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Christian charities BibleLands
and Habitat for Humanity have joined forces in a three-year
scheme that will result in new homes for 558 of Egypt’s
poorest families.
Beginning with the launch of its Lent
Appeal this week, Buckinghamshire-based BibleLands has
embarked on the challenge of raising at least £150,000 to
improve housing conditions in the Upper Nile communities of El
Kom El Akhdar and El Sakakrya. Widespread poverty in the
region gives rise to unstable and insanitary living areas,
which the inhabitants cannot afford to improve. Mud bricks and
insecure brushwood roofs offer the perfect environment for
vermin and disease - but not for people.
BibleLands and Habitat for
Humanity will help families raise capital and work together
with their neighbours – both Christian and Muslim - to
renovate and build secure homes in which they can look forward
to a healthier and safer future.
The appeal urges supporters to make a
regular commitment to the scheme over the three years, or to
make a one-off donation towards components of the houses –
roofs, bricks, floors, windows and doors. Later in 2006, BibleLands
will send its first team of volunteers out to Egypt to work
alongside the villagers as they construct their new buildings.
BibleLands’ Director, Nigel
Edward-Few, spoke of the Charity’s commitment to this new
project: “Here at BibleLands’ headquarters, we are all
very enthusiastic about the whole programme and the tangible
benefits it will have for so many people.
“While poverty and other tough
circumstances will of course still be an issue in these
Egyptian communities, the fact that more than 550 families
will cease to be either homeless or living in dilapidated,
inadequate and dangerous housing is an amazing prospect.”
Linked to the appeal is Building Hope
for the Future, a six-part Study Guide ideal for Lent
courses and house groups. Through a series of Bible study
passages and meditations, the Guide links the physical
security of the new homes in Egypt with the firm foundations
of faith that all – rich or poor – need for spiritual
security. The Guide is designed to encourage individuals and
groups to support the work through prayer.
For Study Guides and further information
about the appeal and volunteering opportunities, please
contact BibleLands on 01494 897950 or
info@biblelands.org.uk.
Website:
www.biblelands.org.uk
Media enquiries:
Caroline Rance
BibleLands
01494 897933
caroline.rance@biblelands.org.uk
Alison MacTier
BibleLands
01494 897908
alison.mactier@biblelands.org.uk
JPEG images are available on request.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
BibleLands
Founded by the Rev Cuthbert Young in 1854 to support the work
of American missionaries serving the Armenian population at
the height of the Crimean War, BibleLands is a non-denominational Christian charity
that works in partnership with some 50 local Christian-led
projects in the lands of the Bible, in the fields of
Education; Social Care; Special Needs; Medical Care;
Vocational and Adult Training; Support and Care of Refugees.
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity (HFH) is an
interdenominational Christian charity dedicated to eliminating
poverty housing worldwide.
Since its founding in 1976, Habitat for
Humanity has helped more than 1 million people of all races,
faiths and backgrounds to have a simple, decent place to
live.
HFH is active in 100 countries and has,
with the help of homeowner families, through volunteer labour
and donations of money and materials, built or renovated more
than 200000 homes throughout the world.
Habitat for Humanity Egypt works in 13
communities and has to date assisted over 20000 Egyptian
people in achieving decent housing conditions. Just as
important as building affordable houses is strengthening
community relationships of mutual respect without
discrimination.
www.habitatforhumanity.org.uk
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