SUMMER 2011
Clockwise from left: Whilifred and Tim Manson, Helen Manson and Whilifred, Whilifred playing.
reLAtionship MAKES A DIFFERENCE IN CHILDREN’S LIVES Photos and Story by Helen Manson
A visit to Uganda to see her sponsor child revealed to Helen Manson the importance of investing herself in creating a relationship with a sponsored child.
I
t’s hard to feel close to someone you have only ever seen in a photograph and who lives on the other side of the world. Sometimes when I would get a letter from Whilifred, our sponsor child, I would quickly open it, chuckle at his childlike comments and questions like, ‘Do you grow any crops?’ or, ‘What is your best dish?’ I would put it on my kitchen bench and stumble upon it a few weeks later buried under a pile of bills, notes and crumbs. When it came time to write back to him, I would sometimes begrudgingly sit down for five minutes and franticly search my brain for something relatively interesting to say that would fill up the 20 lines on the page in front of me. Pathetic, I know. Then we moved to Uganda. Seeing as though Whilifred lived there too, we decided to contact the TEAR Fund New Zealand office and see if we could make the sevenhour journey to his village. We met the warm, helpful and competent staff who explained to us in detail what they are doing in the village. When I first laid eyes on Whilifred, I burst into tears. Here, standing in front of me, was this beautiful, precious little 12-year-old boy who was not just a picture. He had a beating heart, dreams and desires; he has things he wants to do and be. He feels sad and happy; he was so...human. It suddenly
struck me; he was real long before I came here, and I just didn’t care enough to think about that. Through a translator, we talked about everything from his favourite subjects in school to what sports he enjoys, to how he was born with just one eye. When we went to his school, he was a celebrity. All eyes were on him. He was so happy to have white people in his school, holding his hand and loving him. The most heart-warming moment was when we visited his home. Whilifred showed me his family’s photo album. It contained pictures of his family’s most precious memories. There were not many pictures but you can imagine how I felt when I saw my picture in there. I often wondered if he even got my letters, let alone photos and gifts. Not only had my letters and photos made it, but they took pride of place. Humbled is an understatement. We took gifts for Whilifred and some basic items for his family. You can picture the look on our faces when his mother gave us a gift that had taken her two weeks to make. It was a beautiful handmade bowl and will take pride of place in our home. The saddest thing was not the fact that he was living in a poor area, or that he was born with just one eye. It was the fact that only one or two sponsors visit each year. Not everyone can visit but we can at least write. Sure, we send our money and barely even notice it’s gone, but asking to connect with this child on the other side of the world is not too much to ask. It never occurred to me that when our child writes to us four times a year and we seldom reply – he wonders why.
If you sponsor a child, my prayer is that you would engage. Engage with them, think about them, make their photo big in your house – give it pride of place, write to them with joy when you get their letter. They are WAITING for your reply! A letter from you, even a sticker, is a treasured item – worth far more than you realise. Each thing you send is beloved by them. It takes pride of place in their mud hut house; it adorns the walls; it captivates them. You are so much more important to them than you realise. You are the reason they are in school. Your support is invaluable and is giving them a chance to make something of their lives. Perhaps even take it one step further and consider making your next holiday destination his or her hometown! One reason people are sometimes hesitant to sponsor a child is because they are fearful of the corruption and unaccountability that occurs in third world countries. After visiting the project, standing on the soil, meeting the children that are only at school because they are sponsored and looking through our sponsor child’s well ordered and organised office files, I can recommend and proudly stand behind the excellent, professional and honest work Compassion and TEAR Fund are partnering together in Uganda. These are two organisations we trust.”
Change a life today, sponsor a child like Whilifred. Just fill in the form on page 7 in this publication, phone 0800 800 777 or visit www.tearfund.org.nz
• CHILD SPONSORSHIP • HAITI UPDATE • WORKING FOR JUSTICE • ORGANICS • events
TEAR CORRESPONDENT
What is Sponsorship Plus?
The Church at the Heart of our Projects
There are many crucial activities Benefits of Sponsorship Plus and initiatives that impact and water (wells and water purification improve the lives of sponsored 1. Clean systems), toilets and hygiene. children and which cannot be met 2. Disaster relief following a natural disaster by basic sponsorship alone. such as an earthquake or flood.
The church is at the centre of all of TEAR Fund’s projects helping children and their communities to overcome the barriers that poverty places on them. Poverty has many faces; it can be physical, economic, educational, health, political and spiritual. TEAR Fund’s approach to development addresses all of these, working alongside the local church and Christian aid organisations in the developing world. The thousands of Kiwis who partner with TEAR Fund are a vital part in this process, providing the resources to enable this transformation. Children and their communities in the most impoverished countries are finding hope as the church reaches out to the needy. It is in our Compassion Child Development Programmes that they find a safe haven, free from child traffickers, criminal gang life and many other ills faced by the poor. Many of them also find Christ through these programmes. TEAR Fund works closely with churches in New Zealand to connect them with our child development, Microenterprise and community development programmes, and some churches are using these programmes as part of their mission strategy. Some churches have a heart for particular countries and often we can link them with a project in that country. View the map on page 6 to see where we have Compassion Child Sponsorship projects or the map on page 17 for our Community Development projects.
