16Feb 2011 by Nigel Ring

Kenya Drought – Update from Edward Buria

Kenya, News, Poor, Relief and Development
No sooner had I posted the last blog (or so it seemed) than I received an update from Edward himself. Please read this to help your praying for the situation. Another drought..........Another crisis My big question The last one month and two weeks of February 2011 have been a very difficult and trying time as we find ourselves in the midst of another severe drought / famine. I have found myself asking God why another drought that has led to another crisis in our Nation as millions find themselves with no food, water and vegetation for their animals? God speaks In the midst of my questions that seemed to have no immediate answers, God clearly and powerfully spoke to me through dear friends from far lands and my own teams.…
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14Feb 2011 by Nigel Ring

Famine in Kenya – further update

Kenya, News, Poor, Relief and Development
Since my last blog I have received a further text message (which I have edited for clarity) and some photos: Here is a report on my trip to Samburu and some of the very sad encounters over the weekend which will be with me 4 a very long time to come. On Sunday after dedicating and opening our Maralel Town Church (in Samburu), we encounterd very emotional cases on our back to Wamba..met families and children along the way all at the verge of collapsing 4 lack of food and water. There were young girls. We gave a lift with small containers in search of water. After 25 minutes drive stopped at a Laga and the girls went strait to this shalow hole which had some contaminated water. The girls…
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14Feb 2011 by Nigel Ring

Planning for Ministry pt 6 – Logical Framework

Christian ministry, Equipping, Good Practice, Planning, Poor
[caption id="attachment_1741" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Equipping Oaks of Righteousness"][/caption] Planning ministry is all about having a vision to produce ‘Oaks of righteousness', people who are currently poor or disadvantaged but who can be equipped practically and, with the transforming impact of the gospel, can become all that God intended. So far we have looked at two steps in the planning process. The Problem Tree helps us identify the various components contributing to the needs to be addressed through our proposed ministry. The Solution Tree seeks to suggest ways of reversing those problems. Logframe We shall now look at the Logical Framework for planning, usually called a Logframe. This is a technique taken from the development world which is widely used for defining programmes, particularly when applying for funds from major donors.…
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07Feb 2011 by Nigel Ring

Serious Crisis in Kenya

Kenya, News, Poor, Relief and Development
Starvation and Dehydration I am breaking into my series on Planning for Ministry since the situation in Kenya is dire and I want to share with you the text messages I have been receiving from Edward Buria, who leads the Newfrontiers churches in Kenya, during this very severe drought. Water is in very short supply and it has become necessary for Edward and his team to transport it from Meru (4 hours from their centre in Samburu). Obviously this has severe limitations. They are now seeing people die of dehydration and starvation. What you can do Please pray for: 1. Rain 2. Wisdom for Edward, his team and the pastors who are seeing their people suffer and die Please consider giving finance by cheque or online Edited sms messages are:…
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01Feb 2011 by Nigel Ring

Planning for Ministry pt 5 – Solution Tree

Christian ministry, Equipping, Good Practice, Planning, Poor
[caption id="attachment_1725" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Equipping Oaks of Righteousness"][/caption] Last time we saw how a careful analysis reveals some of the underlying causes of the conspicuous problem an individual faces. As our example we took Multiple Deprivation as evidenced in an individual's homelessness. If we are to offer a long-lasting sustainable solution to help that person have the dignity of long-term independence it is no use just providing for the things where there is a lack. Examining the roots of the problem allows us to address the true underlying issues. Some of these may be very long-term e.g. improved parenting for the next generation does not solve our particular individual's problem. It is too late. However, help towards employment in order to generate income for housing may be achieved by skills…
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24Jan 2011 by Nigel Ring

Planning for Ministry Pt 4 – The Problem Tree

Christian ministry, Equipping, Good Practice, Planning, Poor
[caption id="attachment_1719" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Equipping Oaks of Righteousness"][/caption] What is a Problem Tree? When we look at a tree in nature we tend to focus on the fruit, and maybe the overall shape, the leaves and the bark. These are ways that help us define the type of tree. But if we look more closely we may notice that it looks unhealthy. To understand why, we need to look at other things. Does the soil provide adequate food? Is there sufficient depth for the roots? What are the environment and climate it lives in - exposure, wind, rainfall, sunshine etc? A Problem Tree works the same way. We see a problem - say street homelessness - for which the obvious answer to solving the problem may appear to be more…
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