Volunteering A to K (see L to X)

Afghan Action

We are a small social enterprise with a factory and training school in Kabul, Afghanistan, with 80 employees and 25 trainees - mainly young men and women aged between 14 and 20, including victims of landmines and other serious injuries. They make beautiful handmade carpets, using natural materials (wool and mainly natural dyes), for sale in the UK and elsewhere and we've just got contracts to supply Habitat and John Lewis. We also provide literacy and numeracy classes, a nourishing midday meal and on-site health care. Now we've moving into IT training, working with technical schools in Kabul and elsewhere - and we're keen to "twin" schools in the UK with schools in Afghanistan. 

Afghan Action is wholly owned by a UK charity, the Afghan Training Foundation (reg no 1111897). There's loads more information on our website, http://www.afghanaction.com/

How to Get Involved

• Working with churches and schools, promotion and marketing assistance, help with fundraising, and lugging carpets around to sales and events - we really need your help. It's fun, exhausting and challenging - but it's challenging lives in the world's most dangerous country, where half the population is under 14 and the average lifespan is 43.

"Working with the small but extremely energetic team at Afghan Action was one of the rare times in my experience with development NGOs that I felt my ideas and skills could and would be used for the larger goals of the organisation. My contribution was welcomed and my colleagues made every effort to challenge me and accomodate my interests.  Moreover, they encouraged participation in all events and meetings, providing me with learning opportunities." Seema, volunteer

If you are interested in Afghan Action and would like to know more, contact:

Contact: Chris Beales
Phone: 020 8859 6733
Email: c.beales@can-online.org.uk
Web: www.afghanaction.com

Alpha for Forces

The vision of Alpha for Forces is the re-evangelisation of the Armed Forces and the transformation of this community, by giving every member of the Armed Forces throughout the world an opportunity to attend an Alpha course.

Alpha for Forces was launched in May 2003, helping to support and encourage Alpha courses running in the Armed Forces. We do this by training servicemen and women to run Alpha, adapting Alpha resources to suit the military environment and by being a networking point for all Alpha courses running in the Forces.

The feedback we receive from our military contacts is incredibly encouraging:

“Alpha has been so wonderfully used over the years, and I am delighted that it has expanded into the Armed Forces.” General Sir Richard Dannatt KCB CBE MC, Chief of the General Staff, British Army

“The Alpha course is one of the most effective ways to get the Gospel message across to members of our Armed Forces. I see it as having huge potential in this area, throughout the Forces community.” Colonel Paul Eaton, British Army

How to Get Involved (you do not need military experience to get involved)

• Prayer support: Send us your email address and we will add you to our bi-monthly prayer letter that includes updates and prayer requests for all Alpha courses running in the Forces

• Get involved in our conferences and events: We are always looking for worship leaders, speakers, and other volunteers to help at out events

• Assist in the office: This may involve mail-outs for conferences, telemarketing or other admin

• Support us: Take part in the Three Peaks Challenge, being organised this year as part of our fundraising

• Military Experience? If you are serving or have recently left the military then we would love to hear from you!

One of our volunteers said:

"I volunteered with Alpha for Forces on and away day with RAF Wyton, whilst it was a bit strange going back as a civvy it was good to chat with some of the lads on the course. It never takes long to get the banter and lingo back.

I had a bit of a reputation as a social hand grenade in the RAF and so I didn't feel that I was the greatest ambassador in terms of my past; but in reality it was something that the people in front of me could relate to.

I'd definitely encourage others to step up and volunteer. I am keen to do it again whenever possible. " Ali - ex-RAF

"

If you are interested in Alpha for Forces and would like to know more, contact:

Contact: Charlie Lacey
Phone: 020 7052 0339
Email: forces@alpha.org
Web: www.uk.alpha.org/forces

Alpha for Prisons

The Alpha course started in the prisons in the UK in 1995. Since then it has grown to be run in 74% of the prisons in the UK and the prisons of 77 countries around the world! Our prayer is that every inmate will have the opportunity to attend an Alpha course while in prison and each will come into a living relationship with Jesus.

Alpha is run successfully in all types of prisons and correctional institutions, for both men and women, and also in young offender and juvenile institutions. Prison chaplains and officers often run the Alpha course along with volunteers from local churches and members of organisations such as Prison Fellowship and Youth for Christ.

How to Get Involved

• Prayer support: We have a team of people who receive our bi-monthly prayer letter with prayer requests for our work both in the UK and internationally.

• Prison visiting: We send teams to assist with Alpha Appetisers, Alpha suppers and Alpha Days in prisons around the UK. We are looking in particular for worship leaders.

