Not just a bike - but a future

We have been visiting some families in Hang Dong and I have been struck by how, at least in this area, there seems to be a generation missing. Aids has devastated many families here. Many of the families that the Foundation helps comprise of children being looked after by grandparents, as their parents have died of Aids. Many of the children also have Aids.

One family we visited was a 12 year old child being loked after by her great-grandparents has both her parents and grandparents had died of Aids. Her great-grandfather is 88 years old, and sadly, his wife now suffers from Parkinsons and other age-related problems. This lovely man receives little support, even though his grown children live on both sides of him. The reason? They both consider that the great-grandparents have brought bad luck into their home because they took in the girl.

The foundation have been able to assist with food, care, schooling and prayer with the family.

In another family we visited, there were two young girls being looked after by their grandfather. The children shared a bike between them, so one of the children went to school on the bike one day and the second child would go to school the next day on the bike.

The Foundation bought a second bike for the family so both girls can go to school every day. When we heard this story, Jayne remarked, "That's not just a bike, that's a future". It is amazing what a simple gift can make to the future of a child.

"As an athiest I believe Africa needs God"

James Macpherson put me on to this article - literally amazing.

An extract:

Now a confirmed atheist, I've become convinced of the enormous contribution that Christian evangelism makes in Africa: sharply distinct from the work of secular NGOs, government projects and international aid efforts. These alone will not do. Education and training alone will not do. In Africa Christianity changes people's hearts. It brings a spiritual transformation. The rebirth is real. The change is good.

Published in the UK TImes

Excellent food for thought as we prepare to depart for Thailand today.