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• What the hell is going on (and other uplifting stories)...
  by Melinda Kerr

  Ok, ok first of all, everyone breath. Cool. Now let’s check. Melbourne experiencing four seasons in one day? Check. Shane War…

  Ok, ok first of all, everyone breath. Cool. Now let’s check. Melbourne experiencing four seasons in one day? Check. Shane Warne caught out again? Check. Running my own business continuing to be challenging? Check. Darren Stones steering the good ship RB around icebergs with a confident if not somewhat alcohol induced flourish? Check. Some people on some distant journal thread arguing about freedom of speech as if RB is the most vital instrument for world peace on earth. Whilst slandering, vilifying and taunting each other with racial, overworked cliches from behind psuedo names? Check. So nothing new or unusual about today then? Un check. What the… Check this… Today in seperate orders people have bought… 1 canvas print of shoe woman plus 20 cards of shoe woman 150 cards of mother & child 25 cards of Possibility II 25 cards of the congo skipping kids & a further 26 of these 20 cards of this beauty 5 cards of these guys 5 cards of these little ones 2 cards of this chap 2 cards of this dude 2 cards of this princess 5 cards of this piece of possibility and 2 cards of this beautiful, precious boy I don’t know anything much about freedom of speech, flags, philosophy or anything like the stuff that’s been going on here this week. But I’ll tell you all ONE VERY IMPORTANT THING. These purchases will save lives. These people live on less than a dollar a day. They live in slums, gutters and sheds made of flattened alluminium cans. The love, they laugh, they dream – they dodge bullets, they run as fast as they can from rapists usually unsuccessfully, they starve and they cry. Every cent of revenue goes to them and the brave souls who live in a war zone to help them. They couldn’t give a rats about flags, and virtual slanging matches. They live on the real edge. I didn’t cry once in Africa. Right now I am sitting here drowning in tears. Maybe change is possible? Even the tiniest bit?? Thanks RB – thanks whoever. EDIT: SEEMS LIKE A GOOD TIME TO DEBUT THIS FELLA. Oh and thinking of turning some of these into Chrissy cards if anyone’s interested.

• I'M IN DESKTOP MAGAZINE! LOOK HERE!
  by Melinda Kerr

  Well I’m rapt to say I got my copy of Desktop Magazine today The magazine for Australian Design: Digital Culture and my photo essay and…

  Well I’m rapt to say I got my copy of Desktop Magazine today The magazine for Australian Design: Digital Culture and my photo essay and article about Rwanda is in it. / I have scanned it in here for you to see (there’s five pages) but I encourage you to check out the magazine. It’s great (the magazine that is) and I’m grateful to Joe Spurling the Editor. / As requested by me they mention Red Bubble at the end and given this mag has readership of 45,000 I’d say that’s good (does this excuse me for whinging emails Peter? :) This is the article I wrote to accompany the photos. It’s called Thirteen years ago. And unfortunately, it’s true. In April of this year I went as a volunteer photographer to Rwanda in Central Africa to document work done by some charities there. Most people have heard of the film ‘Hotel Rwanda.’ This gets mixed reviews from Rwandans as all the Rwandans I spoke with considered it to be a Hollywood version and not particularly accurate. These Rwandans ask that people watch ‘Sometimes in April’ – a much more realistic and less ‘glamorous’ take on events. In fact they plead for people to watch it. Thirteen years ago, Rwanda suffered a horrific genocide. Over one million people were butchered in just one hundred days, with further hundreds of thousands dying from disease in the aftermath. This was not a frenzied attack at the hands of demented strangers, or even greedy invaders. These sickening assaults were carried out by neighbours, family, colleagues, or inconceivably even life-long ‘friends’; with the most intimate of weapons, bare hands, clubs and machetes. Husbands killed wives, teachers killed students, Doctors poisoned patients. Day after torturous day. In Rwanda April is the official month of mourning. The one-month of the year when victims openly give flight to the morbid memories that malign their minds. The shots you see here are of Rwandans praying. And they are all taken in April. When Rwandans pray, they pray with their arms, their hands, their eyes and their souls. Their intention is palpable, their spirit immense. Their pain resonates and their dismay is suffocating. Yet, through all this, the tiniest glimmer of hope reveals itself. As if set alight by courage, and relentless conviction. They say faith moves mountains. It did move me. And so I emerged. Photos in hand. Legacy in heart. And one indisputable truth in my mind. There but by the grace of God, that could have been me. To find out more about Rwanda and how you can help go to www.cnecpi.com.au

• Interview With Chris Barker (cbarker) - kathleen
  by kathleen

  ...

  How shall I go in peace and without sorrow? Nay, not without a wound in the spirit shall I leave this city. / Long were the days of pain I have spent within its walls, and long were the nights of aloneness; and who can depart from his pain and aloneness without regret? / Too many fragments of the spirit have I scattered in these streets, and too many are the children of my longing that walk naked among these hills, and I cannot withdraw from them without a burden and an ache. / It is not a garment I cast off this day, bit a skin that I tear with my own hands. / Nor is it a thought I leave behind me, but a heart made sweet with hunger and with thirst… ...These things he said in words. But much in his heart remained unsaid. For he himself could not speak his deeper secret. “The Prophet” / Kahlil Gibran / 1883-1931 This is in the artist profile in the portfolio of cbarker – Chris. At this time of year it would serve all of us well to remember that yet another year of war and conflict in so many parts of this globe rage on with godless and cruel intent. Chris Barker has a bachelor degree in photojournalism and is a returned American serviceman with more to share than this interview allows… but a little window of light into the heart of a soldier and documentarian can be read below. 1. You have some pretty extreme images on Redbubble, there are photos of high emotions in protests, arrests and to me the irony is the passive feeling ones are of the men at war in Iraq. How would you describe the diversity of your folio given your experiences to capture such moments? The diversity of my portfolio seems to stem from that instant moment, that blink that becomes etched in stone. I cannot, and will not, ever take credit for what others do, because I feel that I am a storyteller and nothing more. Photographs are a solution, so to speak, based on certain mixtures, all dependent on that given situation and your influence upon it. I believe the irony felt between the violent images of protest compared to the passive images of war is derived from my specific involvement as a soldier. When I photographed the protests, I was not there as a demonstrator, I was there as an unbiased historian. The war is a different beast all together. I was in Iraq as a soldier, as unbiased as I could manage, and the images you see appear to capture those few peaceful moments that are so difficult to hold onto because of the incessant violence and death that we were enveloped by day in and day out. I won’t argue with the irony in it, but that is the most concise way I can describe my intentions, portraying things that most people do not picture when they think of “war.” 2. You have a bachelor degree in Photojournalism, what scenes from Iraq did you want to report on but just could not use the camera? I can honestly say, as a trained Photojournalist, it is more than incredibly paining and frustrating when something of significant importance happens in a combat zone and your instinct is to pick up your camera and shoot, but you’re more recent military experience tells you that a camera is not what you should be shooting should you choose to go home by any other means than a flag draped casket. It is a gamble and when fight or flight takes hold, you fight for what little you have. I wish I could have reported on many of my experiences in Iraq, but my safety and the safety of my men, who depended on me completely, prevented such. There is so much more going on in Iraq then anyone state-side, or even abroad, realizes; good and bad. I lost a couple of good rolls of film that I wish would have made it home and I always wonder what images that acetate held, but will never know. 3. If there was one thing that you could photograph for the rest of your life (without fear of starving to death) for the fascination of it, what would it be and why? I would probably continue to travel across Africa and try to capture those fleeting moments of joy and happiness amid the great overwhelming despair that Africa has endured over the centuries. Africa is an amazing place, that has captivated my soul, filled with incredible people that can teach us important lessons in life, family and perseverance. My heart goes out to all soldiers of all nationalities (and the suits and dollars that drive these conflicts), no matter your cause… please find a way to stop killing each other! Make it this year’s Christmas wish AND New Year’s Resolution… I am praying for Peace. Thanks for the interview Chris, hope we cross internet paths again. Kathleen