“It was a real privilege to meet and speak with the men in HMP Bullingdon. It's amazing to see how God reaches out to the men and changes them in what are often desperate situations. It was challenging but incredibly rewarding. I was so glad to be involved in the work of the prison ministry and look forward to going into prison again soon!” William Johnson, volunteer

“Since I have been going into prison my faith level has rocketed as I have seen more miracles and lives transformed than in all the time I’ve been a Christian. I have experienced God’s presence in such a strong way in prison. One of the things I’ve learnt about Prison Ministry is that you just have to be yourself, you don’t have to be a great theologian or preacher, you just have to have a desire to see people as God sees them and He will do the rest”. Liz Pembroke, volunteer

Contact: Charlotte Haggie
Phone: 020 7052 0338
Email: prisons@alpha.org.uk
Web: www.uk.alpha.org/prisons

Armonia

‘Together transforming poverty into life’

Armonía is a service based Mexican NGO working with some of the poorest urban and rural communities in Mexico. Founded on Christian principles our purpose is together to transform poverty into an abundant, complete and dignified life in the name of Christ. With more than 20 years of experience, Armonía has become an international movement of Christian commitment to the poor.

Armonía works in relief, development, advocacy, justice and transformation programs. Armonía has always been and continues to be, committed to building relationships based on service, inspired by a need for justice, led by the communities themselves. Armonía responds to both the practical and spiritual needs of those with whom we work. Through authentic relationships, the gospel is expressed in an honest and relevant way. Currently, we work with four communities, two among the inner Mexico City poor, one in the suburbs of Mexico City’s poor and another in rural first-nations poor.

Through the Armonía Scholarship Project, Armonía provides young people with challenges and training in management, strategic thinking, and gives them the tools for acting in compassion towards those in need. Each University student receives an education in their chosen field and, commits to 3 years of service in their home region, allowing this training to become a powerful force for transformation. For more information on Armonía Scholarships, contact us.

The Armonia UK Trust exists purely to support the work of Armonia Mexico.

How to Get Involved

• Pray for the work: Please email us at Armonía Mexico to be added to our prayer email list.

• Come to Mexico and share your time, gifts, resources, joy and hope: We have had many volunteers come back to visit us, as they want to continue learning, working and being part of the creation of possibilities for the transformation of poverty into life. Come for any amount of time from 5 days to 6 months. Join groups or form your own, to participate in one or more activities including: Medical Clinics, Summer Courses, Cultural Festivals, Christmas Celebrations, Construction Teams, Communications, and more. Please email us at Armonía Mexico to apply to join us, and to find out more.

"I was shown the most warm and generous hospitality from the people I met at Armonia. I learned so much about expressing love without language, and being a child of Christ through working with the children in the city and the mountains.
It confirmed for me that mission should be integral, it's about working together with people, and about choices I need to make every day." Lyndsay Allison, volunteer

“Armonia is a beautiful organisation which centres its work around the ministry of Christ. Through my times volunteering in Armonia Mexico I have built relationships with some of the most wonderful people I know. To visit Armonia and come home unaffected and unchanged by those encounters and lasting friendships is practically impossible.” Ali Goucher, volunteer

If you are interested in Armonia and would like to know more, contact:

Armonía Mexico – for volunteer and prayer info
Web: www.armoniamexico.info

Armonía UK Trust– support and information on Armonia UK events
Email: administrator@armonia-uk.org.uk

Web: www.armonia-uk.org.uk

The Besom

The Besom helps people make a difference. It provides a bridge between those who want to give time, money, things or skills and those who are in need. It ensures what is given is used effectively. The service it provides is free. The Besom has produced various materials to encourage pastorates or home groups to consider lifestyle issues in the context of poverty across the globe such as a 10 week discussion course 'Simplicity, Love and Justice', published by Alpha International. Besom will also come to discuss issues of poverty in London with your group before you go out to do a painting or gardening project.

How to Get Involved

• You can give your time as a group: With your pastorate, home group, or friends from church. Recent projects include gardening for the sick and elderly and painting the homes of single parents, refugees and families living in shabby, run-down housing.

• You can give your time as an individual: At our Battersea warehouse, sorting items or going out in the Besom van to collect/deliver things.

• We can also help you give your skills: To help those in need, for example carpentry, painting, DIY, cooking, literacy or teaching.

• And/or you can help by giving good quality things that you no longer use or need: For example, cutlery, linen, baby equipment, curtains, clothing, furniture, crockery and toys. The Besom provides a service that enables you to pass these on to people who really need them.

