Dear Friends,

Over recent weeks I’ve thoroughly enjoyed connecting with our partners online, in places like India, Vanuatu, South Sudan, Zimbabwe, Thailand and Bangladesh. Each of these country’s projects are being led by passionate, capable and visionary Christian leaders eager to bring hope and change to their communities. 

In South Sudan, a nation which sits the lowest on the Human Development Index (HDI), and where violence and lawlessness is rife, our Christian partners are promoting and building peace

In India, where vulnerable slum communities miss out on public education and health care, our Christian partners are establishing hospitals and informal schools to give vulnerable people a brighter future.

In our neighbouring Vanuatu, where people with a disability cannot easily seek shelter during the annual cyclone season (which they had two of in early March), our Christian partners are working with local churches to provide safe places for whole communities to seek refuge in times of disaster.

In Türkiye and Syria, where the recent earthquakes tragically killed over 50,000 people and over one million have been left homeless, our Christian partners are providing shelter, food and medical assistance.

As Easter approaches, I am reminded of the significance of Jesus’ own suffering, sacrifice and resurrection. 

Jesus came and immersed himself in our shame and brokenness. He obediently followed his Father’s guidance to the cross. He rose again, glorious!

Jesus models to us the way in which we must lead.

This is often countercultural. Rarely do we see leaders displaying selflessness, entering the pain, brokenness and hardship of others to bring hope. But we see it in our partners. 

These partners and leaders continue to put their faith in action for the betterment of others. Their hope unwavering in the day-to-day challenges of poverty. 

Building off our long pioneering heritage and the bold faith of our current partnerships, may we springboard into the future. I pray our impact will reflect and honour those who have gone before us and serve as inspiration for generations to come..

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21

John Lamerton, Executive Officer