple concept – we create a campaign, you sign a digital petition and when you do, a message is sent to those with the power to affect change. It’s an easy way to make a difference and advocate for a better world.

rgent action is desperately needed to tackle climate change and protect the world’s poorest people who are suffering the most. In December, world leaders will meet in Durban, South Africa, to discuss this issue again. A global movement of Christians will be praying on Sunday November 6 and speaking up for urgent action to protect God’s good creation and our global neighbours who are hit hardest. Climate change is a controversial issue in some circles and it would be easy to shy away from it for that reason. However, since our mandate is to serve the poor, this is not an issue we can be quiet about. For our partners, this is not a debate – the issue presents itself in the form of increased malaria through the growth of mosquito populations where once it was too cool for them to breed, a greater rate of natural disasters, increased desertification, decreasing access to water, unpredictable crop growth due to season shifts and the list goes on. It would be negligent of us not to address the problem behind these issues. That said, we understand that many may feel very cautious about the issue so on November 6th when we participate in a global day of prayer and action we invite you to turn your attention to creation care even if that doesn’t include attention to climate change for you. We have a mandate to be good stewards of God’s gift to us no matter what our opinion about climate change, so we invite you to stand with people from around the world and to lift your voice to God on behalf of those who suffer the most when the global population lives in negligence toward the wellbeing of the environment we draw life from. To get involved check out www. hopeforcreation.com and www. facebook.com/hopeforcreation and keep an eye on www.tearfund.org.nz to find out how you can get involved and speak up on behalf of the poor.

PRAY • That innovative ways would be found for those affected by changing climates to deal with meeting their basic needs. • That world leaders would have the courage to make wise decisions that demonstrate a desire to care for the poor.

PO Box 8315, Symonds St, Auckland 1150, New Zealand • 0800 800 777 • enquiries@tearfund.org.nz • tearfund.org.nz

10 | TEAR CORRESPONDENT

Writing to your sponsor child helps break the poverty cycle What is your response when you see a letter arrive from your sponsored child? Do you rip it open with excitement or do you feel like you don’t have the time to respond to the letter? Story and photos by María Ximena Marín Morales

ponsoring a child through TEAR Fund’s partner, Compassion International, is about more than giving a monthly payment because poverty is more than a lack of money. The children live in difficult circumstances, which can eventually push them to accept a destiny that does not let them hope for a better future. However, with TEAR Fund’s support and the powerful encouragement of their sponsors’ letters and prayers, children are learning to hope and are being inspired to break out of the cycle of poverty. Diego has been in the TEAR Fund Compassion Child Sponsorship programme for more than six years and since then he has had a sponsor

ENCOURAGED: The support of a sponsor makes a remarkable difference. with whom he loves to communicate through letters. Diego says, “It was a special surprise that came into my life and it made me happy everyday when I received a letter back from him.” When Diego started attending the programme, he lived with his brother and his mother, who did sewing work at home to earn an income. Six years later,

Diego’s parents are back together, and they have started attending the church. Through the letters, his sponsor encouraged him to learn English and study hard. Now Diego hopes to become an accountant and on every test he takes at school, he tries his best because he knows he has a sponsor who believes in his dreams.

Make your letters fun and creative

f you are stuck for words when writing to your sponsor child, or you just want to make receiving a letter for them even more special, you can unleash your artistic side. To the right is one of the creative things you can do to engage with your sponsor child. You can imagine the smile on the face of the child who received this New Zealand fact sheet from their sponsor. If you are stuck for ideas why not come to a TEAR Fund Hot Tips evening? Over coffee and supper, you will be shown a range of ideas to make your communication with your sponsor child fun and rewarding. Sponsor children really cherish your letters, encouragement, photos and paper items. Anything paper you send takes pride of place in their homes. The Hot Tips evenings are run in many areas across the country during the year, just phone TEAR Fund to find out when they are happening.

P.S. • Remember you can only send paper items to your sponsor child, such as photos, stickers and drawings etc. Unfortunately, anything else we can’t pass on. • To find out more about our Hot Tips evenings, phone us 24/7 on 0800 800 777.