W
hen you contribute to Sponsorship Plus not only do you provide for the monthly cost of Basic Sponsorship, but your added $10 or more a month helps to provide for many of these additional activities and interventions. Funds raised will be used to support the most urgent needs first, but we will endeavour to ensure all types of activities are supported. TEAR Fund’s partner Compassion acknowledges that external circumstances can have a significant impact in preventing a child from reaching his or her potential. Sponsorship Plus provides the perfect opportunity to sponsor an individual child, but also to sow into additional activities and initiatives that combine with the benefits of child sponsorship to break the poverty cycle. As more people choose Sponsorship Plus, we will be able to assist more sponsored children through these additional benefits. Funds are pooled and the most critical needs are addressed first. The more funding we receive for Sponsorship Plus, the more TEAR Fund is able to commit to future support of these activities. Phone 0800 800 777 to sign up or find out more, or email enquiries@tearfund.org.nz
3. Education and training programs for parents of sponsored children. 4. Emergency medical care and/or surgery. 5. Extra nutritional support. 6. Extra support for orphans and highly vulnerable children. 7. HIV and AIDS initiatives—includes education, prevention and treatment. 8. Income generation for parents. 9. Infrastructure such as improvement to child development centres. 10. Immunisations and malaria prevention activities. 11. Support for registered children not yet sponsored. 12. Vocational training and non-formal education.
Inside out By Steve TollestrUp S Leak 1: Every year about 10,000 Nepalese girls, between the age of nine and 16, are sold to brothels in India. http://listverse. com/2009/07/06/top-10-terribleissues-facing-children-worldwide/ Leak 2: The world’s women grow 60% of the world’s food but own only 2% of the land. Yes you read right. No wonder among the most common causes of female disability in the world is exhaustion and anaemia. World Bank (2007) World Development Indicators 2007. http://food2050.eu/ Leak 3: 4.5 million people have died directly from climate change in the last 30 years. If you thought climate change was a hoax started by anti-progressive hysterics, read why six of the world’s prominent sceptics have changed their minds. http://theweek.com/article/ index/206686/6-global-warming-skeptics-who-changedtheir-minds; see also http://www.nature.com/nature/ journal/v438/n7066/abs/nature04188.html Leak 4: One third of the world’s budget of arms is enough to end poverty for all human beings. In fact 1% of the income from the world’s arm trade would ensure that every child unable to attend school because of poverty could be enrolled. We’d consider that important in a world where over a billion people are illiterate. UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (2006) UN Report on the World Social Situation 2005: Leak 5: Every minute twenty children die from
preventable diseases such as malaria and diarrhoea. UN (2007) The Millennium Development Goals Report.
Like the Wikileaks in the media, these five are just the tip of the iceberg. The truth of poverty makes tragic reading. But the real secret is this: the world-wide church and Christian community can do something about it! TEAR Fund is working directly on behalf of the poor, addressing issues like those above. Just have a read through this issue of the Correspondent and get involved. Together we have impact! • Become an activist! Yep, get involved. Why not join the Poverty Cycle this summer, or get busy on Super Badger. • Ask a TEAR Fund speaker to your church or camp. Mobilise your church! Use our online justice study guide. • Pray – and be informed. Reflect biblically then act for peace and justice. • It’s election year. So choose your candidate wisely. Know what they stand for and if they support aid and development assistance to the poorest. It’s amazing what Christians can do when mobilised! In Christ, Steve
Steve Tollestrup Executive Director
PHOTO CHUCK BIGGER
ix ‘leaks’ you should know about. With the storm around Wikileaks, there are a few ‘cables’ I’d like to see made more public. While not marked top secret, they are buried beneath the steady stream of popular news. If you think Wikileaks disclosures are shocking consider the ‘leaks’ below.
The church is at the heart of TEAR Fund’s projects.
Speaking justice
I
s your church or Christian group interested in exploring issues such as social justice, speaking up for the disadvantaged, climate change or the politics of poverty? What could our Christian response to these issues look like? In the tradition of freedom fighters like the abolitionist William Wilberforce and transformational leaders like Mother Theresa and Martin Luther King Jr, TEAR Fund works among the poor and marginalized to release the captives, rescue the oppressed and restore justice. In His call to us to seek justice for the poor and oppressed, God offers us a rugged challenge – a task that requires the great potential stored in the Church. TEAR Fund has been involved in justice issues and Christian aid and development for more than three decades and we want to inspire and empower your church to make a world of difference! TEAR Fund has speakers who can help you examine these issues from a Christian world perspective. To book a speaker, contact our office on 0800 800 777 or enquiries@tearfund.org.nz and let us know what you would like them to speak on.
