22Nov 2023 by Nigel Ring

Donna Bloomfield shares insights about working with the poor

Poor
Donna has been a good friend of mine for well over 20 years. We worked together for a few years and I now chair the ministry she leads in Burundi, Hope for Tomorrow Global. Margins2Mic is an initiative of Andy McCullough's. Andy has been involved in reaching people in various 'unreached' nations for many years and is passionate about relating to people cross-culturally. In response to his invitation Donna shares about her history with 'The Forgotten People' in Burundi. She also gives some very helpful insights about how to view and relate with people who are 'disadvantaged'. Click on photo:
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03Sep 2023 by Nigel Ring

Voices – Listening to those with ‘lived experience’

Uncategorized
For several years I had the privilege of chairing a remarkable ministry, Beloved, in Bristol which seeks to bring women out of the massage parlours ie to exit indoor prostitution. For obvious reasons it was never possible for me to experience a visit to one of the parlours so I was greatly challenged when a few of the women shared their experience at an ‘away day’ with the trustees. These beautiful women told us what it was like to be lined up for a man to choose one, as in a cattle market. And of the competition they had among themselves to get ‘business’ since that represented their only income. There were many stories that brought us all, particularly the men in the room, to a stunned silence and tears.…
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20Jul 2023 by Nigel Ring

In conclusion…

News
This will be my final post. The site will close shortly. 14 years ago I was urged by several people to write a blog. Since then I have written over 500 posts. The primary aim has been to help raise the bar of excellence in church administration and working with the poor, although I have used the site for other topics, particularly related to the history of the Newfrontiers family of churches. I chose Feeding 5000 is no picnic… as a ‘brand’, trying to embrace the combination of both administration and helping those in need. Much has changed since 2009. Church administration is now widely recognised for its crucial role in helping churches to grow and function healthily, particularly by releasing elders to flow in their gifting rather than being…
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11Jul 2023 by Nigel Ring

An outbreak of autobiographies

News
I love autobiographies. We can learn so much from the lives of others who have run the race well especially when they are still running. Over the last twelve months four well-known leaders in the family of Newfrontiers have written autobiographies. Each brings a different perspective to life, sharing their experience of walking with God for many decades. John Hosier has written This side of the door. His life story includes much of the history of Newfrontiers from his perspective as a church leader. He ends with a glimpse through the door to the other side of the grave, a very helpful and exciting insight into what we shall all experience in due course. Goff Hope’s book Hope Wins: How a Vision of Our Eternal Future Impacts Our Lives Today…
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22Feb 2023 by Nigel Ring

Be prepared for death. Part 4 – Loose Ends

Equipping
Don't put it off! I have been interested how many friends (and others) have been in contact about this series, sometimes acknowledging that they have put off thinking about such matters, some not even having a will. Certainly, it is topic that none of us naturally finds exciting. But I do urge you not to put off addressing the issues I have been raising. Last Friday I attended the wonderful thanksgiving service for Brian Tibbert, a good friend and colleague - we worked together for eleven years for the Stoneleigh Bible Week where he was site manager. Reference was made by the family to the fact it was easy to organise the service as Brian had done much of the planning himself. Well done Brian! Loose ends In the first…
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15Feb 2023 by Nigel Ring

Be prepared for death. Part 3 – What is where

Equipping
So far we have considered some of the immediate actions needed. Next in my folder comes: Funeral arrangements This is of course very personal but some of the questions to ask are: Burial or cremation? If you want a burial, I suggest you buy a plot (single or double) and leave details for your executors. It is one less thing for them to do. Eco-friendly coffin? Will there be a funeral and thanksgiving service, or just one service? Where do you want them to be held? For the service(s) you may wish to specify Who takes it Who preaches Whether you want an evangelistic message What hymns you would like What readings you choose What dress code you suggest. A recent funeral specified 'No need to wear black'. Whether you…
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