Johan Sebastian is a 10-year-old boy at the same project. His parents work all day, and he used to spend lots of time in the streets, but after entering the programme he had the opportunity to interact with other children and learn more about Jesus and His love. A year ago, Johan received a letter from his sponsor that has had a significant impact on his life. In the letter, his sponsor encouraged him in his music classes. “I remember the letter my sponsor wrote me and since then I work hard on music, because he believes in me,” says Johan. Through letters, child sponsorship becomes not only an economic support, but also a relationship of love and care that allows sponsored children to feel like they are important to someone. Sponsors who regularly communicate with their sponsored child and pray for them can be a comfort in times of loneliness and encourage them to break out of the cycle of poverty and have a better chance of achieving their dreams.

PRAY • If you sponsor a child, spend some time right now praying for their wellbeing. • That all sponsored children would know deeply that they are valued.

Compassion prayer requests Please Pray for: Ecuador • A full recovery for eight-year-old Jefferson who was diagnosed with T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Thanks to God and doctors he is about 70% better. • The recovery of Elian who tripped and fell into a sewer where rubbish was being burnt. Burns to his arms, legs and face are being treated in the hospital.

Togo • Kekeli and her family who have been evicted from their home. Her husband is in the hospital, and they can’t pay the rent.

Honduras • The president as he seeks to appoint new members to key portfolios. Also as he implements economic measures as a result of the recession in US. • The security of the country.

Burkina Faso • That the poor rainy season would not cause famine. Pray that the rain continues until the end of October or into November, and the people can grow enough crops.

PO Box 8315, Symonds St, Auckland 1150, New Zealand • 0800 800 777 • enquiries@tearfund.org.nz • tearfund.org.nz

YES! – I WANT TO INVEST IN THE POOR! Name:

Title

First

Last

Address:

Phone:(H)

Ana

Angel

Betsy

8 year old girl, BRAZIL

10 year old boy, PERU

11 year old girl, GUATEMALA

Ana lives with her father and grandma. She enjoys playing with dolls.

Angel helps by caring for animals. He likes soccer, bicycling and hide n’ seek.

Betsy has 7 children in her family. She loves music and singing.

DOB 1 March 2003

DOB 7 March 2001

Phone:(W)

DOB 19 July 2000

These children need HELP URGENTLY!

Phone:(M) Email:

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:

Caroline

Elias

Emnet

6 year old girl, KENYA

5 year old boy, EL SALVADOR

7 year old girl, ETHIOPIA

Caroline enjoys playing group games. She attends church activities regularly.

There are 3 children in Elias’ family. He loves playing with cars and soccer.

Emnet lives with her parents. She helps at home in the kitchen.

DOB 18 January 2005

DOB 19 December 2005

DOB 9 March 2004

AND / OR I would like to become a Community Development supporter by making regular monthly donations of: $35

$15

$50

$100

Other

AND / OR I would like to make a one-off donation of: $ For:

Choose LIFE: Rescue Mothers and Children TEAR Fund’s Ministry

Florence

Indriani

Jellah

Child Sponsorship

13 year old girl, BURKINO FASO

4 year old girl, EAST INDONESIA

5 year old girl, PHILIPPINES

Sponsorship Plus

Singing, jumping rope and hide-andseek are Florence’s favourite activities.

In her home, Indriana helps by running errands. She loves playing group games.

There are 5 children in Jellah’s family. Jellah cares for them and runs errands.

DOB 10 July 1998

DOB 6 April 2007

DOB 13 July 2006

Disaster Relief Fund Other PAYMENT OPTIONS: Online Payment (www.tearfund.org.nz) Cheque (make payable to TEAR Fund) Visa / Mastercard (please complete below) Card number:

John

Modeste

Moses

7 year old boy, PHILIPPINES

14 year old boy, RWANDA

11 year old boy, UGANDA

Basketball, playing with cars and singing are John’s favourite hobbies.

At home, Modeste helps with chores. He likes soccer, ball games and running.

Moses lives with his mother. Moses enjoys singing, telling stories and art.

DOB 12 August 2004

DOB 10 August 1997

DOB 17 March 2000

Expiry date:

Cardholder name: Signature: To save posting your credit card details use our secure online payment facility www.tearfund.org.nz

PLEASE SEND ME: Information on remembering TEAR Fund in my will

1695

Information on becoming a volunteer Advocate Please take me off your mailing list

Mosiur

Nadia

Paskalis

11 year old boy, BANGLADESH

10 year old girl, INDONESIA

4 year old boy, EAST INDONESIA

Mosiur enjoys soccer, singing and art. He attends Bible class regularly.