PO Box 8315, Symonds St, Auckland 1150, New Zealand • 0800 800 777 • enquiries@tearfund.org.nz • tearfund.org.nz
.nz
3
he trafficking of children is a huge issue in the world with an estimated 2.5 million people trafficked into labour (including sexual exploitation) at any given time. Trafficking is fuelled by desperate poverty of the victims’ families and the greed of the perpetrators. One way to combat this despicable crime and to speak up for the exploited is to support organisations that stand up for children. TEAR Fund has a strong history of supporting child anti-trafficking programmes. It is not just children in TEAR Fund Compassion Child Sponsorship programmes who are safe from this sort of exploitation. TEAR Fund partners with International Justice Mission (IJM) to prevent trafficking, to rescue and rehabilitate victims and to prosecute traffickers in Asia. TEAR Fund also works in Nepal in a programme it set up with its partner Share and Care Nepal, aimed at stemming trafficking across the Indian border. With TEAR Fund’s support IJM in Manila has rescued many minors from commercial sex exploitation. They have ensured that all of them were placed in aftercare recovery facilities to guarantee that they are restored to wholeness where they have renewed hope for their lives and futures. This ensures that they are protected from being re-victimised. Part of the recovery care includes the legal staff and recovery counsellors working with the victims, preparing them for a potential trial, participating in the testimony as well as post-trial support. TEAR Fund’s partner IJM exists to help children like 11-year-old Alina, who was sexually abused by the local chief of police where she worked as his live-in housekeeper. He threatened to kill her if she said a word and for a long time she was too afraid to repeat what had happened to her. Alina had no voice. She was a young girl from a poor family, and her assailant was a man of influence in the community because of his position on the police force. For several months Alina remained silent – afraid to speak against him or to tell anyone what had happened to her. When IJM heard of Alina’s case, staff immediately supported her. They stood by her through the years
PHOTO SUPPLIED
PERSEVERANCE SECURES JUSTICE T
International Justice Mission pursued justice on behalf of Alina.
of investigation, counselling, countless court dates and various legal proceedings. Through this support, Alina found the courage to continue the fight of long and intimidating legal proceedings to convict the local chief of police. Although the police chief bribed her mother to side with the police, Alina did not hesitate in telling the truth. Her courage meant that after three years of legal proceedings the chief of police was arrested and dismissed from his post while waiting for his trial. It has taken nine years for her abuser to be convicted, but IJM stood with her to see justice done. Alina is studying mass communications at a university,
and in her spare time helps other trafficking victims through rehabilitation. Owing to her renewed hope, she encourages other girls never to give up hope. “One thing you will learn in your life is [that] life is always having trials, circumstances, many problems. The thing I got from [IJM] is no matter what happens, don’t give up.” To support TEAR Fund’s work with IJM in Thailand and Manilla fill out the response slip in the Correspondent, find out more at tearfund.org.nz or phone 0800 800 777.
Jennie stands up for the oppressed Why do we give?
M
PHOTO ALEX CARTER
anurewa’s Jennie Ozumba has put aside her internship is about her exploring these issues at a more career in economics to focus on things closer real level, she says. “It is easy to say I care about justice to heart; standing up for victims of human issues and just sit at home. This is me stepping out of trafficking, sexual abuse and police brutality. my comfort zone, getting to the coal face, and getting Jennie, whose home church is St George’s Papatoetoe, involved.” (she has also been involved with Church of the Saviour in She says, her biggest anxiety when she arrives in Kenya Blockhouse Bay and the Church Army Kodesh Community will be how she will handle being face-to-face with the in Avondale) is going to work for International Justice hurt and oppressed who are in these situations and being Mission (IJM) in Kenya as a communications intern. This is an unpaid internship so she is raising money to meet able to make a difference without be overwhelmed. Another Aucklander, Troy Moselen who attends her expenses for the year. TEAR Fund NZ’s partner IJM, is a human rights Hillsborough Baptist, is also doing an internship through organisation that secures justice for victims of slavery, IJM. He has just completed his legal training and was sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression. wondering how he could use his skills and training to IJM lawyers, investigators and aftercare professionals help others. He is going to be a legal intern helping those work with local officials to ensure immediate victim who are trapped in bonded labour in South Asia. rescue and aftercare, to prosecute perpetrators and to promote functioning public justice systems. Jennie was born in the UK to Nigerian parents but has lived in Manurewa from the age of seven. She had always had a heart for the poor and the underdog, she says For instance, she recalls doing a speech at Hill Park Primary School about what she would do if she was president of the world. “I remember getting very angry about all the injustices in the world, like slavery and discrimination. So even back then I was interested Aucklander, Jennie Ozumba, helping victims of injustice in Kenya. in justice issues.” Doing the
By Frank Ritchie
I
n the Bible there are some amazing stories about people who have clearly given of their resources with no thought about getting something in return. Stories like the widow’s mite of Luke 21 or the Church of Macedonia in 2 Corinthians 8:1-7 spark a sense of admiration. We admire them because the giving they demonstrate is selfless and sacrificial. There is no measurement of their Return on Investment (ROI) and they don’t expect God to give them material wealth in return. Instead, their giving is a radical reflection of what God has already done for them and recognition that what they have is not theirs, it is God’s and since God’s concern is for others, so is theirs. Giving to combat poverty can sometimes feel like a fruitless task. The journey of good development is a long one with many dips and highs. If you sponsor a child, sometimes the letters might not show the progress you hope for. If you invest in Trustbanks and Microfinance, sometimes the achievements may seem small. While the long journey is littered with stories of success, there are times where success seems far off, and we wonder why we bother. In those lows, it is good to remember why we give. We do not give for our own personal satisfaction and sense of fulfilment, though that’s a nice side effect from time to time. We do not give to boast to others about the difference we’re making. We do not give so the receiver will lavish their praise upon us. We do not give to get a material ROI. We give because all that we have is God’s and because God clearly demonstrates that he has a heart for the poor. Because we can help, we do – it’s as simple as that, and if we expect something in return, we doom ourselves to disappointment. May we all know what it means to give, simply because it is good to do so, and we serve a master who sacrificially gave everything of himself.