“I’m sitting at the computer on Saturday evening while the bath runs – with aching arms and back… but it’s been the most FANTASTIC day!!! …As always with these things, we have all been greatly blessed by the experience. It was really lovely to see how the children got stuck in and had such a good time… My son (who’s 8) asked me excitedly this evening when we can do another garden!!! So many thanks from us all for putting us in touch with Maria. It has been a great day.” Besom Time Giver

“I had about 10 people come to my home to paint two rooms which were last decorated 12-15 years previously…Everyone was so lovely, warm, friendly and considerate…I found it all so touching that there are really people out there who care. I am so happy to have been put in touch with Besom.” Besom Recipient

If you are interested in The Besom and would like to know more, contact:

Contact: Lou Kenney
Phone: 020 7223 6544
Email: lou.kenney@besom.com
Web: www.besom.com

The Bible Society

You would imagine that, by now, most people in the world would have access to the Bible’s life-changing message. But they don’t.

Millions still wait for the Bible in a language they understand, at a price they can afford, or in audio to meet their needs as a non-reader. Meanwhile, in our own land where the Bible is on tap, people no longer understand its value.

This is Bible poverty – a poverty Bible Society is committed to ending.

It’s an urgent task. Think what people, communities, and even nations lose by not coming to embrace the Bible's God-given revelation, inspiration, and wisdom.

It’s a huge task. More than 4,500 languages still wait for even one book of the Bible. And even though a billion people can’t read, only three per cent of languages have the Bible in audio.

But there’s good news. We have helped print nearly 50 million Bibles for churches in China in the past 20 years. In Ghana we are helping to put a million Bibles in the hands of young people. Here at home, we are finding innovative ways to show how the Bible connects with the fabric of everyday life.

Things are changing. And you can be part of it.

“Now the Bible is available in Masai on tape, I hear God speak to me in my own tongue. Now the Bible is part of me and part of my life – and I meditate on God’s Word while I tend the goats and make the food.” Elizabeth, a Masai woman, Kenya

How to get involved

• Represent: Become a Bible Society representative for your pastorate or home group. 

• Tell the story: Take the message of our response to Bible poverty to other churches and groups by becoming a local representative.

• Pray: Keep informed by signing up for our magazine Word in Action and our prayer bulletin.

• Be radical: Take part in a skydive and support Bible Society’s work.

‘As a Christian, the most important thing is the Bible itself. If you can promote the Bible and encourage greater use, that’s a good thing. So I go to churches and talk to them about Bible Society and help out with fundraising events.’ Lasantha Wijesinghe, local rep, Bournemouth

If you are interested in Bible Society and would like to know more, contact:

Phone: 01793 418 222
Email: contactus@biblesociety.org.uk
Web: www.biblesociety.org.uk

CARE

CARE provides resources and helps to bring Christian insight and experience to matters of public policy and practical caring initiatives. We aim to inspire people to make a Christian difference for the sake of the future.

CARE’s Public Affairs team brings a reasoned Christian influence to the public square on crucial topics such as the value of human life, marriage and sexuality, relationships, bioethics, education, media, religious freedom. The team provide detailed briefings for MPs and Peers on these issues, and initiates campaigns. The issue of human trafficking is uppermost and our work in this area is ongoing.

CARE’s Institute for Faith & Culture trains young graduates to put their faith into action through the Intern Programme, and runs conferences and seminars.

CARE’s caring initiatives - CAREconfidential, based in Basingstoke, helps and supports women facing an unplanned crisis pregnancy – or post-abortion issues - through its secure online counselling, free helpline and national centres. Other initiatives cover helping those caught in the net of internet pornography and evaluate, a national programme of sex and relationship education programmes in schools.

Our regular publications include the CARE Prayer Guide and CARE Today - sent to those on our free mailing list, plus news, appeal and Call to Action letters. Our website www.care.org.uk is the ‘nerve centre’ of information including daily press cuttings, news from the regions, briefing papers, downloads and much more.

CARE is represented in the UK Parliaments and Assemblies, at the EU in Brussels and the UN in Geneva and New York.

How to Get Involved

If you are interested in volunteering for CARE we would be very pleased to hear from you. Most volunteers work from our office in Westminster but there are occasional openings in our regional offices. Our volunteers become very much part of the CARE family and benefit from any other activities, prayer meetings, and lunches that are taking place. Our volunteers sign our Statement of Faith.

• Supporter Relations: The team is constantly busy, servicing the requirements of CARE’s supporters. Mailings, batching, data inputting, all this support work is crucial.

