A Global impact -Tearfund Trash to Cash Initiative
We recently shared how your generosity has enabled Kerith to bless other charities who are doing amazing work both here in the UK and globally, as we tithe from the giving that the church receives. We have a history of doing this at Kerith and we commit to giving away 10% of any income that comes in through our gift days - for us recently this has been for our Farnborough building fund. As I’ve mentioned before, in Farnborough we are primarily partnering to support a Compassion UK project - I will bring you an update on how that’s going very soon!
There are of course so many great causes we want to support. Across Kerith Church, in our four locations, we’ve made a commitment to support the Tearfund Trash to Cash initiative. This has been spearheaded within Kerith by our Creation Care Team and I’m pleased to share we recently gifted £1000 from our Farnborough building fund tithes towards it.
So, what is this initiative?
The impact of the world’s rubbish problem is really affecting the beautiful country of Nigeria. So many of our community have Nigerian heritage and so this issue is really close to home for so many of us. However even without these personal links, as followers of Jesus we have a responsibility to look after this beautiful world God created for us, and the beautiful people within it. Humans have not always been good stewards of our planet, and this is a justice issue, as parts of the world are more negatively impacted than others. So - if you’ve ever given to the building fund - thank you, as that money has enabled us to contribute in bringing about a positive impact. Below is a little more information on this important initiative.
In Plateau State, Nigeria, communities face the dual challenge of conflict displacement and a mounting waste crisis. But there's hope on the horizon.
Tearfund, with support from Kerith, is spearheading efforts to address these issues through sustainable waste management initiatives. By converting waste into income opportunities and implementing environmentally friendly practices, they're making a tangible difference.
Kerith's commitment to this cause is significant. With £10,000 contributed last year from across Kerith, and continuing support of £10,000 each year until September 2026, Tearfund can sustain its efforts. This ongoing funding ensures continuity and maximizes impact.
Over the next three years, Tearfund's project aims to directly impact 1,800 people, fostering resilient communities where both land and livelihoods thrive. From tree planting and water sanitation improvements to climate-smart farming training, the project encompasses various facets of community development.
Through practical actions like establishing self-help groups and organizing litter picking sessions, Tearfund empowers communities to take ownership of their environment. And with outreach efforts via social media and radio, they're spreading awareness and inspiring others to get involved.
With a clear plan and sustained support from Kerith, Tearfund's project is poised to make a lasting difference in Plateau State, Nigeria, from September 2023 to September 2026. Together, they're proving that small actions can lead to significant change.
So how can you help personally?
ACT – support Tearfund's Rubbish Campaign through actions, visit our Trash to Cash webpage to learn more, including ideas of individual fundraising like cake sales, physical events (perhaps you could run every half-marathon located at each of the kerith sites?). Get the kids involved too.
GIVE – to the Kerith Tearfund Nigeria Trash to Cash project , your support can help transform lives in Nigeria. Buy tickets to upcoming Trash to Cash fundraising events as they happen, sponsor those undertaking personal fundraising!
PRAY – please pray for Nigeria – pray for recent conflict and kidnappings. Pray for the Tearfund facilitators as they plan, communicate and work in partnership towards the environmental and social visions that hope for their communities this year.