PO Box 8315, Symonds St, Auckland 1150, New Zealand • 0800 800 777 • enquiries@tearfund.org.nz • tearfund.org.nz
TEAR CORRESPONDENT
A year on from the devastating earthquake that shook Haiti to its core, TEAR Fund’s Kevin Riddell reflects on what the relief effort has achieved and what the challenges are for the future of the people of Haiti.
PHOTO: SEAN SHERIDAN
Haiti-‘no quick fix’ With the help of TEAR Fund’s partners the church in Haiti has made a huge difference in this hurting nation.
N
othing could have prepared me for the sheer distribution of temporary shelter happened in record time, services. The church has also taken a leading role during enormity of the disaster that met me as I made with one of our partners, World Relief, accounting for this disaster - looking after the people’s physical well my way through the rubble-strewn Capital of almost 15 per cent of the distribution, benefiting 470,000 being and their spiritual needs. Many Haitians have turned Port au Prince,” says Kevin Riddell, programmes officer people. TEAR Fund was fortunate to have partners who to church and Jesus as a result of the disaster. The recent from TEAR Fund NZ. had been working in the country for decades. Over that outbreak of cholera has been a real blow, but it is not “I have worked in conflict zones throughout the Middle time, they have had to deal with disasters due to cyclones surprising. East and even now Haiti resembles a war zone. For us, it and staff are well versed in dealing with disasters in the On my way to our projects in Léogâne, I saw people would be the equivalent of every building in downtown country. They had also prepositioned emergency relief using irrigation canals for everything from washing dishes Auckland collapsing and every road cracking. Only about supplies for the cyclone season and established church and clothes to bathing in. In our projects there hasn’t been 20 per cent of the rubble in Haiti has been cleared away networks to work with. an outbreak so far but we are keeping an eye out for it. so far, with most of it just shoved to the side of roads, “This meant they weren’t as reliant on getting some We implemented a Water And Sanitation Health (WASH) allowing limited access. basic relief supplies into the country in the first few days. programme, which ensures no cross contamination of The faces of the people tell a story of resilience”, he However, the sheer scale of need meant they had to water sources from latrines or washing uses. Water and says. “These are people who have endured decades of mobilise supplies to ensure a constant supply and obtain sanitation health education was also a component of the heartache, who have experienced real deprivation, the things they lacked. Our partners were affected along programme. going hungry, having limited access to running water and with other agencies when it came to getting supplies “Food security is going to be another issue for the electricity. into the country. One of our partners still has vehicles people of Haiti. Less than 30 per cent of the food required The Haitian people seem to be handling life in the that haven’t cleared customs yet, even though they were is grown in Haiti. This is because a few decades ago the temporary camps pretty well. Many said government thought it would be cheaper I have worked in conflict zones throughout the they did not want to leave because they to import food and use the land to grow felt safe there, and they had nowhere cash crops such as tobacco and sugar Middle East and even now Haiti resembles a war to go. Outside they feared the gangs of cane. NGOs are aiming to turn the zone. For us, it would be the equivalent of every unemployed youths. Security was also decline around by supporting famers and building in downtown Auckland collapsing and an issue for aid workers and another individuals to grow more food. It was only every road cracking... hindrance to the work being done.” in 2008 that there were food riots, and TEAR Fund has been working with the Prime Minister was ousted because several partners in Haiti, including TEAR Fund UK, brought in during the first month of the disaster.” the people couldn’t afford food and were starving. They Compassion International, World Relief and Medical Kevin says corruption is a challenging issue and has were eating clay biscuits to stay alive.” Assistance Program. Kevin says, hindered some of the progress being made. The clearance Kevin says he is a little sceptical about whether the job “To outsiders progress may seem slow but the sheer of rubble is mostly in the hands of the government and there will be completed in the five-year plan timeframe. “A lot scale and complexity of disaster have meant progress has is no coordinated plan to remove it; it is very ad hoc. will come down to the government. Given Haiti’s history had to be planned properly and logistically. There is no “We are still waiting for the government to initiate a of poor government it is unlikely that any new government room for a quick fix. Access to the country in the early building code. Some agencies just want to get on with will be much better.” He thinks, as always, there will be a days was hindered by damage to the airport and some of rebuilding, but it is too soon. I know the people of Haiti heavy reliance of aid agencies and the church to see the the dock area, and communication systems were down are getting impatient but the rebuilding has to be carefully job through. At least if temporary homes are built in the for a time. and logistically handled, or we could just create another meantime the people can get back to their lives. This caused a bottleneck as aid flooded into the country mess. I believe the answer is to build temporary homes “Our government built prefabs for schools in the 1950s; and created a logistical nightmare for aid agencies. and buildings. This will buy time to get the job done some are still being used. This could be an interim measure Another thing people don’t realise is that the majority properly.” Agencies are working on a four-five year plan. until something more permanent and safe can be built.” of the money pledged by governments hasn’t materialised Normally, disaster plans are only up to three years. TEAR Fund NZ would like to thank all the yet. People see this huge figure; it is no wonder that they “For more than a century, Haiti has endured a succession generous New Zealanders who gave to our expect to see more progress, the Haitians included. of corrupt governments. The fortunate thing is that the work in Haiti. To find details about TEAR “However, these hinderances aside, things moved quite church has taken on the role that most governments Fund’s disaster response, visit our website: quickly as far as the delivery of emergency relief. The are responsible for, namely health, education and social tearfund.org.nz