• Publications: Help with online topic-based photo research, proof checking, archive presentation, other research as needed. Holiday cover is also needed at certain times. A valuable insight into how publications are created. This work could include website input.

• Institute for Faith & Culture: The IFC runs the Intern Programme plus conferences, seminars, and other events. Help needed with the building of a marketing database, web-based research and data entry, and general event administration.

• Public Affairs: Mainly topic-based research and general office support. The team becomes very busy at certain times, running specific campaigns and in the run-up to elections.

• Resources and Events: Based in Havant, Hampshire. Help often needed in fulfilling orders and preparing for events.

If you are interested in CARE and would like to know more, contact:

Phone 0207 233 0455
Email recruit@care.org.uk
Web: www.care.org.uk
Address: CARE, 53 Romney Street, London SW1P 3R

Caring For Ex-Offenders (CFEO)

CFEO has grown out of our Alpha for Prisons work, both in the UK and internationally, to provide support to the many men and women who have come to faith, or renewed their commitment, in prison and wish to start a new life on release with Christ at the centre. Our goal is to break the cycle of crime in which these men and women are caught, successfully re-integrating them into society by linking them with a supportive church. We aim to achieve this by facilitating the provision of the following important areas: a person to meet them at the prison gate upon release, basic needs and provisions such as food and clothing, accommodation, training and employment, a link to a supportive church, help with addictions, mentoring and discipleship. We envision, equip and support churches, nationally and internationally, to be involved in this work.

How to Get Involved

• Prayer support: Pray for the work of CFEO in this country and worldwide. Our prayer team receive a prayer letter once every 2 months.

• Befriending: We are looking for befrienders (particularly male) who can meet with an HTB ex-offender on a regular basis. This year we will be launching an updated mentor training programme. Volunteers mentoring ex-offenders will receive training in skills such as listening and coaching. Our aim is that through establishing positive relationships and befriending, ex-offenders will be able to build on the foundations of the Christian faith in their daily living.

• Office Support: We are looking for volunteers who can help the team in the office with administration tasks such as updating our databases and maintaining channels of communication with prison chaplains and Caring for Ex-offender's churches. Volunteers need to be comfortable with communicating via telephone and adept at using Excel and Word.

“…Mentoring is so important because many ex-offenders do not have a proper family, have great problems with housing or jobs and no one wants to know them except their old criminal friends - no wonder that they quickly re-offend and return to prison. A little love makes such a difference! And, as usual, the giver receives so much.” Peter Kraushar, CFEO Mentor.

If you are interested in CEFO and would like to know more, contact:

Contact: Charlotte Haggie
Phone: 020 7052 0338
Email: cfeo@caringforexoffenders.org
Web: caringforexoffenders.org

Christian Aid

We are a charity, supported by 41 church denominations in the United Kingdom and Ireland, working to tackle the causes and alleviate the effects of poverty and injustice. We work where the need is greatest, in more than 50 countries, and through nearly 600 local organisations (partners) that understand the needs of local communities. We believe in giving people the skills to find their own solutions to the problems they face.

We know that:
• 1.6 billion people don’t have clean water to drink.
• A child dies of hunger every five seconds.
• 40 million people are living with HIV/AIDS.
• Climate change isn’t just a threat to the future. It’s today’s reality for millions living in poor countries and it’s going to get worse.

Motivated by the gospel, Christian Aid strives to bring transformation, and campaigns to change the rules and structures that keep people poor. Christian Aid is building a movement of people who refuse to settle for a world of poverty and injustice.

How to Get Involved

• Become a Campaigner: Our network of more than 75,000 campaigners have already made a real and lasting difference on issues like landmines, Third World debt and Trade Justice. Now we're campaigning on issues of climate change, which affects poor countries first of all and worst of all. You can receive Take Action five times a year with news of the latest campaign developments and simple actions to take, like sending a postcard to a decision-maker. You can also receive regular campaign news and alerts by email, become a campaigns organiser, and receive regular action packs to use with a group or church.

• Join our Campaign Events: Every year Christian Aid arranges, or is involved with, large campaign events such as the rallies and marches for Make Poverty History and Trade Justice. These are hugely inspiring and vitally important in making a stand for change. Details are sent to all our campaigners.

• Become a Lobbyist: Local lobbyists arrange to meet their MPs twice a year in person to discuss Trade Justice, or other development issues, in detail and explain the campaign to them. Christian Aid provides resources and support to help you do this.

• Join our Gap Year: 10 months in the UK getting young people fired up about global issues – lead workshops, plan campaign events, run events – be inspired by a two week exposure trip overseas.

