Richard's May newsletter

Fat Fridays

At the beginning of the month, I was invited by the church I attend to give a presentation on our organisation to the youth group there which is called, ‘Fat Fridays’. The theme of the night was “Jesus and the poor” and how God calls us to share His love with the poor and needy in practical ways. The church was littered with cardboard boxes that the kids had brought over to sleep in at the church so as to empathize with the homeless. There were about 80 kids in all and it was so encouraging to see them wanting to live out their faith. We had some small group discussions with the kids and I was deeply encouraged to see that they have a passion to make compassion and reaching out to the poor a part of their daily lives.

Everywhere you go, always take the weather with you…

This month was also our staff retreat where we went for a couple of days to a lovely French village just outside of Geneva. As the Crowded House song goes I certainly brought the British weather with me as it rained non-stop for two days! This made for good team-bonding though! One of our staff members led us through a strength development program and how we can maximize our strengths and talents to best serve and function as an organisation.

‘Shoes for Smiles’


Things at work are moving on at quite a pace. We have started recruiting for our summer project July 21st – 31st to Jordan where we will have people from Hong Kong, US and Europe joining our team to bring help and hope to Iraqi and other refugees living there. One of our newer projects there will be ‘Shoes for Smiles’ where we will be distributing shoes to the poor children in the Bedouin desert. The families of these poor children live in such need that they either have the choice of buying food or shoes for the children. So most of the children walk around and play in bare feet on the hard, burning surface of the desert and streets. For $11 dollars (8 €), a pair of shoes and socks can be bought for a child. We held a concert in Paris which also helped raise funds towards these shoes. If you like, you too can consider helping before July 3rd. We will be able to help offer as many shoes as the team members and others raise for this great opportunity to bring help and hope.
Please contact me at rch197@hotmail.com and I can send you the giving information.



‘El bus solidari’

The humanitarian bus project is reaching an exciting stage as well. For those of you who don’t know, a group of Spanish students and myself are hiring a bus leaving from Barcelona which will tour the cities of Marseille, Paris and Toulouse. We will be partnering with organisations in these cities and assisting them in their social and humanitarian projects. The project will last just over two weeks and so far we have around 25 Spanish students who have volunteered! All partners are working hard as we make final arrangements for projects and housing. I am very excited for this chance to grow as this is totally a new venture for all of us – be praying with us as we step out in faith.

Finally, in Geneva this month we had the ‘Fête de la Réforme’ (Reformation Festival). Many of the churches in Geneva regrouped at the Cathedral in the old town for a joint service. It was a fantastic day with thousands of people attending.

I thank you all for all your prayers, words of encouragement and support. With your partnership Hope and Help are being brought to those who so desperately need it. You are such a blessing!

I would really appreciate your prayers in the following:

• Projects in Jordan and bus trip (Jordan is from the 21st – 31st July and the bus trip is from the 1st- 16th August). That the Lord would give us wisdom and peace in bringing everything together.

• Deeper love and knowledge of Our Lord. There is so much in my daily life that can keep me from special time with the Lord. My desire is to spend more time in prayer and His Word.

• Support. The Lord has provided with over ¾ of my total need. I am so indebted to Him for His amazing provision. Please pray that I will trust in Him for the remainder.