“
PO Box 8315, Symonds St, Auckland 1150, New Zealand • 0800 800 777 • enquiries@tearfund.org.nz • tearfund.org.nz
.nz
5
n just 90 seconds on January 12, 2011, the lives of the people of Haiti were altered forever. The nation crumbled under a magnitude 7.0 earthquake which killed about 230,000 people. January marked the first anniversary of this disaster. Thank you to the hundreds of Kiwis who gave so generously to the victims of Haiti’s earthquake. Together TEAR Fund was able to contribute about $900,000 to relief efforts through our Integral Alliance disaster relief partners and our Child Sponsorship partner, Compassion. Together our partners came to the immediate aid of the many devastated by one of the worst disasters of recent times, providing post-earthquake emergency relief to hundreds of thousands of families. Jean Guerrier was just one of many children who received help through TEAR Fund’s partner Compassion. Jean severely hurt his arm when rubble fell from a building. His mother with the help of local project staff got him to a nearby hospital to have surgery. “Compassion supported me a lot with my child, says Jean’s mother. They provided a tent for Kiwi donations are helping children like Jean. me after the earthquake for Jean’s safety because he was vulnerable
Vegetables a lifeline for Mongolian herders Last year TEAR Fund ran a story about a project that was creating new livelihood options for former Mongolian herders, through growing vegetables and establishing cooperatives to sell the produce. For all those who gave so generously, here is an example of the difference you are making in this austere land.
M
PHOTO: SUPPLIED
aking a living as a herder is difficult in Mongolia but when temperatures drop to minus 40C, it is almost impossible. Togoo Dolgorsuren was a herder but during the harsh winter of 2009-2010, more than 90 per cent of her livestock perished. Other employment opportunities are limited in her village in Nariinteel county, in the Uvurkhangai province of Mongolia. Togoo is a single mother with a son and a daughter. The livestock losses left her struggling to look after her family. “It was very difficult for me to live without
animals and I did not have any way to get income for my family’s needs. After the hard winter I tried to find a job, which was difficult, because in the Mongolian countryside, there is a lack of employment.” However, there was a light at the end of her tunnel. “As day by day my life became more difficult, I heard Togoo Dolgorsuren. about TEAR Fund’s project through FARM staff and I asked to be involved. To my amazement I was accepted.” Family Agricultural Resources Mongolia (FARM) is TEAR Fund’s partner in Mongolia. In April 2010, Togoo started working in the project growing vegetables. “I was very happy because the project assisted us with vegetable seed, hand tools, gardening manual, irrigation system and a root cellar. I am very thankful because this project gives me hope for my future. This year I harvested almost one tonne of vegetables from my field and it is enough food for my family’s winter consumption and a surplus to sell.” I have gained some gardening knowledge and skills, which I hope will lead to an increased harvest. Togoo is a watchman and gardener of the project’s community field. “We are very thankful for this project and TEAR Fund New Zealand brothers and sisters.”
BRIEFS Give Life to Rural India Nirmala Gopal Kasdekar from one of the poorest and most vulnerable regions in northern India grew up without any basic education. She married young and spent her time caring for her children and husband, working in the fields and running the house. Thanks to TEAR Fund’s project, Nirmala was fortunate to be able to attend the adult literacy programme in her area and is now able to read, write and perform simple arithmetic calculations. Nirmala hopes that the example she is setting through her ongoing adult education will encourage her children to concentrate on their studies and to marry later in life. To the many supporters and churches who have already given so generously to our Give Life to Rural India Christmas Focus 2010, thank you. If you have not already supported this programme, but would like to, you can help others like Nirmala to realise their hopes and dreams for their children by completing the response section in this copy of the Correspondent or by visiting www.tearfund.org.nz and clicking through to the Christmas Focus Appeal section.
World turns blind eye to worsening clashes in Darfur While the international community has focused its attention on south Sudan’s tense referendum on independence, fighting and displacement has worsened in the country’s western Darfur region. Over 30,000 people have been displaced by fighting in the last month alone according to sources. Since August, tens of thousands of civilians have been forced to flee bomb attacks by government forces, Human Rights Watch said. Most of them have fled to rebel-controlled areas that the government has made off-limits to U.N. and humanitarian organisations. Conditions in some of the displacement camps sheltering 2 million Darfuris are deteriorating, with the government delaying food and medical supplies and many children often too hungry to go to school, according to campaigners.