• Pray: Receive our Prayer Diary and pray for the work of Christian Aid and our partner organisations throughout the world.

“It’s so important that the promises made at the G8 are turned into reality. We’ll keep campaigning. We won’t go away.” Ruth Bentall, campaigner

“The Christian Aid gap year is one of the best there is, both because of the support and training you get and because you are actually able to make a real difference in the global fight against poverty.” John Cunningham, gap year volunteer

If you are interested in campaigning with or praying for Christian Aid and would like to know more, contact:

Contact: The London Unit
Email: London@christian-aid.org
Phone: 020 7523 2321
Web: www.christianaid.org.uk

Christians Against Poverty (CAP)

CAP aims to show God’s love in action by providing sustainable poverty relief through debt counseling, advice and practical help. CAP’s unique ‘hands on’ approach empowers people to help themselves out of poverty and be released from the fear, oppression and worry generated by overwhelming debts. Vital financial and budgeting life skills are developed through our services, thus ensuring poverty relief is sustainable.

The charity operates through a growing network of centres based around the UK, all opened in partnership with a local church. CAP have partnered with HTB to set up a CAP debt counselling centre at the church.

‘Before CAP I was depressed and suicidal; if it wasn’t for my children I honestly think I would have taken that way out. Now I’m happy and content again, which I never thought would be possible.’ (Client Zahraa)

How to Get Involved

There are many opportunities to help with CAP:

• Support Worker/Befriender - time of day is flexible but minimum commitment is 1 hr a month for 6 months
• Daytime Visit Support - time flexible but during working hours. Time commitment is just as and when you are available
• Event organisers and Helpers - CAP client and volunteer events etc
• Office Admin - General office duties to assist the centre manager
• Prayer Team - Committing to meeting once a month for confidential prayer support of the clients

Don’t have much time but would still love to be involved? We send out a monthly news and prayer letter. SIGN UP as just being on the list helps us to know that people are praying.

If you are interested in CAP at HTB and would like to know more, contact:

Contact: Alison Phillips
Phone: 0207 052 0590
Email: kensington@capuk.org
Web: www.capuk.org

Christian Solidarity Worldwide

Across the world, millions of Christians are persecuted for their faith at any given moment. Discrimination, torture, imprisonment, even death – this is the price they are forced to pay for following their faith. And it is for this reason that Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) exists: to address this injustice and to stand in solidarity with the oppressed.

CSW is a human rights organisation, independent of any government or political persuasion. It exists to serve those who are persecuted for their Christian beliefs and to promote religious liberty for all.

CSW’s primary work is advocacy – speaking on behalf of others. Through high-level political lobbying, we ensure that the UK, the US and other members of the EU hear the voice of the persecuted. CSW urges these governments and other bodies such as the United Nations and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe to take specific action to help alleviate the suffering of the oppressed. Wife and three children of former prisoner, Julio Cusihuaman

Our highly trained team of advocates conduct scrupulous research detailing violations of religious and other human rights abuses occurring in various countries around the world. Because we regularly undertake fact-finding visits to our areas of focus, our information is both authentic and credible.

It is because the Church is one body, which suffers and rejoices together, that CSW stands in solidarity and prayer with those who are otherwise forgotten.

[Insert Burma112.jpg with caption “CSW advocate, Benedict Rogers, and Simon Coveney MEP on the Thai-Burma border”]

How to Get Involved

• Pray: As a Christian organisation, prayer is central to our work. When asked what we can do for them, more often than not persecuted Christians ask for our prayers. When you join CSW, you will receive our bi-monthly magazine, Response, and Prayer Diary. Packed with information, this resource will equip you to pray intelligently and effectively for the persecuted Church. You can also attend one of our prayer events held throughout the year, or join a support group in your area.

• Protest: CSW’s advocates use their expertise to campaign for religious liberty on a regular basis; but your efforts serve to reinforce and strengthen our voice, making sure that the concerns of the persecuted are heard on a much larger scale. You can campaign for CSW by writing letters on selected issues to your MP, MEPs and other carefully chosen advocacy targets. We also run various campaigns

throughout the year to help raise the profile of religious persecution.

• Provide: You can provide for victims of persecution by writing them letters of solidarity and encouragement through our Connect & Encourage resource, or by volunteering in our London office.

Stand in solidarity with CSW today and help us change lives.