• My calendar Number 1
  by Melinda Kerr

  Well after much agonising I have finally put together a calendar of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda shots I most like. Man it…

  Well after much agonising I have finally put together a calendar of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda shots I most like. Man it’s been hard. But for what it’s worth here’s Melly’s choice picks. If anyone would like to purchase one for $30 you can bubblemail me. The $10 profit will go straight, smack into the hands of HEAL Africa. Hold on a minute 13 Melinda Kerr’s for JUST $30!!!! THAT’S DAYLIGHT ROBBERY!!!!!!!!! Seriously if you’re making a charity purchase this year consider HEAL Africa. These guys are awesome and they’re living at the coal face for us as much as anyone else :) / / / / / / / / / / / /

• This is a hard story to read and a tougher one to live...please read it anyway..It's the most important thing I've written on Red Bubble.
  by Melinda Kerr

  Many of you guys know my passion for the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda after visiting there as a photojournalist …

  Many of you guys know my passion for the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda after visiting there as a photojournalist in April and May this year. Much of our time was spent at HEAL Africa Hospital in Goma, in the eastern province known as South Kivu. South Kivu is considered ‘lawless’ as the various militias roam the countryside and villages quite literally raping and pillaging. I say various because there are many. One consists of the remnants of those who slaughtered their fellow Rwandans 13 years ago, another is from Robert Mugabe’s private army (think ‘Blood Diamond’ – that’s their style). Yet another is secretly supported by the Rwandan government who are lured by the promise of diamonds and more land. You see D.R. Congo has the most natural resources of any country in Africa. This should be a cause for celebration. But it brings heartbreak, despair and the most overwhelming cruelty you could imagine possible. You must wonder at my obsession with this cause. The thing is, it’s invaded my mind and kidnapped my heart. Following is an article about D.R. Congo. It was published in the New York Times in October this year. You remember October. It was less than 4 weeks ago. I hope you read it. It’s not meant to make you sad and turn away. It’s an unashamed attempt to get you involved. In prayers and you bet, in money. These guys don’t want your sympathy they want your help. This is written about another hospital apart from HEAL Africa. But the story is exactly the story of the HEAL Africa hospital. And the people you seein my photos. Take my word for it. I stood in the victims urine and feces. I touched their macheted limbs. And I played with kids who suffer diseases we fix with one of those pesky little things we call needles. Ladies this is a call to action. In February (14th lunch time) my sister here she is… she is hosting a lunch for Lyn Lusi the head of HEAL Africa. Yep she’s going to be in Melbourne. And I am getting a table together. It’s $55 a head and Lyn will tell you first hand what is happening in Congo. Much of it will be about the treatment of women. I’d love love love to have some Red Bubble chicks at my table. $55 for charity, a great meal and words that will change your life, from one of the rarest people you will ever meet. Please please please come. Anyway to the article. Read it please. Knowledge is power. The New York Times October 2007 BUKAVU, Congo — Denis Mukwege, a Congolese gynecologist, cannot bear to listen to the stories his patients tell him anymore. Every day, 10 new women and girls who have been raped show up at his hospital. Many have been so sadistically attacked from the inside out, butchered by bayonets and assaulted with chunks of wood, that their reproductive and digestive systems are beyond repair. “We don’t know why these rapes are happening, but one thing is clear,” said Dr. Mukwege, who works in South Kivu Province, the epicenter of Congo’s rape epidemic. “They are done to destroy women.” Eastern Congo is going through another one of its convulsions of violence, and this time it seems that women are being systematically attacked on a scale never before seen here. According to the United Nations, 27,000 sexual assaults were reported in 2006 in South Kivu Province alone, and that may be just a fraction of the total number across the country. “The sexual violence in Congo is the worst in the world,” said John Holmes, the United Nations under secretary general for humanitarian affairs. “The sheer numbers, the wholesale brutality, the culture of impunity — it’s appalling.” The days of chaos in Congo were supposed to be over. Last year, this country of 66 million people held a historic election that cost $500 million and was intended to end Congo’s various wars and rebellions and its tradition of epically bad government. But the elections have not unified the country or significantly strengthened the Congolese government’s hand to deal with renegade forces, many of them from outside the country. The justice system and the military still barely function, and United Nations officials say Congolese government troops are among the worst offenders when it comes to rape. Large swaths of the country, especially in the east, remain authority-free zones where civilians are at the mercy of heavily armed groups who have made warfare a livelihood and survive by raiding villages and abducting women for ransom. According to victims, one of the newest groups to emerge is called the Rastas, a mysterious gang of dreadlocked fugitives who live deep in the forest, wear shiny tracksuits and Los Angeles Lakers jerseys and are notorious for burning babies, kidnapping women and literally chopping up anybody who gets in their way. United Nations officials said the so-called Rastas were once part of the Hutu militias who fled Rwanda after committing genocide there in 1994, but now it seems they have split off on their own and specialize in freelance cruelty. Honorata Barinjibanwa, an 18-year-old woman with high cheekbones and downcast eyes, said she was kidnapped from a village that the Rastas raided in April and kept as a sex slave until August. Most of that time she was tied to a tree, and she still has rope marks ringing her delicate neck. The men would untie her for a few hours each day to gang-rape her, she said. “I’m weak, I’m angry, and I don’t know how to restart my life,” she said from Panzi Hospital in Bukavu, where she was taken after her captors freed her. She is also pregnant. While rape has always been a weapon of war, researchers say they fear that Congo’s problem has metastasized into a wider social phenomenon. “It’s gone beyond the conflict,” said Alexandra Bilak, who has studied various armed groups around Bukavu, on the shores of Lake Kivu. She said that the number of women abused and even killed by their husbands seemed to be going up and that brutality toward women had become “almost normal.” Malteser International, a European aid organization that runs health clinics in eastern Congo, estimates that it will treat 8,000 sexual violence cases this year, compared with 6,338 last year. The organization said that in one town, Shabunda, 70 percent of the women reported being sexually brutalized. At Panzi Hospital, where Dr. Mukwege performs as many as six rape-related surgeries a day, bed after bed is filled with women lying on their backs, staring at the ceiling, with colostomy bags hanging next to them because of all the internal damage. “I still have pain and feel chills,” said Kasindi Wabulasa, a patient who was raped in February by five men. The men held an AK-47 rifle to her husband’s chest and made him watch, telling him that if he closed his eyes, they would shoot him. When they were finished, Ms. Wabulasa said, they shot him anyway. In almost all the reported cases, the culprits are described as young men with guns, and in the deceptively beautiful hills here, there is no shortage of them: poorly paid and often mutinous government soldiers; homegrown militias called the Mai-Mai who slick themselves with oil before marching into battle; members of paramilitary groups originally from Uganda and Rwanda who have destabilized this area over the past 10 years in a quest for gold and all the other riches that can be extracted from Congo’s exploited soil. The attacks go on despite the presence of the largest United Nations peacekeeping force in the world, with more than 17,000 troops. Few seem to be spared. Dr. Mukwege said his oldest patient was 75, his youngest 3. “Some of these girls whose insides have been destroyed are so young that they don’t understand what happened to them,” Dr. Mukwege said. “They ask me if they will ever be able to have children, and it’s hard to look into their eyes.” No one — doctors, aid workers, Congolese and Western researchers — can explain exactly why this is happening. “That is the question,” said André Bourque, a Canadian consultant who works with aid groups in eastern Congo. “Sexual violence in Congo reaches a level never reached anywhere else. It is even worse than in Rwanda during the genocide.” Impunity may be a contributing factor, Mr. Bourque added, saying that very few of the culprits are punished. Many Congolese aid workers denied that the problem was cultural and insisted that the widespread rapes were not the product of something ingrained in the way men treated women in Congolese society. “If that were the case, this would have showed up long ago,” said Wilhelmine Ntakebuka, who coordinates a sexual violence program in Bukavu. Instead, she said, the epidemic of rapes seems to have started in the mid-1990s. That coincides with the waves of Hutu militiamen who escaped into Congo’s forests after exterminating 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus during Rwanda’s genocide 13 years ago. Mr. Holmes said that while government troops might have raped thousands of women, the most vicious attacks had been carried out by Hutu militias. “These are people who were involved with the genocide and have been psychologically destroyed by it,” he said. Mr. Bourque called this phenomenon “reversed values” and said it could develop in heavily traumatized areas that had been steeped in conflict for many years, like eastern Congo. This place, one of the greenest, hilliest and most scenic slices of central Africa, continues to reverberate from the aftershocks of the genocide next door. Take the recent fighting near Bukavu between the Congolese Army and Laurent Nkunda, a dissident general who commands a formidable rebel force. Mr. Nkunda is a Congolese Tutsi who has accused the Congolese Army of supporting Hutu militias, which the army denies. Mr. Nkunda says his rebel force is simply protecting Tutsi civilians from being victimized again. But his men may be no better. Willermine Mulihano said she was raped twice — first by Hutu militiamen two years ago and then by Nkunda soldiers in July. Two soldiers held her legs apart, while three others took turns violating her. “When I think about what happened,” she said, “I feel anxious and brokenhearted.” She is also lonely. Her husband divorced her after the first rape, saying she was diseased. In some cases, the attacks are on civilians already caught in the cross-fire between warring groups. In one village near Bukavu where 27 women were raped and 18 civilians killed in May, the attackers left behind a note in broken Swahili telling the villagers that the violence would go on as long as government troops were in the area. The United Nations peacekeepers here seem to be stepping up efforts to protect women. Recently, they initiated what they call “night flashes,” in which three truckloads of peacekeepers drive into the bush and keep their headlights on all night as a signal to both civilians and armed groups that the peacekeepers are there. Sometimes, when morning comes, 3,000 villagers are curled up on the ground around them. But the problem seems bigger than the resources currently devoted to it. Panzi Hospital has 350 beds, and though a new ward is being built specifically for rape victims, the hospital sends women back to their villages before they have fully recovered because it needs space for the never-ending stream of new arrivals. Dr. Mukwege, 52, said he remembered the days when Bukavu was known for its stunning lake views and nearby national parks, like Kahuzi-Biega. “There used to be a lot of gorillas in there,” he said. “But now they’ve been replaced by much more savage beasts.”

