16Jul 2014 by Nigel Ring

Multi-dimensional Poverty Index (MPI)

Equipping, Poor, Poverty Reduction
A new Index For many years one basis on which poverty is assessed has been people living on less than $1.25 or $2 per day. But this is a very ‘blunt’ way of measuring poverty as the value of $2 varies from one economy to another and also finance is not the only measure of real poverty. Recently I joined a live-stream seminar organised by the Overseas Development Institute in the UK which launched a new Multi-dimensional Poverty Index (MPI). This does not replace the economic one with which we are familiar but complements it. To me this made a lot of sense since it is far more indicative of the life issues that really define poverty. It has been developed in the Oxford Department of International Development, part of Oxford…
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09Jul 2014 by Nigel Ring

Update on the Philippines typhoon relief

News, Philippines, Poor, Relief and Development
  Lost relations, lost homes, lost livelihoods The typhoon which received wide publicity towards the end of 2013 caused devastation to many thousands of people as it swathed through the central part of the Philippines. Many lost loved ones, their homes and their livelihoods. Many in the family of Newfrontiers of churches around the world made generous contributions. Some sent donations direct to the Philippines others contributed to an appeal fund launched through this blog which raised over £33,000. Thank you! Fresh hope In May Mike Irving made a visit to the affected area. Mike serves Peter Brooks in Australia as he brings oversight to the ministry in the Philippines. Here is his encouraging Report which was published on the Pacific Rim website. I hope you will be encouraged that your donations have been well spent!…
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28Jun 2014 by Nigel Ring

Discover and Serve pt 34 – The Book and the Course

Discover and Serve, Equipping, Serving, Volunteers
The Book I have now shared with you the burden of my heart in helping people to find their place of service in the church. As I have already mentioned the material is embodied in the 100 page book Discover and Serve. This includes not only the teaching but all the materials you need to run a course in your church, including extensive Appendices which can be photocopied, and is available from me at £5.99 plus postage. The Course The best way to run the course is over a 3-week period, probably in the evenings. There needs to be time for ‘homework' between each session. On each occasion there is teaching about different aspects of serving and the unique characteristics and qualities a person has to offer, as we have…
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27May 2014 by Nigel Ring

Drought of death in Turkana

Kenya, News, Poor, Relief and Development
Not yet halfway through the drought... A few weeks ago I publicised the drought that was being experienced in Turkana, North Kenya, together with the impact Edward Buria and the Newfrontiers churches were making to help in alleviating the situation. I have just received this update. The situation continues to be very serious. No rain is expected until October, at the earliest, so on-going help is needed for at least another 6 months. The fund is still open. If you wish to make a donation contact  paul.wright@tkc.org.uk of the Kings Church, Mid-Sussex who is coordinating the appeal. Edward's Report 'Drought of death in Turkana' is the only way I can describe the on-going and prolonged drought in Turkana that set in a famine not witnessed in the last 70 years.…
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21May 2014 by Nigel Ring

Discover and Serve pt 33 – Developing a Serving Profile 4

Discover and Serve, Equipping, Serving
The final part of our Serving Profile considers Temperament and Spiritual Maturity. Temperament This has already been considered in Part 27. People are asked to indicate where they feel they come in considering the following statements by placing X in the box at the appropriate point along the 4-point scale. 1. I prefer working on a project/with people. 2. When carrying out a task I am a better sprinter (i.e. short term motivation)/long-distance runner. 3. When considering a situation I see the detail/broad concepts. 4. I am a better initiator/responder. 5. When carrying out a task I work better alone/in a team. 6. I prefer to act spontaneously/with pre-planning. The results of this help when considering what part they might play in a team as their particular temperament can complement…
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15May 2014 by Nigel Ring

Discover and Serve pt 32 – Developing a Serving Profile 3

Discover and Serve, Equipping, Serving
As we continue to develop the Serving Profile we shall now take three aspects that are closely related. Calling, Heart's Desire There is often a strong link between Calling and Heart's Desire. We have already seen how some people are passionate about a specific issue or have a strong sense of specific calling. Others may be more laid back and have seen their calling as more general if, indeed, they have defined it at all. To help people think this through there is another simple self-assessment form I use which gives people the opportunity to reflect prayerfully on any area that God might reveal to them. It also allows them to consider their strengths and weaknesses. Self-assessment As people meet with their facilitators this assessment form provides a very helpful…
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