Documentary wins TEAR Fund Social Justice Award In 2010, TEAR Fund became a Project Partner in The Outlook for Someday, the sustainability film challenge for young people. As part of that partnership, TEAR Fund sponsored the first ever Social Justice Award. The award was won by Susan Smirk for her film, Kotomor, which examined and subverted the usual ways that we tell the stories of poverty and war. She used the village of Kotomor in Northern Uganda as the subject. Susan is a TEAR Fund child sponsor, something the judges weren’t aware of before the prize was presented. Susan has visited her sponsor child in Tanzania. Susan recounted the most impacting aspect of her visit to the child she had been sponsoring for three years. “The most beautiful moment was when my sponsored child ducked inside to return with a big pile of paper, which I soon recognised as all the sticker-covered letters I had sent her over the past three years,” Susan says. “We both cried when the time came for me to leave.” To see the winning films for 2010, including Kotomor, visit www.theoutlookforsomeday.net
PHOTO SUPPLIED
I
due to the injuries. And they helped me to take care of his arm. There was no fracture but the skin was badly damaged. And he had a skin graft on the arm. He is now fine and can go to school and do other activities. But he needs more therapy sessions with the arm to be able to use it same as before. The nurse at the project is diagnosing his case,” says Jean’s mother. “During mobile clinic visits, my child was diagnosed by doctors from Compassion who came to the church. They gave me pills and other medication for him. He was also immunised against all sorts of diseases as we were living in tent cities” You can read a detailed account of our response at www.tearfund.org.nz
PHOTO: SEAN SHERIDAN
Haiti says `thanks New Zealand’
Wendy Douglas Susan Smirk, and Stephen Tollestrup of TEAR Fund NZ at the Outlook for Someday Awards.
PO Box 8315, Symonds St, Auckland 1150, New Zealand • 0800 800 777 • enquiries@tearfund.org.nz • tearfund.org.nz
TEAR CORRESPONDENT
EAR Fund through its partners is working with the indigenous tribes in the Philippines help them get back to traditional sustainable cultivation and farming methods. Modern farming techniques while helping to increase production were having major environmental impacts on the soil and other aspects of the landscape. Through the use of a demonstration farm and providing training for indigenous farming leaders, Filipino farmers are rediscovering age-old farming practices that will help them farm sustainably. Organic farming methods will help rebuild the depleted soils, increasing production and reducing environmental impacts. Jose Dagpong (is a member of the Libertad Small Organic Farmer Association (LISOFA). The 42-year-old man is a Higanon by descent (one of the ethnic groups in the Philippines). Jose is more than just a farmer; he is an
advocate for organic farming and a community steward of the environment. He was one of the first beneficiaries of the organic technology demonstration farm in the community. Jose is now regarded as a community expert in the preparation of 14-day composting using locally developed cinders for the organic fertilizers. He has learnt about goat and poultry raising, vermicomposting and plant propagation with other members. He participates in “pahina,” a collective work effort where labour is provided for the project. Together a group of famers have taken out a TEAR Fund Microenterprise loan to establish an organic fish farm. This will have many benefits, says Jose. “If we can establish our communal fishpond in our demonstration farm, after six months we can have additional income. Other rice field owners from the lowlands can benefit from the water system for a fishpond project. The source of water can also be useful for raising ducks.” The demonstration communal fishpond is in place and the harvest is eagerly being awaited.
Tony Campolo TOUR - APRIL
L
PHOTO SUPPLIED
See tearfund.org.nz for tour details.
Jose eagerly awaits harvest from organic fish farm.
writing to your sponsored child etters sending messages of love and encouragement
D
o you want to be challenged, inspired or motivated in your faith? Come and hear world-renowned speaker, author, sociologist, pastor, social activist, and passionate follower of Jesus, Dr. Anthony Campolo. Over his many years of Christian service, Tony has boldly challenged millions of people all over the world to respond to God’s boundless love by combining personal discipleship, evangelism, and social justice. Tony Campolo is professor emeritus of sociology at Eastern University. For ten years he was on the faculty of the University of Pennsylvania. He is the founder and president of the Evangelical Association for the Promotion of Education. Dr. Campolo is married to Peggy. They have two children, and four grandchildren. Tony on Christianity; “I think that Christianity has two emphases. One is a social emphasis to impart the values of the kingdom of God in society - to relieve the sufferings of the poor, to stand up for the oppressed, to be a voice for those who have no voice. The other emphasis is to bring people into a personal, transforming relationship with Christ, where they feel the joy and the love of God in their lives. That they manifest what the fifth chapter of Galatians calls ‘the fruit of the Spirit’. Fundamentalism has emphasised the latter, mainline churches have emphasised the former. We cannot neglect one for the other.” tonycampolo.org.nz
PHOTO SUPPLIED
Microenterprise reviving organic farming T
Jose says he never imagined what they could do for themselves and the community through organic farming technology. The use of what otherwise are wastes, through composting was never thought of in the past. Protecting their natural resources, restoring their nearly degraded soil are age-long indigenous practices now being recovered by Jose’s generation for their children and grandchildren to benefit from in their productive years.
to a child across the world can be life changing. Poverty’s greatest damage to a child’s heart is the relentless message, “Give up! You don’t matter!” Sponsors can exchange this lie with the truth! Hot Tips writing evenings have been held in centres around the country encouraging sponsors with creative insights on writing to their sponsor child. Through a relaxed evening, around cake and coffee, sponsors have shared their ideas and in turn been encouraged with a host of “take home,” ideas. 2011 Workshops are being planned for Tauranga, Whangarei, Gisborne, Gore, Christchurch and Nelson over April and May. All sponsors will receive an invitation in the mail to attend and can bring friends along. This is what Pru Francis said about the evening in New Plynouth. “What a brilliant presentation last night. I’m a primary teacher so understood your ideas and philosophies.” And Francelle Aiken from Palmerston North, “Thank you for an informative evening. You gave us some excellent ideas to follow through on.”