• A Prayer For Kenya
  by Scott Denny

  This past June I was in Nairobi, Nakuru, Madaraka, Githurai, and Kabatini, all in Kenya, Africa. All of these cities and more are in tur…

  This past June I was in Nairobi, Nakuru, Madaraka, Githurai, and Kabatini, all in Kenya, Africa. All of these cities and more are in turmiol. The people welcomed us with open arms. Now they have arms raised to God for help. I just received an email from a Pastor from a chuch in Githurai that all has gone haywire. On December 27th there was an election and the result was not welcomed by the people. My understanding is people thought the election was rigged. This has resulted in rioting, killing, and chaos. The very people that opened there doors to me and the mission team are now captive in their own homes. They offered us food and drink and now are going hungry. Fearing for their lives and staying indoors. I read yesterday a church was burned with entrapped men, women and children inside. All in the name of this chaos. In our eyes these people appear to have nothing but they offer everything they have. Thousands of miles away I can do nothing but pray for them. I pray that the people in the photos I have taken are safe. I pray that God give them peace and calm their fears. I pray that he supply food for their bellies and a place to provide secure shelter. Please join in a prayer for Kenya. Countries like these do not have a governement that comes to their rescue. Usually thousands die…lets pray that God steps in and lives are spared. Thank you. Scott

• I'm in Photo Review Australia magazine.
  by Melinda Kerr

  Hi everyone, / I just wanted to alert you to a magazine called Photo Review Australia. / It’s a national mag and is absolutely brilliant. / ...

  Hi everyone, / I just wanted to alert you to a magazine called Photo Review Australia. / It’s a national mag and is absolutely brilliant. / Edited by a great guy called Don Norris it comes out 4 times a year and covers a wide range of things from cameras (reviews) to articles about photographers throughout the world. / What I really love about it is the passion with which it is written. These guys really know photography and love it as an art form as well as a means of communication (ie photojournalism). / They run great competitions and have a wonderfully professional attitude to reviews. / In my opinion it is genuinely the best photographic magazine around-especially for those who are beyond the happy snap stage. / They also have a great website which you get access to when you subscribe / www.photoreview.com.au / And finally the magazine looks great. I think you can tell a lot about how genuinely artistic magazines are by their layout. / This looks like an art magazine – which is exactly what it is. Oh yeah and (blush) there’s an interview with me in the summer edition. / It’s about the journey I took as a photographer when I was in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. I don’t think these scans make the works legible-so you’ll just have to go out an buy it :) / It was kinda cool to be ‘forced’ to think about the effect the circumstances had on me personally, and I thank PRA for that. And yes RB staff I mentioned the bubble in the article. Do you think you could put me on as PR and marketing ;) Cheers, Mel. (The reason you can’t see the entire page is ‘cos it’s not a straight A4 size). / / / / /

• *GOD REWARDS A GIVER*
  by TREVOR IRWIN

  Please visit my Africa Mission Charity Site: / http://www.philadelphia33.org/ I want to thank you al…