“My words are not enough to express my deepest affection for the CSW team. May God bless every single one of you. Thank you from my heart and soul.”
Daughter of Marie-Therese Nlandu, a human rights defender who was imprisoned in the Congo

“Thank you so much. I will never forget what you have done for the rest of my life. I will keep my faith in God for the rest of my life, along with CSW.”
A North Korean prison camp survivor

If you are interested in Christian Solidarity Worldwide and would like to know more, contact:

Contact: Katie Young

Phone: 0845 456 5464

Email: admin@csw.org.uk
Web: www.csw.org.uk

CJ’s Mediaworkz

At CJ's Mediaworkz we are committed to bringing about transformational change in the lives of disadvantaged inner-city youth. One of our key aims is to build relationships with people who have a passion for this work and would like to help. Inner-city youth of today are more challenged about their values, identity and future than ever before. They have built around them “walls of silence”. Our challenge is to open the channels of communication with these young people, change their perceptions and help them fulfil their potential. We are based in Hoxton (second highest crime rate in London), half a mile from the City of London. We specifically target the "hard to reach" youth between the ages of 5 and 25. There is no "one solution fits all" to the impact on young lives that have been brought up in a community that has profoundly failed them. For many it is a lengthy process of social re-engagement, building self-esteem and one to one mentoring. CJ's is ideally placed to provide this long-term support. Our philosophy is to address the core issues facing inner-city youth rather than responding to the symptoms.

One of the key factors about our work is that across the spectrum of our programmes, which include mentoring, street dance, an after-school club, sports activities, schools work and, in the near future, work with young offenders and their families, is that we seek to build meaningful relationships with the young people.

How to Get Involved

• Mentoring (for 13-18 year-olds): If you are a good listener and have a heart for working with young people, then consider becoming one of our mentors. You will need to commit to 2 hours a week, for a year. Please contact us for mentoring training dates.

• CJ’s Footsteps (for 5-11 year-olds): We need people with a passion for working with children to help at this club, running every Tuesday, from 4pm to 5.30pm. If you have a lot of energy and are excited about working with children, do contact us.

• Sports (for 11-16 year-olds): We want to start a sports programme and need volunteers to commit to coaching and mentoring, twice a week for 2 hours a session. We are looking for people with strong coaching/disciplinary skills, but also for people who just have a strong love of sports plus a heart to really encourage the young people.

• Homework Club (for 15-18 year-olds): We need people, with the patience and ability to help with GCSE level topics, to tutor children both individually and in groups.

• CJ’s Sessions (for 11-25 year-olds): Please contact us for further information on Club Sessions and when they will be held.

• Recording Studio (for 13+ year-olds): Please contact us for further information about opportunities in this area.

“It’s loud, it’s energetic, it’s diverse and it’s a million miles away from what I do day to day as a City solicitor but I love volunteering at CJ’s Workz…I have been involved in a number of different activities ranging from English tutorials to attending day trips away or helping supervise at the weekly sessions. This has given me the chance to have direct contact with a number of fantastic young people who come to CJ’s. I have found it challenging and fulfilling, often I think I get more from the youth than I seem to put in and they certainly help keep you grounded and remind you of what is really important in life!” Volunteer

If you are interested in the CJ’s Mediaworkz and would like to know more, contact:

Homework Club, CJ’s Sessions and Recording Studio
Contact: Lloyd Burrell
Phone: 0207 619 9256
Email: lloyd@cjsmediaworkz.com

Footsteps
Contact: Carolyn Frame
Phone: 0207 619 9256
Email: carolyn@cjsmediaworkz.com

Web: www.cjsmediaworkz.com

The Community of St Jude

The Community of St Jude in Earls Court has drawn considerable inspiration from the Community of Sant'Egidio in Rome, who speak with an urgency of wanting to see God's transformation and newness in the heart of our cities.

Being part of a community - a safe and inspiring context where we can meet with God and, through Jesus, grow in relationship with Him and one another - is vital in becoming a participant in God’s dynamic work of transforming lives.

The Community's confidence of seeing transformation is based on two things:

(1) Being together to pray, worship, read the Bible and listen to God: little and often during the working week is the idiom, establishing a heartbeat of prayer.

(2) Getting behind the facades - building friendships with people who are 'easily forgotten' and who we would not ordinarily meet, thereby seeing the world through different eyes.

How to Get Involved

We want to meet people whose hearts are stirred to work with the poor and to pray, and who feel called to join us!

Heartbeat of prayer - we have a midweek cycle of prayer, Mondays to Fridays, at St Jude’s Church, Courtfield Gardens as follows:

• Morning Prayer 7.30am – 8.00am
• Night Prayer on Tuesday and Friday evenings, 7pm – 7.30pm
• 3 additional times of prayer each day of 15 minutes at Midday (12pm), Afternoon (3.00pm), and Evening (5.00pm)

Joining us for Night Prayer on a Tuesday or Friday evening would be a good place to start!