DAVID BUSSAU Microenterprise pioneer to speak in New Zealand
Keep your eyes on the TEAR Fund website for details or contact us at info@tearfund.org.nz or 0800 800 777 to secure your place.
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: Helen Manson, Steve Tollestrup,
Frank Ritchie, Glen Hill. Graphic Designer: Alex Carter. Printing: Wyatt-Wilson.
contact:
0800 800 777 enquiries@tearfund.org.nz tearfund.org.nz
PHOTO SUPPLIED
David Bussau is an exceptional Kiwi-born Christian businessman who has dedicated his life to fighting poverty by creating a microenterprise model that has changed countless lives in developing countries. Starting from a poor beginning in a Masterton orphanage, David Bussau realised soon after starting work that his true calling was as an entrepreneur. By his mid-thirties he was operating a multimillion dollar construction company. Applying traditional solutions (repairing bridges and roads, re-establishing water supplies, rebuilding schools)in the aftermath of a cyclone in Darwin and an earthquake in Bali, he realised that sustainable development needed more than infrastructure. He concluded that poor people wanted work, and that with jobs they can solve their problems. His solution was to offer small business loans – a hand up instead of a hand out. David will be speaking at meetings in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch in mid June 2011. Funds raised will be used to provide livelihoods for the most vulnerable and disabled.
our purpose:
PO Box 8315, Symonds St, Auckland 1150, New Zealand • 0800 800 777 • enquiries@tearfund.org.nz • tearfund.org.nz
.nz
7
YES! – I WANT TO INVEST IN THE POOR! Name:
Title
First
Last
Address:
ANITA
DENIS
EARN
Phone:(H)
5 year old girl, INDIA
9 year old boy, GUATEMALA
12 year old girl, THAILAND
Phone:(W)
In her home she helps by carrying water.
Denis is from a family of 6 children and he loves scoocer and basketball.
Earn lives with her parents and is responsible for caring for animals, washing and making beds.
Phone:(M)
DOB 30 June 2006
DOB 16 May 2002
DOB 9 July 1999
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:
ETSUB
GERALD
JÉREMIE
4 year old girl, ETHIOPIA
6 year old boy, UGANDA
6 year old boy, BURKINA FASO
Etsub lives with her mother who is sometimes employed
In his home Gerald helps by carrying water, gathering firewood and caring for animals.
Jéremie lives with his parents. Caring for children & cleaning are some of his errands.
DOB 12 June 2007
DOB 11 July 2005
DOB 22 August 2005
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:
Sponsorship Plus Microenterprise
JOSUÉ
KWAME
LINA
6 year old boy, BURKINA FASO
11 year old boy from GHANA
8 year old girl, KENYA
Josué lives with his parents. He is responsible for caring for animals and running errands.
Kwame’s father and mother are not employed and they have 3 chidlren.
Lina comes from a family of 4 children.
DOB 7 December 2005
DOB 20 May 2000
DOB 24 March 2003
Organic Farming Disaster Relief IJM 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:
LORENA
LUIS
MARCO
7 year old girl, PERU
9 year old boy, COLOMMBIA
5 year old boy, PHILIPPINES
Lorena lives with her parents and helps at home by making beds, running errands and cleaning.
He lives with his parents and he is in primary school. He loves soccer & art.
Marco is from a family of 4 children. He is presently not at school. He helps by cleaning.
DOB 7 February 2003
DOB 5 September 2002
DOB 6 July 2006
Expiry date:
/
Cardholder name: Signature: To save posting your credit card details use our secure online payment facility www.tearfund.org.nz 1530
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
NEYSY
PATRICK
ROSA
10 year old girl, EL SALVADOR
6 year old boy, INDONESIA
10 year old girl, PERU
Neysy loves music and reading.
At home Patrick helps his parents run errands.
Rosa comes from a family of 5 children and her parents are sometimes employed.
DOB 5 October 2001
DOB 17 June 2005
DOB 31 December 2001
Tick here and TEAR Fund will, from time to time, keep you informed on events, projects and disasters by: Email
Micah 6.8 The LORD God has told us what is right and what he demands: “See that justice is done, let mercy be your first concern, and humbly obey your God.”
TIKA
UDAY
YEISON
17 year old girl, INDONESIA
7 year old boy, INDIA
DOB 6 August 1994
DOB 12 May 2004
7 year old boy, EL SALVADOR
Tika loves singing and listening to music.
Uday lives with his parents and is responsible for running errands and cleaning.
Yeison loves playing with cars and marbles and he comes from a family of 7.