  Please visit my Africa Mission Charity Site: / http://www.philadelphia33.org/ I want to thank you all for your Prayers and Financial support. The Mission on 9th October is well into its final stages of Planning. God is amazing and true to his word. Your Prayers do make a vital difference to all aspects of the mission. From getting the use of a four wheel drive vehicle to get excess to Remote Tunga/Zuga village and carrying Water pumps, filters and medicines to the people. God has moved a businessman in Kaduna to supply us free of Charge the vehicle. W have raised enough money now for 11 pumps, plus filters and piping. This will save lives for sure, and irrigate the fields. Also some precious sister on redbubble donated $400 towards Worming medicine. We have raised so much in this last 5 weeks. We still need $700 to add to this so we can treat all the children. Also A Printing Company in Belfast Ireland] has donated 2000 Gospels of John in both the Housa and Fulani Language and 10,000 gospel tracts in full colour. God does hear you my friends. Hallelujah!. Since the day the Holy Spirit led me to redbubble, I have met so many precious friends who pray. God is Faithful. In JOB 22:30 [Amplified Bible] He says and I quote “I [God] will change all those for whom you intercede”. Can you see friends, because of your love and compassion for the extreme poor and your heartfelt prayers, God changes everything. Before redbubble, I was struggling just to raise $100. I had a challenge each time I needed money for travel. Now a few are actually donating. Their reward is great here on earth and in Heaven. [Psalm 41:1-3]. I was almost ready to give up, as 15 years without a salary and seeing my wife put so much prayer and a large amount of her small salary into each mission trip. But Praise God. Redbubble members have become a vital part of our efforts to win souls and save lives, via farming and medicines. All of you please know and understand this next part. Gen 26:12 Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the LORD blessed him. The reason why many do not receive from the Lord is that tey do not understand the spiritual laws concerning giving. Isaac sowed seed in the day of famine. One famine had just finished and a second just started. Many turned back and went to Egypt. But God told Isaac to sow what was left. Many Thousands had died, Livestock was almost wiped out and water was scarce. The conditions were not right for sowing. Everything was wrong to all the farmers. They thought that nobody in their right mind would take the little seeds they had left and sow it into dry and baked ground, with no water to moisten the seeds. But Isaac obeyed the Lord God, in spite of what his natural senses told him. If he had listened to his emotions and intellect or his so called aids, he would have never received what God had already planned for him. / Ecc 11:4 He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap. He did not look at is dire situation. He sowed as the Lord commanded him. It was God who rewarded him with 100 times more harvest that if he had sown in times of when the ground was favourable to sow. God always rewards obedience and seed sown in faith. Again God spoke to Elisha. The famine was great and God told him. / 2Ki 3:16 And he said, Thus saith the LORD, Make this valley full of ditches. / For thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not see wind, neither shall ye see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, that ye may drink, both ye, and your cattle, and your beasts. God told him to dig ditches in a dry land where no rain was. He told Elisha, that He would not see the rain, but he would fill the empty dry ditches with water so all could drink. That’s exactly what God did. Sometimes God tell us to do things that are out of our comfort zone. He tells us to act in faith and sow a financial seed into helping the poor and needy. Even if you only have little seed to sow, The Lord will multiply that seed and many will be fed, and watered, healed and saved. But it does not stop there. God tells us to take this step of faith and He will reward the sower with a great harvest in return for their Obedience and trust in Gods ability to do exactly what he says. He wants you to prosper. Hear what Jesus said. / Luk 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. Jesus sets in order Spiritual principles on receiving. He says, GIVE. And you will receive Good measure. So much that it shall run over. The reason why many of Gods beautiful people do not live in his abundance is that they do not give. They do not sow into the lives of the poor. They give not knowing why they give and not understanding the spiritual laws concerning sowing and reaping. I have not received a salary in 15 years. Each Sunday, before I go to Church, I always put my tithes in an envelope. I had £40 =$80 left in my suit pocket. I also had a heating bill for £220 =$440. My wife as on a low salary from her work and I had just been paid off. While in the Sunday Morning service the lord spoke to me and said. Your tithes I Except my son, but I want you to sow all that you have in your pocket now, and I will pay your bill before Friday. I was put on the spot by God. I knew I only had £50 to last me and the family until Friday. We needed food and things. Then the Holy Spirit said to me, even if you keep this money it is still not enough to meet your needs. I was frightened. At that point the Holy Spirit brought to my memory what he had told Isaac to do, and how he had fed a whole nation on a few seeds because Isaac had obeyed him. / / I sowed what I had. On the following Wednesday Morning at around 6am, My wife woke me up and said she just heard our front doorbell ring. So I went downstairs to see who was at the door. As I went towards the door, I noticed a medium sized white envelope on the doormat on the hallway floor. I picked it up and opened the door to see who was there. There was nobody. The envelope had just these words on it, “FROM THE LORD”. I opened it and there was £500 in it all in £50 notes, wrapped inside a white sheet of paper. On the paper were these words, “God has blessed me in blessing you with this money”. Nothing more was written. You see, God honours his word now paid our heating bill, bought food and even cloths for our children. God always rewards his children. If you have a need, sow a seed. You may have a financial need, or need healing. Maybe you want your wayward child to change there ways. Whatever you need the probability is that you just don’t have what it takes to meet the need. My Friend, sow a seed into the life of a poor person, and then name your harvest. Name the harvest you want the Lord to grant you. If its healing tell him I want you to heal me and I sow this seed into your kingdom and in return bring me to the place where you will heal me. That is exactly what God will grant you. If it’s Financial, then sow a seed and ask a financial harvest. Remember Jesus said Give and you will receive!. He also said It is better to give than to receive. Because you will receive even more to give. God blesses the Blesser. I can promise you this on the strength of Gods word and my intimate knowledge of his Love and generosity. If you sow a seed, no matter how little into the Forthcoming Mission to rural isolated Africa, You will in return receive from God so much, that it will far exceed your giving. It’s your opportunity to change the lives of many suffering people, and an opportunity to see for yourself the God of abundance prosper you in your giving. Please do continue to pray for the mission and myself. Evangelist Trevor Irwin.

• Important and confronting shots.
  by Melinda Kerr

  / Hi, some of …

  / Hi, some of you may know I have many shots in my folio shot in some of the poorest parts of Africa. I am pleased to say that one of my travelling companions Rebecca Zachariah has joined RB and has started uploading her shots. In Africa Bec & I discussed at length our desire for people to see the harsh reality of life there. We saw hundreds of people traumatised by war, AIDS and otherwise preventable disease. Some of these shots and stories are not for the faint hearted but they are for the warm hearted. I encourage you to check out Bec’s work. As I say, it’s brutally honest. But we believe incredibly necessary.

• What's people's favourite work (of their own?)
  by Melinda Kerr

  I just lashed out and bought myself a mounted print from my own folio. So I got to choose from all my pieces which was fun but hard. / Wha…

  I just lashed out and bought myself a mounted print from my own folio. So I got to choose from all my pieces which was fun but hard. / What makes it so funny is the piece I chose has only been favourited once and only ever received one comment in 2 months (from the lovely Jess Tremp). / Which makes me think Jess & I must be the only people in the entire world who like it :) Poor Jess fancy being stuck in a life boat with only me:) / It got me thinking. If you could only choose one shot as your favourite from your entire folio-firstly could you do it and secondly – is it the most popular with everyone else or just with you? (and of course Jess Tremp)... / My favourite I chose was this by the way.

• Calendar number 3
  by Melinda Kerr

  The third of the series / / !http:...

  The third of the series / / / / / / / / / / / /

• Attention Ladies! A Charity Event In Melbourne Needs Your Support...
  by Paul Louis Villani

  Ok! Just because us blokes are not invited doesn’t mean we can’t help a little ;p! / / The absolutely wonderful Melinda Kerr...

  Ok! Just because us blokes are not invited doesn’t mean we can’t help a little ;p! / / The absolutely wonderful Melinda Kerr is promoting a Heal Africa Ladies Lunch on February 14th, 2008. / Please ladies, do check it out and leave all comments or messages here / Thank you! :D / / here’s a call to other Roosters out there to help spread the word too!

