As we enter the Christmas season, you will be starting to focus on ways your congregation can bless the poor; and make a difference in the lives of families, not just as a one off, but in a sustainable way throughout 2010

 

We believe our Christmas Appeal for ’09 will facilitate this. I saw first hand the difference Micro-Finance schemes make to the local poor and their families on my trip earlier this year to Indonesia. It was inspiring as I talked to the lenders and local market traders. Micro-finance is a business concept where the poor are given a loan to establish a small local business that will provide an ongoing means of income for their family; enterprises such as selling grain or wares in the marketplace or growing vegetables/ farming etc. As these micro business get up and running, the recipient arranges to pay the loan off as their income allows. Meanwhile, the means of income and self-belief  generated by Micro-Finance schemes, succeed in helping lift these rural and village poor out of the poverty cycle. It’s not a hand out; it’s a help up!

 

World Hope in Indonesia run well managed schemes for the rural and village poor in Magelong, West Java. But currently it is in need of a major capital injection to keep the scheme going. Monies raised from our Christmas Appeal will revitalise this scheme.

 

Also Kathy Clifford has started Micro-Finance schemes through reputable local people/managers in North East India. When Kathy is in North East India she will oversee these schemes. There is opportunity to bless the poor in the areas Kathy works and this provides another way of expanding her ministry and touching the poor in a meaningful and sustainable way.

 

Thank-you for your support of the 2009 Christmas Appeal for partnering with World Hope to bring hope and blessing this Christmas to poor families and communities. Enclosed are the leaflets you can copy or hand out to your congregation. You can begin the appeal over any number of Sundays leading up to Christmas. All the best in God for your efforts!

 

For any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me: office@shoregrace.org         

(09) 4136388.