Just prior to the second round of presidential voting in Zimbabwe, NGO’s (Non Governmental Organisations – aid organisations) were banned from the country with anti government bias being cited as the reason for the ban. This and the nation’s dire economic situation has resulted in around two million people being in critical need of food assistance. Thankfully, just hours ago that ban was lifted and relevant organisations were able to begin assessing the situation and [...]

With the ongoing tensions and conflict between Israeli authorities and Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank that has continued since the establishment of the state of Israel, there are many factors of burden that never receive any sort of publicity. The tensions often noticed are militant in nature – direct acts and reactions of force. It’s not often we here about things such as water. It may come as a surprise to many that [...]

Vibrant costumes, infectious smiles and stories that will move and inspire you – the Watoto Children’s Choir from Uganda will visit Auckland and it is an event not to miss. The 18 boys and girls in the choir, all aged between seven and 13, are orphans and are being raised through the Watoto project in Uganda. However, this is not a concert of despair. Watoto Child Care Ministries in Kampala, Uganda, was founded in 1992 [...]

When many of us picture aid and charity to developing nations, I think we often picture the heady times of the 80′s and the aid that poured into Ethiopia due to the work of people like Bob Geldof and Live Aid. We were bombarded with images of poverty and rightly the world’s heart was moved, resulting in one of the biggest outpourings of aid and charity that the world has ever seen. Aid in the [...]

As part of a determined “giving strategy” (which I may explain here at some stage), I sponsor a child in the Philippines. Her name is April. April has been our sponsor child since 2005 and will be for as long as she is within the age to receive the support we have to offer. Prior to sponsoring April, I didn’t know much about the Philippines and certainly felt no connection to the region, investing money [...]

We’ve just had the annual “Boobs on Bikes” parade make its way down Queen St in Auckland central – New Zealand’s busiest street. For those not in the know, it’s the annual main advertising event for Steve Crow’s Erotica Festival where a bunch of ladies (some porn stars) are paraded down the street topless in front of a large crowd of gathered men (mostly) waiting in eager anticipation with cameras… and buckets of drool. The [...]

About the authors: Jerald and Tina work with YWAM (Youth With a Mission) and live about 3 hours away from Guatemala City. Jerald is from Nicaragua and Tina is from New Zealand. Their work focuses on healthcare and community development. ———————————- Last week we were joined by Bill and Peggy Pratt, Luke their grandson and a family friend, Kelsey, all from Washington along with Jacobo and Janet Pineda from here in Guatemala.

“By allowing Beijing to host the Games you will help the development of human rights.” Liu Jingmin Vice-President of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Bid Committee April 2001