• WOW........ FRONT PAGE IMAGE AGAIN!
  by Steve Bulford

  Wow…....only one day after I had 2 images on the front page, I now have another 1. / Don’t know what to say now? Apart from I feel great…

  Wow…....only one day after I had 2 images on the front page, I now have another 1. / Don’t know what to say now? Apart from I feel great!! / Thanks again everyone at rb and to all those who have commented on my image Mara Sunset / / Thank you again / Steve :-) / /

• Rajah and Flying Machine
  by Karin Taylor

  Today i received great news…. I would like to thank the following red bubble friends for the sale of two cards: 1. “Flying Machin…

  Today i received great news…. I would like to thank the following red bubble friends for the sale of two cards: 1. Flying Machine to Cimmerrian aka Steve / 2. Rajah the Elephant to Basia McAuley / Flying Machine by Karin Taylor / Rajah the Elephant by karin Taylor Please click on any of the buttons below to view more of my work….. / MIGALOOMAGIC GALLERY

• HOPE....for Lowland Gorillas!
  by Mundy Hackett

  http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/08/05/congo.gorillas/index.html This is fantastic news!

  http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/08/05/congo.gorillas/index.html This is fantastic news!

• The ethics of photojournalism...
  by Melinda Kerr

  Hi fellow bubblers. A couple of days ago I uploaded my entry into the real photo comp. It fostered some fairly blunt debate with another …

  Hi fellow bubblers. A couple of days ago I uploaded my entry into the real photo comp. It fostered some fairly blunt debate with another member of red bubble about what was ethical and what wasn’t in photojournalism. At first i felt uncomfortable about the debate but on reflection I find it really interesting. I see that Jessica Tremp has also faced the same dillemma. I admire Jessica’s work enormously and I encourage you to view her latest piece here Whilst you’re there check out her other shots, she’s excellent. If you want to see the one that started the debate :-) Check out mine here I’m interested in the discussion and welcome all points of view. It’s great we have the bubble to share our thoughts in…:0)

• Charity cards for sale!
  by Melinda Kerr

  / Hi guys, I just wanted to alert you to my Africa shots. / All profit…

  / Hi guys, I just wanted to alert you to my Africa shots. / All profits from any sales go to the charities. / I’d love it if you checked ‘em out and if you can’t buy ‘em send them on to someone who might :0) / It makes a bucket load of difference believe me. / They are here / Cheers. / Mel.

• Thank you!! More proceeds to charity!
  by Melinda Kerr

  / !http://ww…

  / / / Thank you to the person who bought the above. That’s more proceeds to Heal Africa xxxxxxxxxxxxx

• *I WILL CHANGE ALL THOSE FOR WHOM YOU INTERCEDE*
  by TREVOR IRWIN

  http://www.philadelphia33.org/ Precious Brothers and Sisters in the Lord. It is Sunday Morning here…

  http://www.philadelphia33.org/ Precious Brothers and Sisters in the Lord. It is Sunday Morning here in London. Time: 8:20am. / As I have decided to spend most of the day in prayer for all who are in need, The Holy Spirit has put an urgency to share with all who are Prayer warriors a deep truth found in Gods word about his part in answering our prayers for those whom we pray For. JOB 22:30- “I will deliver those for whom you pray for”. This is from the {Amplified Bible}, which is one of the few that gives an accurate interpretation of the original text. [Please take note: Not all bibles are accurate. The king James is still the best, but a few others have been so watered down that they make the true meaning of the scriptures weak. Remember its not about personal taste here. It’s about the true undeleted word of God. So I do use the Amplified, alongside the King James Version] Job 22: 30 I WILL CHANGE ALL THOSE FOR WHOM YOU PRAY. This should give each one of us great confidence and excitement, as we stand before God Interceding for our precious friends in their times of need. Our Heavenly Father assures us that If we Intercede on their behalf, that God himself will hear and change their situation, Circumstances and bring them out stronger than what they were before. Beloved. Its not long winded prayers that gets Gods attention. it is your level of Faith and understanding of his will. Its Not your tears that moves him, It is Faith. / Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarded of them that diligently seek him. Jesus constantly encourages us to pray. to our heavenly Father. But In every case he assures us that God will answer us and grant us the request. / John 14:14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. / Mat 21:22* And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. Intercessory Prayer is often not a ministry that is open to all to see. often it is in the quite Prayer Closet, or out of reach of others who cannot see or hear you. But God does hear you. HE HAS PROMISED YOU THAT HE WILL CHANGE, DELIVER, SET FREE, SUPPLY ABUNDANCE OF GRACE AND FAVOR, HEAL AND TURN SITUATIONS AROUND TO THE BENIFIT OF ALL, When we Intercede. This ia an office, a Ministry that God desires to grow within his church [The Body of Christ]. The Church is not a building that many call Church. The Church is the Body of Christ here on earth, . You are am member of His body. / Eph 5:30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. You are the one he wants to stand in the gap. The one who he waits to hear and the one he has promised to answer when you pray. Sadly today many within the Christian ministry seek the visible and noticeable ministries. The Preaching and teaching, ministries. This is good as they are greatly needed. But Intercessory Prayer is much in demand. I don’t want to take up much of your time her, but I feel led by God to share with you a experience the Lord revealed personally to me. In my days as a baby Christian I would spend almost all of my prayer time asking God for the things I needed and desired, as the Word of God revealed them to me. For Years I would pray and still not receive all that was requested. But I continued to seek God. Serving God for over 15 years without even the money for a plane ticket to travel to the people of Africa where God sent me was not living in His abundant provisions. Yet at these times he would always send those whom he had handpicked to meet my needs and also to bless them in their obedience in giving towards his minister and work. Then Through JOB 22:30 Amp Bible] He opened my eyes to the benefits of praying for others. I started to bring people before him each day, and I saw the changes that God had made in their lives. Family Members, Church Members, Neighbours, even those who had lied to me and let me down. God changed them. Many are saved today and did not know that this little Evangelist was praying for just that. Beloved, I have had an angel pay my hotel bill. I shook the hand of an angel several times. I have held the hand of Jesus, and had people I did not know sow seed I to Gods Work in Africa. I pray daily for the souls of the extreme poor villagers and the sick and hungry children here at home. I see the Grace and Favour of God manifest each time I Go on Mission. I speak words of Life into the dry barren hearts of the nation and its people. Each time I go, I have the confidence that God has been working and preparing the hearts of all who will come in contact with me, to receive his son Jesus as Lord and Saviour. / John 6:44* No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. / I intercede for each man woman and child. I see the results just as he has promised. Beloved. We have had all the great preachers preach and today still preach and teach. God Bless them as they continue to win countless souls for God. But Preaching is not enough. We need to learn to intercede and how to Pray for others. I need your Prayers of intercession and Where led by God financial seed. It is your Intercessory Prayers that Make mission work so sweet and successful. Conclusion / The lord has indeed opened a great door of Opportunity to reach the lost and intercede for those in need. When you look away from yourself and pray for others, God will change them and in doing so he changes you also. Your needs are met in Christ. Not all have come to this level of understanding. Let us bare one and other up in prayer. Hold someone’s hand today! Stand beside them in Faith. Pray also For Olga and the team at Living Christianity. They are placed here by God to help and encourage all. LIVING CHRISTIANITY IS GOING TO EXPLODE WORLDWIDE!!!! Evangelist Trevor Irwin. http://www.philadelphia33.org/*

• WHAAAAAT!!!!!!!! I JUST SOLD 18 CARDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  by Melinda Kerr

  OK SO I CAN ONLY TYPE IN CAPS FOR THIS ‘COS THIS IS INSANE!!!!! / I JUST SOLD 18 CARDS IN ONE HIT!!!! / WHO WAS IT?? / WAS IT YOU / I’LL …

  OK SO I CAN ONLY TYPE IN CAPS FOR THIS ‘COS THIS IS INSANE!!!!! / I JUST SOLD 18 CARDS IN ONE HIT!!!! / WHO WAS IT?? / WAS IT YOU / I’LL NAME MY FIRST BORN AFTER YOU. / OR AT LEAST MY DOG. / SHE’LL ANSWER TO ANYTHING. / THAT’S AROUND $16 TO HEAL AFRICA. / THEY SURVIVE ON LESS THAN $1 A DAY OVER THERE. / SO THIS’LL HELP. / THIS’LL REALLY HELP. / THANKYOU, THANKYOU, THANKYOU. / HOLD ON… / MUM?? / WAS IT YOU??