DOB 13 September 2004
Call 0800 800 777 NOW to sponsor one of these children
Call 0800 800 777 or Visit tearfund.org.nz
child soldier
NO MORE
TOUR unimaginable LOSS unrelenting HOPE hear the STORIES, meet the PEOPLE In a stirring MUSICAL PRODUCTION Date Time this MARCH 2011 Fri 11 March
W
atoto Restore shares a story of restoration and hope like never before. Audiences will be moved by unforgettable testimonies of lives that have endured some of the worst atrocities and triumphed over unimaginable adversity and loss. Set to the backdrop of music, dance, drama and multimedia, audiences share in an experience of healing, forgiveness and transformation. The Restore Tour is very different from the Watoto Children’s Choir performances that you may have experienced before. We encourage you to use this production as a ministry opportunity for your church congregation and surrounding community. Note some content may not be suitable for children of all ages, parental discretion is advised for children under the age of 10. Watoto Restore Tour will raise support for Project Gulu - Watoto’s extensive rehabilitation centre in Northern Uganda. Here, former child soldiers and their mothers are restored and rehabilitated to fullness of life. Check out a performance near you! For more information visit us online at:
tearfund.org.nz/RestoreTour
Sat 12 March
7 pm
Venue
Place
The Village Project, Cable Bay Vineyards, 12 Nick Johnstone Dr
Waiheke Island
7.30pm Manukau City Baptist, 9 Lambie Dr 5pm
Equippers, Hyatt Hotel,Cnr Princes St & Waterloo Quadrant, Auckland City
Auckland
Tues 15 March
7pm
Raleigh Street Christian Centre 24-26 Raleigh St
Cambridge
Wed 16 March
7pm
Elim Christian Centre, 159 Botany Rd
Botany
Thur 17 March
7pm
Greenlane Christian Centre, 17 Marewa Rd, Greenlane Auckland
Fri 18 March
7pm
Gateway, 950 Victoria St
Hamilton
Sat 19 March
7pm
LIFE Coast, LIFE, Orewa, Whangaparaoa Baptist & Churches of HBC, Orewa College, Riverside Rd, Orewa
Rodney
Sun 20 March
7pm
LIFE Central, 95 Mt Eden Rd, Mt Eden
Auckland
Tues 22 & Wed 23 March
7pm
Bethlehem College, 24 Elder Lane, Bethlehem
Tauranga
Thurs 24 March
7pm
Northpoint Baptist, 116 Mangati Rd, Bell Block
New Plymouth
Fri 25 March
7pm
The Regent on Broadway, 63 Broadway Ave
Palmerston Nth
Sat 26 March
7pm
The Rock, 4 Glover St, Ngauranga
Wellington
Sun 27 March
6pm
Equippers, location TBC
Wellington
Hurry to register W
ould you like to cycle alongside sporting legends and make a difference for at-risk children and youth in your community and overseas? TEAR Fund is looking for people who want to make a positive contribution to the world by hopping on their bikes to break the cycle of poverty by raising funds and taking part in TEAR Fund’s Poverty Cycle events on March 5. TEAR Fund needs people like you to register now for the ride. Spaces for the events are limited and time is running out. There are four family-friendly rides; one in Auckland, New Plymouth, Nelson and Christchurch. The cycle routes are split into stages of various lengths so you can choose to do as much or as little of the event to suit your level of fitness. Remember it is not a race so you can pace yourself and even take time out to stop for a picnic or just enjoy the local scenery. Sporting heroes like former All Black Michael Jones, Olympic gold medallist Tom Ashley and top tri-athlete Clark Ellice are among the many high profile names getting behind this new event. Why not use your resolution to help others by registering for TEAR Fund’s Poverty Cycle event on March 5? This is an opportunity to get fit and make a difference in the lives of disadvantaged children in your community and in TEAR Fund’s overseas projects.
Manukau City
Sun 13 March
National Tours (11 days from February 21)
If you want a bigger challenge why not join a stage of the Poverty Cycle or even the whole tour. There are still limited spaces left on the North and South Island tours. You could even rub shoulders with some of our celebrity riders such as Olympic Gold medallist Tom Ashley.
Prizes
Join in and make a differen ce!
to the person who has overcome a great challenge, personal difficulty, or disability in order to participate.
Under-18 LIFE Award The TEAR Fund Poverty Cycle participant under 18 who raises the most money nationally will win a brand new Avanti bike to the value of $800 (donated by Sheppard Industries - bike may differ from image shown).
Ultimate Poverty Cycle Prize The Poverty Cycle Ambassador
There are fabulous prizes to be won. The TEAR Fund Poverty Cycle regional participants who raise the most money in their local area (one winner in Auckland, New Plymouth, Nelson and Christchurch) will win a new Avanti bike to the value of $800 (donated by Sheppard Industries - bike may differ from image shown). The Nelson ride is in conjunction with the Mayoral Challenge so register now and make a difference. There is also a prize for the participant who has the most inspiring story. The prize of an annual trophy and a TEAR Fund Poverty Cycle prize pack will be awarded
The TEAR Fund Poverty Cycle national participants who raise the most money will go into a draw to win a trip for two to see the work being done in TEAR Fund’s projects in the Philippines, to break the poverty cycle. A trip for two to the Philippines project will include the following: • International flights (economy only) ex Auckland • Domestic flights within the Philippines (economy only) • Basic accommodation • Three meals per day • Vaccinations required for Philippines So why not have a fun day out on a bike and make a difference? Visit povertycycle.org.nz to find out more.
REGISTER FREE ONLINE, donate, OR FIND OUT MORE AT:
Povertycycle.org.nz