Growing a future

THIS year marks the 50th anniversary of Christian Aid Week.

Every May for the last half a century, hundredsof thousands of peoplehave walked their local
streets, delivering andcollecting the famous red envelopes and raising millions of pounds for the world's
poorest people. "Each year, as Christian Aid Week comes round again, it marks the end of the long, dark winter evenings, and the beginning of new growth," says Daniel Sinclair of Christian Aid.

"It means new growth in the gardens of the homes where we collect the envelopes and new
growth for poor communities too. "However Christian Aid Week is much more than door-to-door
collections; it is rooted in the life-giving soil of church action.

"It is a powerful witness, uniting people from many denominations in their belief in justice andfreedom from poverty. Its actions provide seeds for growth thatare multiplied many times over for poor communities. It helps grow a future."

"Christian Aid Week can change the lives of so many by bringing water to remote villages in Afghanistan; seeds and tree planting seminars in Senegal and disaster preparedness for vulnerable communities in El Salvador.

Daniel adds: "Inspire your church to pray for change. Encourage, Encourage your church family to act for justice. "Be enthusiastic and go beyond the church and into the community

"This year's free resources will engage and challenge your congregation and give you practical tips for
holding community events.

"Christian Aid Week gives us, and our churches, the opportunity to reveal God's heart for poor people and
demonstrate by our actions that we believe in life before death for everyone. Will you join us?"

Contact Christian Aid on 08080 005 005 for free resources or 020 7654 5330/2 for other enquiries. The charity can also be contacted by email London@christian-aid.org or visit website www.christianaid.org.uk

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