Forward Edge: Ordinary People with Extraordinary Purpose

Forward Edge International exists to share Christ’s love with those affected by poverty, disaster and sickness in the U.S. and around the world. By mobilizing hundreds of people each year to participate firsthand in their long-term, need-meeting projects, they help to empower individuals, churches, campus fellowships and businesses to be "the hands and feet of Jesus" in a world desperate for His touch.

To illustrate their mission, Forward Edge founder and president, Joseph Anfuso, often tells the story of a man with a bucket of water approaching a building engulfed in flames. Near the building is a row of sleeping firemen. The man must make a choice: Does he throw his bucket on the building, or on the row of firemen? Forward Edge International has made its choice: they are waking up the firemen!

Forward Edge International ‘wakes up the firemen’ and addresses urgent needs around the world by mobilizing volunteers to help initiate and sustain long-term projects and relationships. They believe everyone should have an opportunity to change a life.

Forward Edge mobilises hundreds of volunteers each year to alleviate suffering through disaster-response work, health care projects and programs for vulnerable children. Since 1983, more than 15,000 volunteers have served with Forward Edge in 35 nations, including the U.S.

So what does partnership with Forward Edge International offer?

•    Life-changing Adventures—individuals are encouraged to step out of their comfort zones and into a deeper and more meaningful relationship with God.

•    Decades of experience— they have been organizing short-term mission trips since 1983! 

•    Long-term ministry partnerships—deep relationships built on trust with key ministries in the locations they serve.

•    Customized Trips—plan a trip that matches the gifting and calling of your team.

•    Training and administrative support—proven training materials and complete logistical coordination before and throughout your trip.

•    On-site, knowledgeable Field Staff—dedicated servants who support your group leader(s), ensuring all your team’s needs are met while on-site.

•    Worldwide service opportunities—we have relationships throughout the world and can help you answer God’s call.

No matter who you are, where you live, or in what stage of life you currently find yourself, God can use you! Get in touch with Forward Edge International and let them know how God has called you to reach out to those in need and they will do all they can to help you meet that calling.

Here are some ways of how you can help:

Serve on a Team—join a short-term missions team! The mission teams are available to anyone who wants to reach out to local and global communities. They are generally one to two weeks in length. Why wait? Begin planning your trip today!

Pray—join their Global Prayer Team! Become part of a global community of committed prayer warriors for the people and projects Forward Edge supports. Add your voice to the chorus of voices already raised in prayer.

Volunteer—there are many opportunities throughout the year for volunteers in the Portland/Vancouver metro area.

Partner—share your passion in a way unique to your skills, resources and personality that will inspire others to follow.

Donate online and other ways of giving, including sponsoring a child.

Sevenly are selling tshirts, jumpers and hoodies to support Forward Edge as their chosen cause this week! Buy online here!

Remember: You Really Can Make a Difference!

Blessings!

Ronell x

NCT: supporting people to be the parent they want to be

NCT is the UK's largest charity for parents, supporting them to become the parents they want to be

NCT wants all parents to have an experience of pregnancy, birth and early parenthood that enriches their lives and gives them confidence in being a parent.

Their charitable purposes include:

- Offering information and support in pregnancy, childbirth and early parenthood.

- Campaigning to improve maternity care and ensure better services and facilities for new parents.

- Aiming to give every parent the chance to make informed choices.

- Wanting to make sure that everyone has access to their services and activities.

Becoming a parent is a life-enhancing experience, but it can also be challenging and sometimes stressful. NCT are there to help you through this transition, offering relevant information, reassurance and mutual support.

Examples of the support they offer include:

·      Nearly new sales

·      Support groups / events

·      Courses

Every year NCT supports thousands of people through the incredible life changing experience of pregnancy, birth and early parenthood. You can learn more about NCT at http://www.nct.org.uk/. You can also support the work of NCT by registering, volunteering, fundraising, campaigning, or shopping online.

Blessings!

Ronell x

“Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.” {Psalms 127:3-5 }

One Village: Building Up Communities

Long before people thought up the slogan 'fair trade', One Village was one of the pioneers of marketing for social progress when, in 1979, they set out as marketing support for craftmakers' cooperatives.

The first priority of One Village remains partnership with workers in artisans' co-ops in Asia and in Africa. They manage to achieve this by providing customers with exceptional products that cannot easily be found elsewhere. They have a fantastic product collection which is also good value for money.

One Village works directly with community organisations in some of the most economically stretched parts of the world. The purpose is to build up the social wellbeing of communities. One Village achieves this through encouraging creative cooperatives and by pursuing an alternative approach to marketing, rooted in principles of solidarity towards a more equitable and just world order.

One Village is a retailer and wholesaler of craft made functional articles for the home: rugs and floormats, cushions, lampshades, duvet covers, throws and textiles, home accessories and crockery, baskets and containers – plus some personal accessories such as bags and quality vegetarian soap. Throughout the ranges, you'll find an emphasis on quality and good design.

Click here to access One Village’s online store. As well as online shopping from their website, One Village is a wholesaler supplying independent shops all over Britain (about 200 shops), and some mail-order catalogues. You can also enjoy visiting the One Village Worldshop on the A44 in Woodstock, near Oxford, on the edge of the Cotswolds.

Click the link to find out more about the working principles of Onevillage.org .

Blessings!

Ronell x

“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.” {1 Peter 3:8}