Getting behind the facades – we currently have volunteer opportunities in the following areas

• Befriending the elderly
• Mentoring ex-offenders
• Volunteering at a drop-in for people with drug and alcohol problems, mental health issues, long term unemployed, and the homeless

“Every week I hear people praying for the prisoners they've met in Wormwood Scrubs, the girls working the streets in Earls Court or the pensioners in the local home. [At the Community of St Jude’s] We believe that God cares so much for the forgotten people of London and it's wonderful to be part of a project that is directly focussed on reaching out to those groups.” Volunteer

If you are interested in The Community of St Jude’s and would like to know more, contact:

Contact: Rev'd Tom Gillum
Phone: 020 7370 1360
Email: office@stjudeschurch.com
Web: www.stjudeschurch.com
Address: Community of St Jude, 18 Collingham Rd, London SW5 0LX

Compassion

Whilst you might not be able to change the world, you can change the world for one child. By sponsoring a child with Compassion, you will provide a child in desperate need with the skills and opportunities they need to break free from poverty and live life to the full. Compassion’s one-to-one sponsorship programme gives you the opportunity not simply to give money, but also to pray for the specific needs of your sponsored child and to develop a relationship with them by exchanging letters.

How To Get Involved

• Sponsor a child with Compassion for 60p a day: All Compassion programmes are run through local churches and ensure that children have access to healthcare, education, clothing, nutritious food and get an opportunity to hear the gospel.

• Become a Compassion Advocate: Advocates are sponsors with a heart for our ministry who volunteer some of their time on an ongoing basis to promote Compassion in their churches and within their spheres of influence.

If you are interested in Compassion and would like to know more, contact:

Phone: 01932 836490
E-mail: info@compassionuk.org
Web: www.compassionuk.org
Address: Compassion UK: 43 High Street, Weybridge, Surrey, KT13 8BB

 Coptic Mission

All our missionaries (both short and long term) get immersed in life at the mission centres. There is daily time set apart to spend with our Lord Jesus, both individually and as a group, with the beautiful backdrop of Africa to inspire. Worship is lively; Egyptian, African and English style; as well as the more traditional Orthodox Liturgical services.

Email: getinvolved@copticmission.org

Website: www.copticmission.org

Crosslinks

‘God’s word to God’s World’

Crosslinks is an international mission agency with its roots in the Bible and its principle sphere of operations in the worldwide Anglican Communion. Our prime focus is making Christ known through the proclamation and teaching of God’s Word in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Crosslinks' aim is to make known the redeeming love of God in Christ crucified and risen and to make disciples of all nations by ensuring that God's Word is clearly proclaimed by word and deed in the power of the Holy Spirit. We do this through developing reciprocal partnerships for mission worldwide; responding to opportunities presented by the world Church and encouraging Christians to support the work of evangelism, training and service.

We are enthusiasts for creative worldwide mission, working across cultural and other boundaries. We co-operate with churches and mission agencies, sponsor students and encourage mission links worldwide – all within our prime focus.
Did you know that nearly 70% of the world’s population do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord? This is the challenge that faces us all, to go and make disciples of all nations.

How you can get involved

• Pray: If you would like to pray for our work, you can use the following resources: monthly prayer diary (email, weblink or hard copy), quarterly magazine (weblink or hardcopy), quarterly Prayer Call (CD), weekly e-letter giving abstracts of items needing prayer or praise (email), regular prayer letters from mission partners (email, weblink or hard copy) or look on our website for up to date prayer news (www.crosslinks.org)

• Smile: If you’re between 18 and 30 and committed to meeting Jesus’ challenge to his followers to go and make disciples of all nations and you have some time to spare… why not consider going on a short-term mission trip with Smile? Our projects are all connected with work that our partners are doing and include individual and team placements.

• Next: This program is for those over 30 who have a desire to share the love of God with others whilst supporting the local church and making a real difference to communities throughout the world. Next provides you with volunteering opportunities to use your skills or gifts in new and exciting ways. Opportunities are available for: teachers and teacher trainers, specialists/professionals, theological ministry, children’s ministry, administrators and other professionals, including doctors and nurses.

• Volunteer: Are you interested in serving people in this country and overseas? Can you learn how to use a database? Can you count questionnaire results? Would you like to organise an event or raise money from Trusts? Would you like to pray more? Can you file? If the answer to any of these questions is ‘yes’ then please call us to match your volunteering skills with Crosslinks’ needs!