Nadia is responsible for cleaning. She loves swimming, and playing with dolls.

Paskalis likes playing cars and group games. He is not attending school.

DOB 8 December 1999

DOB 29 July 2001

DOB 7 April 2007

Please send to: TEAR Fund, Freepost 140677, PO Box 8315, Symonds St. Auckland 1150 Tick here and TEAR Fund will, from time to time, keep you informed on events, projects and disasters by: Email

Mail

Proverbs 11:25 A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. (NIV)

Payani

Robert

Sefia

9 year old boy, INDIA

9 year old boy, KENYA

10 year old girl, TOGO

Payani enjoys art, and games. He participates in church activities.

Robert attands church activities + sings in the choir. He also enjoys soccer.

Sefia lives with her mother and stepfather. She helps in the kitchen.

DOB 18 June 2002

DOB 17 February 2002

DOB 23 September 2000

PO Box 8315, Symonds St, Auckland 1150, New Zealand • 0800 800 777 • Call 0800 800 777 NOW to sponsor one of these children

Call 0800 800 777 or Visit tearfund.org.nz enquiries@tearfund.org.nz • tearfund.org.nz

12 | TEAR CORRESPONDENT

TOURS AND EVENTS visit tearfund.org.nz for up to date tour dates and venues

Beauty for Ashes

Steve and Derek Encore SI Tour

LIFE CHANGED: Hear how one act of love changed Michelle Tolentino’s life. PICTURE / COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL

LOVEABLE ROGUES: South Islanders can catch Steve Apirana (left) and Derek Lind in early November. PICTURE / TEAR FUND NZ

NORTH ISLAND TOUR:

SOUTH ISLAND TOUR:

child sponsor changed the life of young Filipina woman, Michelle Tolentino. Now the university graduate, with a first class honours degree, is coming to New Zealand to share her story of transformation from brokenness to wholeness, and overcoming crushing poverty and hopelessness. Beauty for Ashes brings to life the transformational story of one person reaching out to a child in desperate need. Michelle’s family was trapped in a cycle of generational poverty. In a community known for prostitution and drugs, Michelle’s father fell into drug addiction. This forced the family into deeper physical, spiritual and emotional poverty. Michelle was told she was ugly, worthless and would never be more than a drug addict and a thief. But at age six, Michelle was sponsored and her life was changed.

REVIEWS by Drew Dallaston

BABIES

PICTURE / SUPPLIED

Directed by Thomas Balmes This French documentary is an intimate and superbly filmed study of four babies from different countries from their births to their first birthdays. So many scenes are delightfully funny, and the skilful editing gives the audience a wellpaced variety of shots. Most fascinating was the contrast of cultures. Ponijao is born in Namibia with no medical assistance. She has a loin cloth for clothing, and her only toys are an old plastic bottle, and a rusty tin can. Her conditions are filthy and impoverished but Ponijao’s life is rich in people. Bayar is born in a basic hospital and transported by motorbike to the family