• First entry
  by Melinda Kerr

  So here we go. A week and a half since I got back from Africa and I’m still downloading shots. I am now in the process of trying to get s…

  So here we go. A week and a half since I got back from Africa and I’m still downloading shots. I am now in the process of trying to get sponsorship to get an exhibition together so that the shots can be seen (complete with stories) and raise awareness. If anyone can help, any assistance would be greatly appreciated! Hey how about you red bubble guys! I can guarantee an arty audience! I will get some of the individual’s stories on line soon. Needless to say they are unbelievable. The blatent inhumanity of war and genocide is almost impossible for our minds to touch. When the stories are told to your face it is like a force 10 gale smacks you in the eye. Stories of HIV infection, horrific experience of murder performed in fornt of people and rape, rape, rape. It happened and it’s still happening and already I feel like a broken record.

• WONDERFUL NEWS!
  by Mariaan Krog

  Hello dearest friends & fellow artists Blame it on power cuts the past three days that I have not been to any of your bubbles. Oooeee…

  Hello dearest friends & fellow artists Blame it on power cuts the past three days that I have not been to any of your bubbles. Oooeeeweeee, so bad for my stress levels! What’s the good news, you ask? The fact that even though I was gone, someone was moved enough to create a wonderful artwork with one of my photos as reference! I feel so honoured and happy. It was painted by a very talented artist and I would like to show you with pride what a beautiful job she has done. This is the painting JoAnne Marie Shaw painted: And this is the photo she used as reference: / Congratulations Jo on a fine painting – a true likeness, that is for sure! Thanks, I feel so inspired by it! Joanne Marie Shaw’s portfolio can be seen here Hope to visit everyone’s portfolio’s tonight! I’m keeping my fingers crossed that we have power tonight! Miss you! Thanks for the visits & comments! Regards / Mariaan PS: I would like to submit this journal to all the groups that accepted the photo image (SUNSET SILHOUETTE) so that everyone can share this inspirational & encouraging news with me.

• Another image featured!
  by Mariaan Krog

  Hi everyone! My DUSK IN AFRICA is featured by the South Africa – Rainbow Nation Group! Thank …

  Hi everyone! My DUSK IN AFRICA is featured by the South Africa – Rainbow Nation Group! Thank you Deon de Waal & Carisma!

• *Why Does African Countries not do more to help the poor?*.
  by TREVOR IRWIN

  I have received emails and several bubblemails asking several questions about funding and Poverty in Africa. I will endeavour to answer …