"It was through getting to know the local people that God really challenged me in areas of my life such as my attitude to possessions and my trust and dependence on him for everything". Jess, SMILE short term mission

"I would advise anyone considering a short-term mission to go for it. It is a wonderful opportunity to serve God with whatever gifts you have and an altogether mind-blowing experience!" Sarah, SMILE short term mission

If you are interested in Crosslinks and would like to know more, contact:

Contact: Miriam Pike
Phone: 020 8691 6111
Email: mpike@crosslinks.org
Web: www.crosslinks.org

Door of Hope

“It is so nice to know that someone cares, normally we just get abuse”
Door of Hope seeks to empower individuals involved in street sex work (prostitution). Situated between the City of London and London’s vibrant East End, we work in partnership with other local organisations to restore individual dignity, a sense of self-worth and physical well-being in those whose lives we come into contact with. Our approach is holistic. We provide an outreach service 2 evenings a week and a range of daytime support services.

How you can get involved

• Join one of our outreach teams: Teams of volunteers go out on Monday and Thursday evenings offering refreshments, condoms, and a chat to the women working on the streets. We build relationships with the women we meet, getting to know them as a whole person. It is often through these encounters that they gain the confidence to access daytime services and make positive changes in their lives.

• Volunteer in the daytime: Volunteering in the daytime involves working with Door of Hope staff members to support clients making positive changes in their lives. This may involve visiting women in their homes, accompanying them to appointments such as court or medical services, or teaching basic life skills such as cooking, cleaning, or literacy.
With both of these opportunities above we ask for a minimum commitment of a year and provide comprehensive training to all volunteers.

• Pray: We believe it is prayer that makes the difference in the work we do and the women’s lives. Contact us to receive our prayer letter.
If you are interested in getting involved with Door of Hope and would like to know more, contact:
Contact: Debbie Shearing
Phone: 020 7729 7982
Email: admin@doorofhope.org.uk
Web: www.doorofhope.org.uk

Five Talents

Our mission is based on the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), and we work to fight poverty, create jobs, and transform lives, by empowering the poor in developing countries using innovative savings and credit programs, business training, and spiritual development.

Our work targets the poor at the bottom of the economic ladder using the worldwide grassroots network of the Anglican Church. We support indigenous institutions working in micro enterprise development, primarily through the following services:

• Loan capital for the poor.
• Consulting services, including assessments, implementation and evaluation of savings and credit projects.
• Short-term mission trips for professionals, who offer their business skills to fledgling entrepreneurs.
• Training and education opportunities for micro-entrepreneurs.
• Materials that promote Biblical foundations of business, e.g. accountability, planning, and investment.

How you can get involved

• Pray: Pray for our ministry, both the people we seek to serve and board members, volunteers, and staff, who are called to work for the mission of Five Talents.

• Participate: Accompany Five Talents on a short-term mission trip in a developing country; involve your church or organization in our work; volunteer in our London office.

“I work at Goldman Sachs in London. I wanted to come on a short 7-day trip to Uganda to see for myself - to learn about micro-finance and the work of Five Talents. There are 310 adults attending this workshop today on business skills. They are learning the basics of business planning, marketing and record-keeping. The entrepreneurial spirit of these guys is amazing. I met John, a carpenter, who used his second Five Talents loan of £120 to buy an electric jigsaw - helping him to make unusual furniture. He has paid back the loan and his business is growing. He now employs 3 full-time apprentices. It’s great to see the Parable of the Talents in action!” Charles Eve, attendee of ‘Business as Mission’ trip to Uganda 2006

Erik Josephson from the UK is currently volunteering in Lima, Peru, and earlier this year he met with Ruvis and Martha, who make teddy bears from their home. They are now on their 4th loan of £250, after having formerly borrowed £90, £130, and £200. They now have 5 permanent employees and 25 contract workers! They sell their toys to an agent in Ecuador making a profit on each sale. The local bank was not able to grant them a loan so they were very pleased that Five Talents could help them.

If you are interested in Five Talents and would like to know more, contact:

Contact: Tom Sanderson
Phone: 0845 054 7525
Email: tomsanderson@fivetalents.org
Web: www.fivetalents.org.uk

Grandma’s

Grandma’s is a Christian charity which gives practical support to children and families affected by HIV (regardless of their race, religion, gender, sexuality or any other factor). We currently work with over 200 families within Greater London area with around 60 families on the waiting list for a volunteer to be available to visit them.