Hello!

As I'm sat reading through my little notebook that I use at our prayer meeting on fridays, I am amazed by how much God has done this week. There is a total of 28 names written in there and that is from just this week alone. Some of those names have been mentioned frequently over the last few weeks and some haven't. 28 names. 28 different lives. 28 different situations. 28 different opportunities. 28 times God has stepped in to actively pursue someone....... and that's just the ones we know about. How many others has he touched this week that we do not know about? How many others are being affected by Him and His presence but have never let on or said anything.

Sharon and Lidia have put in the miles in Romania today.

"We started by travelling to the Christian TV station to do an interview. I was given 40 minutes to share. Big pressure but what a privilege!

What fun it was in November 09 to visit all 1600+ children on the sponsorship scheme in Tanzania.

It's been amazing to look back over the years that the scheme has been running and reflect on how far we have come. In January 2010 the first child we enrolled (back in 1998!) will have completed his schooling and will have started his second year of training to become a primary school teacher. Without sponsorship this would have been impossible. It highlights just how sponsoring a child can help change the future both of the individual and the wider community.

2009 has seen many new developments. Programmes for farming cows and chickens have been introduced to produce milk and eggs; which is moving us towards sustainability. We have some land where we provide allotments so families can grow food. We have started developing a place where we will build a play ground.  There are now feeding centres operating in 7 locations- and the team is fantastic, organising the massive job of providing hot nutritious food for all the children.  Doctor Frank runs clinics in all locations off the back of the truck; which is a wonderful sight! We continue to develop links with the schools; providing water, desks and resource books.

If you have any worries or questions, do get in touch. The sponsorship scheme is still run from our busy home, but we will do our best to respond as quickly as possible.

We cannot thank enough each of you who sponsors a child! You are helping to change lives in Tanzania, one child at a time.

Thank you for being part of making a difference.

Sharon Anson travelled to Romania this morning. She will be speaking at conferences, in church services and on television. She is being hosted by Lidia Murza (pictured with children that they support) who leads the Benita charity (based in Bistrita), and who is a close friend. Lidia has recently joined the grassroots teams to Tanzania and shared the vision of supporting children in Tanzania with her Romanian friends and been asked to share about this in various Christian meetings. As a result over 10 percent of support that Grassroots passes on to Tanzania comes in from Romanian donors.

We will put updates here to tell what is happening during this trip.

Hello :)

There have been lots of regulars coming up to see us at the Living Room over the last few weeks and we have had a good time hanging out with them, playing table tennis and pool with them and generally getting to know them. They are beginning to ask questions about who we are and why we believe in what we believe which is great. It always amazes me how just "being" with people and having time for them is enough to open the door to their heart and let God work. We are praying for more and more opportunities to chat to these guys about God and how much he loves them.

Steve Tuppen, with his good mate James Neave, will be riding across Britain (http://www.rideacrossbritain.com/) in June 2010. With the ride covering over 1,000 miles in 9 days, from John O'Groats to Lands End, it is definitely going to be tough.
In November, last year, Beth (Steve's wife) and Molly (his 16 year old daughter) visited Tanzania with Grassroots to help the many needy children. Grassroots provides education, healthcare and a chance of living. They saw how much Grassroots makes a difference.

Please sponsor Steve, it will change the lives of many, and give him all the motivation he needs to keep his pedals turning.

Hello!!

So we are finally back from all the Christmas festivities and back into the swing of things here in Tenerife.

The team in Chennai had a lovely time in worship this morning. The church in the slum is packed to the edges and people up and down the stairs. The prayer and worship are oassionate and tuneful. There is both a hunger for God and a deep gratitude that the oppression of Hinduisms many spirits and curses have been lifted off their backs. Tears flow and we just get caught up in it... even without understanding the words.

Sharon spoke, with Kevin translating. Debra lead the worship. Then so many people longing to be prayed for.

All the children have now been interviewed. We have spent quality time with each one and with a parent or guardian. Some great stories of whole families' destinies turned round. Others.... just tragic!

Today we have been sorting out the money and making sure every penny people give for the work of SKM is getting to where it should, and then taking more from other funds to supplement. Everything they do here is fantastic and so essential.

The team continued in Chennai today. It was great in the breaks just enjoying Kevin & Deborah's friendship.

The interview process was harder. The children are lovely. But so many of their stories don't fits with their lovely smiles. It seems amazing that people can treat each other in the ways described today