  I have received emails and several bubblemails asking several questions about funding and Poverty in Africa. I will endeavour to answer these questions in this document. I will address these issues raided by Dyle Warren, [SEE DYLE’s AWESOME WORK HER ON REDBUBBLE] DAYLE’S Questions and concerns I believe are the concerns of many so this is his bubblemail. / [I was wondering if you could answer a question about Africa that I have had for years. America and so many countries have come to their aid for decades and all my life Africa has needed help from other nations (CARE, UNICEF, etc.) because of disease and starvation. / Africa is one of the richest nations on Earth why doesn’t this country help themselves and tap into their own resources instead of having their hands out all the time? Don’t get me wrong, I am not trying to cause an argument but for the life of me I’ve never been able to understand this and they have had children starving for years. / Possibly you can enlighten me because honestly if a country won’t help themselves for decades and decades I find I have less and less sympathy for the country…..not the children. / Looking forward to your answer as I’ve never heard an answer for it… / Thanks, / Dyle] THE NEED TO HELP, AND WHY WE HELP. / The need for UNICEF, UNHCR, CARE and other organizations to help African countries is as Follows. These are only a few. / 1. Sickness and disease is killing millions each year. Famine, War and son on. / 2. African countries do not have the facilities or indeed the knowledge in some cases to better themselves. / 3. In certain African countries, Government does not have the money or the solutions to solve the problems. / These are only a few reasons why. Other reasons why US, UK and other countries contribute towards these countries is because other countries have a vested interest in gaining from these countries vast oil reserves, Gold, and other precious commodities, in return for humanitarian relief. Sadly world politics plays a part in who we help and how we help, and also what we get in return. WHY DO THESE RICH AFRICAN COUNTRIES NOT USE THEIR VAST WEALTH TO HELP THEMSELVES? / Many do invest in their countries infrastructure, economic growth and world trade. Nigeria, Uganda South Africa are just a few that do that. The problem is they often invest in oil production, gold, diamonds and other natural wealth. But Corruption, greed and favouritism among government officials have damaged this effort and much of the wealth goes into projects that do not help the suffering and extreme poor. War Disputes and other challenges have often marred good work. / Just like American or British members of Government, many loose touch with the real suffering of ordinary people, especially in deep rural and isolated villages. These members of Government are well paid and live comfortable lives. Few have ever experienced what it is like to have no food, or no hope of growing enough food. Most have never felt the pain of a mother watching her baby die, because she could not find enough food to eat, and her breast milk has dried up. / They have never lived in rural villages where the water they drink causes people to go blind, and others die in agony from intestinal worms. / They have not seen crippled children crawl on their bellies, because of diseases that could have been prevented. Many Government officials live in luxury, drive in government vehicles and fly first class, all paid by tax payers. Not all have lost touch, and do hear the cry of the suffering people within their borders. Others do care and know only to well the sufferings, but they are often discouraged and pressurised by senior members. / Loose and foolish words, years of tribal conflicts and cruel wars have all played a part in hindering their efforts in sharing that countries wealth with all its citizens. / I may seem very harsh here, but I have spent years working among the African countries, and experienced first hand corruption and self cantered projects. But in saying this, there are good People serving their people as best they can. / UNICEF, UNHCR and other World Governments have done tremendous work in Africa. Uganda used to be the most corrupt government in all Africa. This was a well known fact among NGO’s GOVERNMENTS and some smaller organisations. Now through Western Government intervention and help, Uganda is a thriving country. It’s Government has become stable and corruption has almost died. This has happened through United states, united Kingdom, DUTCH and other countries intervention. It still ahs a way to go yet, to reach its goals, but a great change has taken place. / Kenya is another African country riddled with corruption, yet it is changing through UNHCR, UNICEF and Western government intervention and pressure. So in short we do well. / STILL NEED FOR BETTER OVERSEA’S POLICIES. / One of the worst problems within western governments is its lack of wisdom and common sense. / Even today, American, British and other countries give Billions of dollars to African countries, via that African countries government. Here is the problem. Many spend the money on Business, and better world trade. But most do not invest in its people. While they spend millions on better roads and better airports, plus its military and other cosmetic projects, whole villages are wiped out through sickness and disease, Poverty. It is time for the western rich nations to look at better ways of funding the relief of suffering in Africa. Tighter rules need to be implemented and restrictions on how much they can spend on military budgets and Government officials salaries. / So you see there are a whole mixture of reasons why some African countries cannot or won’t give more of what they get from the rich west towards the ordinary people living in dire poverty. God Bless those who are honest and do what they can top alleviate the suffering. One of my biggest criticisms is the huge overheads and over exaggerated costs of SOME, not all of the big CHARITIES, NGO’s and well known relief organisations. What they need to remember is that most of their money is donated by businesses, and Ordinary people like you and I. They have no money of their own. It comes from Government grants , individuals and just ordinary people like us. Yet many receive over exaggerated salaries, and misuse the funds they have. UNHCR and others have donated 4 Wheel drives vehicles to many small grass root organisations, that do not need them, and use them for their own personal use. I speak from experience her, and have seen this for years. This is all money Tax payers have paid. Governments have used money for the wrong reasons.. Please do not misunderstand me here. I am not in any way saying all big organisations are in anyway like this. But they need to be held accountable to us here in richer countries. Not by fiddling the account books. They need to check on what is happening. The UNITED NATIONS needs to get their act together. They can do much better that what they are doing. Every department within the UN, need to improve. This is why I formed Philadelphia Mission in 1995. I returned from Rwanda and Uganda from Mission work. I wanted a Charity, build up of members who did not get a salary, or expense account. People who would work for the poor out of genuine concern and Love. Members who wanted to work hands on with the poor ,and live among them. This is what we do in Philadelphia Mission. Philadelphia Missions office is a converted room in my home. I don’t even own my home. Our Overheads are almost zero. All office equipment and materials are purchased and paid for by me and kind people who support our mission. / We use all money raised through donations, via our website, and any money raised through art that is purchased, to provide medicines, tools, machinery, training and projects that empower these people. / When it comes to making donations towards the extreme poor and needy, please choose an organisation where you know your entire donation is actually going to the poor, and where no percentage will be taken out towards that organisations overheads. If you want to cover overhead costs of an organisation, please ask to see the budget of what they received over several years, then look at the running costs and balance out for yourself if that organisation is using your money correctly. I do hope this will answer some of your questions. / PLEASE DO VISIT OUR AFRICA MISSION WEBSITE. / I have received emails and several bubblemails asking several questions about funding and Poverty in Africa. I will endeavour to answer these questions in this document. I will address these issues raided by Dyle Warren, [SEE DYLE’s AWESOME WORK HER ON REDBUBBLE] DAYLE’S Questions and concerns I believe are the concerns of many so this is his bubblemail. / [I was wondering if you could answer a question about Africa that I have had for years. America and so many countries have come to their aid for decades and all my life Africa has needed help from other nations (CARE, UNICEF, etc.) because of disease and starvation. / Africa is one of the richest nations on Earth why doesn’t this country help themselves and tap into their own resources instead of having their hands out all the time? Don’t get me wrong, I am not trying to cause an argument but for the life of me I’ve never been able to understand this and they have had children starving for years. / Possibly you can enlighten me because honestly if a country won’t help themselves for decades and decades I find I have less and less sympathy for the country…..not the children. / Looking forward to your answer as I’ve never heard an answer for it… / Thanks, / Dyle] THE NEED TO HELP, AND WHY WE HELP. / The need for UNICEF, UNHCR, CARE and other organizations to help African countries is as Follows. These are only a few. / 1. Sickness and disease is killing millions each year. Famine, War and son on. / 2. African countries do not have the facilities or indeed the knowledge in some cases to better themselves. / 3. In certain African countries, Government does not have the money or the solutions to solve the problems. / These are only a few reasons why. Other reasons why US, UK and other countries contribute towards these countries is because other countries have a vested interest in gaining from these countries vast oil reserves, Gold, and other precious commodities, in return for humanitarian relief. Sadly world politics plays a part in who we help and how we help, and also what we get in return. WHY DO THESE RICH AFRICAN COUNTRIES NOT USE THEIR VAST WEALTH TO HELP THEMSELVES? / Many do invest in their countries infrastructure, economic growth and world trade. Nigeria, Uganda South Africa are just a few that do that. The problem is they often invest in oil production, gold, diamonds and other natural wealth. But Corruption, greed and favouritism among government officials have damaged this effort and much of the wealth goes into projects that do not help the suffering and extreme poor. War Disputes and other challenges have often marred good work. / Just like American or British members of Government, many loose touch with the real suffering of ordinary people, especially in deep rural and isolated villages. These members of Government are well paid and live comfortable lives. Few have ever experienced what it is like to have no food, or no hope of growing enough food. Most have never felt the pain of a mother watching her baby die, because she could not find enough food to eat, and her breast milk has dried up. / They have never lived in rural villages where the water they drink causes people to go blind, and others die in agony from intestinal worms. / They have not seen crippled children crawl on their bellies, because of diseases that could have been prevented. Many Government officials live in luxury, drive in government vehicles and fly first class, all paid by tax payers. Not all have lost touch, and do hear the cry of the suffering people within their borders. Others do care and know only to well the sufferings, but they are often discouraged and pressurised by senior members. / Loose and foolish words, years of tribal conflicts and cruel wars have all played a part in hindering their efforts in sharing that countries wealth with all its citizens. / I may seem very harsh here, but I have spent years working among the African countries, and experienced first hand corruption and self cantered projects. But in saying this, there are good People serving their people as best they can. / UNICEF, UNHCR and other World Governments have done tremendous work in Africa. Uganda used to be the most corrupt government in all Africa. This was a well known fact among NGO’s GOVERNMENTS