Ethel, a participant of this year’s Barefoot Walk, writes, “It was my first time to join CEDAR’s Barefoot Walk. I was excited and ready to walk for the victims of human trafficking. But when the moment comes to take off my shoes, suddenly, I felt insecure: would I get bacterial infection if my feet get hurt? As if this anxious feeling was urging me to step out of my comfort zone.”
Continue reading Post-Walk: What’s Next After Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone?
Brothers pray and study God’s words together at Baoshan Reborn Garden Gospel Drug Rehabilitation Centre
CEDAR’s work in China began in 2000. Since 2007, we began to engage the local churches in Yunnan to take part in community work. From initial stage of discussion and planning, to execution, evaluation and revising their strategies, we witnessed how communities and churches slowly take up the responsibility of their community’s development.
As a development organisation, our ultimate goal is to see a community sustaining its own development. Throughout the journey, CEDAR is only a facilitator and mobiliser, the Church should be the successor and driver. The Church, as the body of Christ, is called to serve their community and neighbours, therefore, we invite local churches to partner with us at the very beginning of our work.
In response to the Rohingya refugee crisis in Bangladesh and Myanmar, CEDAR and other Integral Alliance members are in the process of providing emergency relief to the displaced. Amidst emergencies and crises, outside help is much needed, such as food aid and medical supply, to provide life-saving help to the affected. But when it comes to development work, the most important changes are brought about by the community itself, using its own resources.
Continue reading Using Local Resources to Transform Communities
The crisis in Rakhine state, in Western Myanmar, is not new. Rakhine state is one of the least developed states in Myanmar, being prone to natural disasters from storms and cyclones. The socio-economic situation there has deteriorated since the outbreak of intercommunal violence in 2012. Renewed tensions in northern Rakhine state in August have displaced Rohingya communities (mainly Muslims) and many fled to Bangladesh.
Children living in a slum in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” Proverbs 22:6
This verse from the Proverbs is familiar to many Christian parents, and it is many schools and churches’ core value on teaching children. So how should we teach our children? Early exposure of different interests to help children find their gifts? Take various courses to educate children about different knowledge? Choose a reputable school and church to help children nurture good characters?
Continue reading 23 Years with the Most Vulnerable Children in Ethiopia
Incessant rainfalls in South Asia have triggered massive floods and landslides, destroying farmlands, houses and roads, as well as killing innocent lives. It is estimated that up to 41 million people are affected in India, Nepal and Bangladesh, where over a million people are displaced. Survivors are experiencing food and water shortages, and humanitarian workers fear the outbreak of waterborne diseases.
Continue reading South Asia Floods: The Disaster that Didn’t Make Headlines