Date

Time

Town

Thur, 27 Oct

7.30pm

Auckland

Fri, 28 Oct

7.30pm

Auckland

Sat, 29 Oct

7.30pm

Auckland

Sun, 30 Oct

10.30am

Cambridge

Sun, 30 Oct

7.00pm

Auckland

Tues, 1 Nov

7.30pm

Te Awamutu

Wed, 2 Nov

7.30pm

Hamilton

Thur, 3 Nov

7.30pm

Rotorua

Fri, 4 Nov

7.00pm

Taradale

Sun, 6 Nov

10.00am

Napier

Sun, 6 Nov

6.00pm

Napier

Tues, 8 Nov

7.30pm

Dannevirke

Thur, 10 Nov

7.30pm

Wanganui

Fri, 11 Nov

7.30pm

Palmerston Nth

Sat, 12 Nov

7.30pm

Levin

Sun, 13 Nov

9.00am

Palmerston Nth

Sun, 13 Nov

10.45am

Palmerston Nth

yurt in the vast Mongolian plains. His life is split between the 21st century and the ancient nomadic farming tradition. The solar-powered satellite dish atop the yurt is contrasted with a goat drinking his bath water. Bayar’s bullying brother pushes him into a herd of cows, but Bayar takes it all in his stride or at least his crawl. From the sweeping expanses of the steppes to the neon view from a highrise apartment in Tokyo, little Mari is surrounded by hi-tech toys and equipment but seems somewhat starved of people. Then there’s blue-eyed, fair-haired Hattie – born in a flash hospital to doting parents with every material and educational advantage. At Hattie’s playgroup, the mothers attempt native American chants – rich white folk trying to reconnect with the natural world. How long would they last in Namibia? If you find babies irresistible, you’ll love this film, but even if you don’t, you can still appreciate how well this film contrasts these four babies – so similar in their development and behaviour – but from such different worlds and with such different futures.

he loveable rogues of some of New Zealand’s best gospel folk and blues music are back on the road with TEAR Fund. Steve Apirana and Derek Lind are set to delight South Island audiences on their upcoming Encore South Island Tour. Steve and Derek are well loved by audiences around New Zealand as much for their music, as their on-stage banter. While the duo has a serious message about the plight of poor children in developing nations, their concerts are far from serious as their laid-back sense of humour is unleashed on an often unsuspecting audience. Their concerts are a must for lovers of blues and folkrock music. Make sure you come along to one of their South Island events for a night you are sure to remember. Visit our website tearfund.org.nz for more details.

OF GODS AND MEN

Directed by Xavier Beauvois In 1996, seven monks from a monastery in Algeria were abducted by rebels and killed. Ten years later, Etienne Comar wrote a film script exploring their decision to stand by the small Muslim community they served despite the increasing danger. Xavier Beauvois directed the film in an abandoned Moroccan monastery. The nine actors who played the monks were trained in Gregorian chanting and spent a week in a real monastery. Of Gods and Men moves slowly and is subtitled. It’s also profoundly religious. If those qualities appeal to you, you’re in for a magnificent experience. The Cannes Film Festival jury awarded it the Grand Prize for Best Film. It won numerous other awards and a great deal of critical acclaim. If you can’t catch it at your local arty cinema – buy the DVD. Even though you’ll miss the grand sweep of the scenic shots, you can still appreciate the superb framing and lighting from

Date

Time

Town

Fri 4 Nov

7.00pm

Dunedin

Sat 5th Nov

7.00pm

Gore

Sun 6th Nov

10.00am

Invercargill

Sun 6th Nov

6.00pm

Invercargill

Tues 8th Nov

7.00pm

Te Anau

Wed 9th Nov

7.00pm

Queenstown

Thurs 10th Nov

7.00pm

Wanaka

Fri 11th Nov

7.00pm

Ranfurly

Sat 12th Nov

7.00pm

Oamaru

Sun 13th Nov

10.00am

Timaru

Sun 13th Nov

7.00pm

Timaru

Tues 15th Nov

7.00pm

Greymouth

Wed 16th Nov

7.00pm

Motueka

Thurs 17th Nov

7.00pm

Nelson

Fri 18th Nov

7.00pm

Kaikoura

Sat 19th Nov

7.00PM

Christchurch

Sun 20th Nov

10.00am

Christchurch

Sun 20th Nov

7.00pm

Rangiora

cinematographer Caroline Champelier. The gruesome murder scene early in the film is entirely justified to show the horror of terrorist warfare, but after that, Beauvois leaves the violence in the background. Beauvois slowly acquaints us with each monk, at work and at worship. We learn their fears and foibles; their humanity and their divine spark. Another wonderful feature of this true story is the way the monks humbly served their local Muslim community becoming a foundational part of village life with mutual respect between their different faiths. There are many magnificent scenes – two that stand out are the helicopter scene and the last communion – but I won’t spoil your experience by describing them. For anyone who loves films with both intellectual and emotional appeal, Of Gods and Men is a must see. For the spiritually receptive, it is a holy, worshipful experience. What a fine tribute to the courage and conviction of those ordinary, extraordinary men.

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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.

Editor: Keith Ramsay. Contributors: Steve Tollestrup, Frank Ritchie, Drew Dallaston, María Ximena Marín Morales, Andrew Urquhart, Jayaseelan Enos, Daniel Alexander. Graphic Designer: Alex Carter. Printing: Horton Media.

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