18Feb 2014 by Nigel Ring

Drought in Kenya – Appeal

Kenya, News, Poor, Relief and Development
While we, in the UK, are battling widespread flooding our brothers and sisters in northern Kenya are being impacted by the worst drought for many years. Edward Buria, who oversees the Newfrontiers churches in Kenya and has an amazing track record of bringing much needed help to the tribal groups over recent years as they have battled against changes in the weather patterns, has recently sent the following request: I have just returned back from visiting our churches in Turkana and managed to visit especially our two churches in Kakuma where 1000s of refugees are housed. The current famine has claimed a number of lives in one of our churches. Never witnessed such hopelessness in my life. Even the 2005/6 drought wasn't as severe as the current one. Met people…
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18Dec 2013 by Nigel Ring

Philippines Appeal update

Philippines, Poor, Relief and Development
I am so grateful to all those who have contributed to the appeal for the Philippines. Several individuals have contributed and there are also some churches who are taking offerings over this Christmas season. It is still not too late to make a donation. Just contact me through the address in the side panel. Eden Singson, who leads the Grace Community Church in Manila and, with his wife Fe, is coordinating the work being done with this fund has just sent an update. Fe has professional expertise in helping people develop income generating skills, a very appropriate gifting for this situation. Since receiving this report I have heard that they are now planning to launch a fish drying business (using coconut husks to burn) in order to create income for…
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15Nov 2013 by Nigel Ring

Appeal for the Philippines

News, Philippines, Poor, Relief and Development
I have had a number of enquiries, due to my contacts over the years, asking for advice concerning giving to the situation in the Philippines at this time of rebuilding following the typhoon. Crisis response My opinion from previous disasters is that the crisis response, e.g. food, water and shelter is best handled by the big NGOs who specialise in emergency relief. In UK there is a Disasters Emergency Committee comprising 14 large NGOs which includes Tearfund and World Vision. An appeal has been launched and I recommend that any who wish to give for immediate relief should donate to that appeal. Is there a place for the church? I believe that the church has a major part to play when disaster happens. In the early days that is probably…
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21Aug 2012 by Nigel Ring

Urgent: Kenya – the crisis continues

Kenya, News, Poor, Relief and Development
I am taking the liberty of passing on the details of an email I have received from Rob Williams who leads the Finance Team in the Fulham Office. He and I travelled to Kenya in January. It seems the crisis brought on by drought continues. The following text messages have been sent by Edward Buria to Rob. 13/08 "Checking with you if there could be some funds in the crisis funds, we still remain in great need of assisting our brothers and sisters in the affected places. Thanks Edward" 18/08 "We have large large payments to make as several dams are completed and rendered for. God bless. Edward" 21/08 "Am deep deep in Samburu leading out team in relief supplies as the situation has become so bad... God is with…
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29May 2012 by Nigel Ring

Toxic Charity – how churches and charities hurt those they help

Books, Christian ministry, Equipping, Good Practice, Poor, Relief and Development, Social Enterprise
This is a provocative book - a 'must read' for those working among people who are poor or disadvantaged, espcially in an urban setting. But first, the church I belong to (CCK, Brighton) was live on BBC television last Sunday? This  was a one hour Pentecost service. You can watch it on this link. When helping hurts In recent months I have been recommending widely When helping hurts. As the title suggests our well-intentioned generosity may sometimes cause greater problems rather than relieving them (but not always!). It looks critically at the damage we can cause, particularly with cross-cultural ministry among the poor, and suggests how we can improve our practice. Toxic Charity Here is another thought-provoking read to make you think through your stance on how you really can…
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30Jan 2012 by Nigel Ring

Kenya drought – January update

Kenya, News, Poor, Relief and Development
When did it start? In November 2010 I was contacted by Edward Buria with a plea for help. Drought had once again hit Kenya and the Horn of Africa. In Kenya alone 5 million people were threatened with starvation. Could Newfrontiers churches raise some funds for food and water? Following an appeal, £260,000 has so far been raised to help alleviate the problem. Recent visit Recently I travelled with John Buria, Edward's brother, and his relief team into Turkana and Samburu to see what the situation is currently like and to learn about the intervention the Newfrontiers churches have brought over the last 15 months. After a long hot journey (temperatures around 40 degrees) we reached a remote location west of Lake Turkana, 17 hours by road from the Newfrontiers…
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