and some smaller organisations. Now through Western Government intervention and help, Uganda is a thriving country. It’s Government has become stable and corruption has almost died. This has happened through United states, united Kingdom, DUTCH and other countries intervention. It still ahs a way to go yet, to reach its goals, but a great change has taken place. / Kenya is another African country riddled with corruption, yet it is changing through UNHCR, UNICEF and Western government intervention and pressure. So in short we do well. / STILL NEED FOR BETTER OVERSEA’S POLICIES. / One of the worst problems within western governments is its lack of wisdom and common sense. / Even today, American, British and other countries give Billions of dollars to African countries, via that African countries government. Here is the problem. Many spend the money on Business, and better world trade. But most do not invest in its people. While they spend millions on better roads and better airports, plus its military and other cosmetic projects, whole villages are wiped out through sickness and disease, Poverty. It is time for the western rich nations to look at better ways of funding the relief of suffering in Africa. Tighter rules need to be implemented and restrictions on how much they can spend on military budgets and Government officials salaries. / So you see there are a whole mixture of reasons why some African countries cannot or won’t give more of what they get from the rich west towards the ordinary people living in dire poverty. God Bless those who are honest and do what they can top alleviate the suffering. One of my biggest criticisms is the huge overheads and over exaggerated costs of SOME, not all of the big CHARITIES, NGO’s and well known relief organisations. What they need to remember is that most of their money is donated by businesses, and Ordinary people like you and I. They have no money of their own. It comes from Government grants , individuals and just ordinary people like us. Yet many receive over exaggerated salaries, and misuse the funds they have. UNHCR and others have donated 4 Wheel drives vehicles to many small grass root organisations, that do not need them, and use them for their own personal use. I speak from experience her, and have seen this for years. This is all money Tax payers have paid. Governments have used money for the wrong reasons.. Please do not misunderstand me here. I am not in any way saying all big organisations are in anyway like this. But they need to be held accountable to us here in richer countries. Not by fiddling the account books. They need to check on what is happening. The UNITED NATIONS needs to get their act together. They can do much better that what they are doing. Every department within the UN, need to improve. This is why I formed Philadelphia Mission in 1995. I returned from Rwanda and Uganda from Mission work. I wanted a Charity, build up of members who did not get a salary, or expense account. People who would work for the poor out of genuine concern and Love. Members who wanted to work hands on with the poor ,and live among them. This is what we do in Philadelphia Mission. Philadelphia Missions office is a converted room in my home. I don’t even own my home. Our Overheads are almost zero. All office equipment and materials are purchased and paid for by me and kind people who support our mission. / We use all money raised through donations, via our website, and any money raised through art that is purchased, to provide medicines, tools, machinery, training and projects that empower these people. / When it comes to making donations towards the extreme poor and needy, please choose an organisation where you know your entire donation is actually going to the poor, and where no percentage will be taken out towards that organisations overheads. If you want to cover overhead costs of an organisation, please ask to see the budget of what they received over several years, then look at the running costs and balance out for yourself if that organisation is using your money correctly. I do hope this will answer some of your questions. / PLEASE DO VISIT OUR AFRICA MISSION WEBSITE. / I have received emails and several bubblemails asking several questions about funding and Poverty in Africa. I will endeavour to answer these questions in this document. I will address these issues raided by Dyle Warren, [SEE DYLE’s AWESOME WORK HER ON REDBUBBLE] DAYLE’S Questions and concerns I believe are the concerns of many so this is his bubblemail. / [I was wondering if you could answer a question about Africa that I have had for years. America and so many countries have come to their aid for decades and all my life Africa has needed help from other nations (CARE, UNICEF, etc.) because of disease and starvation. / Africa is one of the richest nations on Earth why doesn’t this country help themselves and tap into their own resources instead of having their hands out all the time? Don’t get me wrong, I am not trying to cause an argument but for the life of me I’ve never been able to understand this and they have had children starving for years. / Possibly you can enlighten me because honestly if a country won’t help themselves for decades and decades I find I have less and less sympathy for the country…..not the children. / Looking forward to your answer as I’ve never heard an answer for it… / Thanks, / Dyle] THE NEED TO HELP, AND WHY WE HELP. / The need for UNICEF, UNHCR, CARE and other organizations to help African countries is as Follows. These are only a few. / 1. Sickness and disease is killing millions each year. Famine, War and son on. / 2. African countries do not have the facilities or indeed the knowledge in some cases to better themselves. / 3. In certain African countries, Government does not have the money or the solutions to solve the problems. / These are only a few reasons why. Other reasons why US, UK and other countries contribute towards these countries is because other countries have a vested interest in gaining from these countries vast oil reserves, Gold, and other precious commodities, in return for humanitarian relief. Sadly world politics plays a part in who we help and how we help, and also what we get in return. WHY DO THESE RICH AFRICAN COUNTRIES NOT USE THEIR VAST WEALTH TO HELP THEMSELVES? / Many do invest in their countries infrastructure, economic growth and world trade. Nigeria, Uganda South Africa are just a few that do that. The problem is they often invest in oil production, gold, diamonds and other natural wealth. But Corruption, greed and favouritism among government officials have damaged this effort and much of the wealth goes into projects that do not help the suffering and extreme poor. War Disputes and other challenges have often marred good work. / Just like American or British members of Government, many loose touch with the real suffering of ordinary people, especially in deep rural and isolated villages. These members of Government are well paid and live comfortable lives. Few have ever experienced what it is like to have no food, or no hope of growing enough food. Most have never felt the pain of a mother watching her baby die, because she could not find enough food to eat, and her breast milk has dried up. / They have never lived in rural villages where the water they drink causes people to go blind, and others die in agony from intestinal worms. / They have not seen crippled children crawl on their bellies, because of diseases that could have been prevented. Many Government officials live in luxury, drive in government vehicles and fly first class, all paid by tax payers. Not all have lost touch, and do hear the cry of the suffering people within their borders. Others do care and know only to well the sufferings, but they are often discouraged and pressurised by senior members. / Loose and foolish words, years of tribal conflicts and cruel wars have all played a part in hindering their efforts in sharing that countries wealth with all its citizens. / I may seem very harsh here, but I have spent years working among the African countries, and experienced first hand corruption and self cantered projects. But in saying this, there are good People serving their people as best they can. / UNICEF, UNHCR and other World Governments have done tremendous work in Africa. Uganda used to be the most corrupt government in all Africa. This was a well known fact among NGO’s GOVERNMENTS and some smaller organisations. Now through Western Government intervention and help, Uganda is a thriving country. It’s Government has become stable and corruption has almost died. This has happened through United states, united Kingdom, DUTCH and other countries intervention. It still ahs a way to go yet, to reach its goals, but a great change has taken place. / Kenya is another African country riddled with corruption, yet it is changing through UNHCR, UNICEF and Western government intervention and pressure. So in short we do well. / STILL NEED FOR BETTER OVERSEA’S POLICIES. / One of the worst problems within western governments is its lack of wisdom and common sense. / Even today, American, British and other countries give Billions of dollars to African countries, via that African countries government. Here is the problem. Many spend the money on Business, and better world trade. But most do not invest in its people. While they spend millions on better roads and better airports, plus its military and other cosmetic projects, whole villages are wiped out through sickness and disease, Poverty. It is time for the western rich nations to look at better ways of funding the relief of suffering in Africa. Tighter rules need to be implemented and restrictions on how much they can spend on military budgets and Government officials salaries. / So you see there are a whole mixture of reasons why some African countries cannot or won’t give more of what they get from the rich west towards the ordinary people living in dire poverty. God Bless those who are honest and do what they can top alleviate the suffering. One of my biggest criticisms is the huge overheads and over exaggerated costs of SOME, not all of the big CHARITIES, NGO’s and well known relief organisations. What they need to remember is that most of their money is donated by businesses, and Ordinary people like you and I. They have no money of their own. It comes from Government grants , individuals and just ordinary people like us. Yet many receive over exaggerated salaries, and misuse the funds they have. UNHCR and others have donated 4 Wheel drives vehicles to many small grass root organisations, that do not need them, and use them for their own personal use. I speak from experience her, and have seen this for years. This is all money Tax payers have paid. Governments have used money for the wrong reasons.. Please do not misunderstand me here. I am not in any way saying all big organisations are in anyway like this. But they need to be held accountable to us here in richer countries. Not by fiddling the account books. They need to check on what is happening. The UNITED NATIONS needs to get their act together. They can do much better that what they are doing. Every department within the UN, need to improve. This is why I formed Philadelphia Mission in 1995. I returned from Rwanda and Uganda from Mission work. I wanted a Charity, build up of members who did not get a salary, or expense account. People who would work for the poor out of genuine concern and Love. Members who wanted to work hands on with the poor ,and live among them. This is what we do in Philadelphia Mission. Philadelphia Missions office is a converted room in my home. I don’t even own my home. Our Overheads are almost zero. All office equipment and materials are purchased and paid for by me and kind people who support our mission. / We use all money raised through donations, via our website, and any money raised through art that is purchased, to provide medicines, tools, machinery, training and projects that empower these people. / When it comes to making donations towards the extreme poor and needy, please choose an organisation where you know your entire donation is actually going to the poor, and where no percentage will be taken out towards that organisations overheads. If you want to cover overhead costs of an organisation, please ask to see the budget of what they received over several years, then look at the running costs and balance out for yourself if that organisation is using your money correctly. I do hope this will answer some of your questions. / PLEASE DO VISIT OUR AFRICA MISSION WEBSITE. http://www.philadelphia33.org/ Link to all my art & writings. / http://www.redbubble.com/people/joshuatree1