Rejuvenate Worldwide newsletter

Rejuvenate Worldwide Newsletter Date: July 09

Imagine an area with no prospects and little vision for their future! An area where there is no school and no access to education - leading to fewer children contributing to their community! Fewer adults being able to provide for their families through work, and a community affected by poverty and alcohol dependency.

Now…….Imagine a community with a school, where young people are raised with a vision and a hope for their future, where young people graduate and become the leading lights in their community, their community transformed by adults who are teachers, doctors, business owners and accountants.

This is NOT just an imaginary exercise….. What will you do to make a difference…..?

Andi Thomas - Rejuvenate Coordinator

NEW SCHOOL: Sironko Primary School

Working with community workers in Uganda together we have identified the need for a school to be built in a remote area on Mount Elgon – Kasabasi Village in the Masira sub-county. The villagers have little access to local towns and therefore no access to education without a school they can afford in their village. Without education Ugandans have limited options in their adult life. Land has been secured in order that Rejuvenate plan, build and supply resources and a teacher to the school.

SPONSOR A TEACHER

In England an average teacher’s salary is £25,000. In Uganda an experienced teacher’s wage is £1200. Are you a school that can sponsor a teacher for the new school? Can you do a non-uniform day each term? £3 buys chalk for a school for a WHOLE YEAR in Uganda, can you sponsor the resources a teacher will need? To read more and sponsor any of the projects in Uganda please visit Rejuvenate Worldwide.

RJW has been working in Uganda since 1998. On a recent trip to Uganda we were updated with the various struggles and challenges Ugandan's face daily and yet we take for granted.

YOUTH GROUP SCALE NEW HEIGHTS!

In May 20 young people from Reality Youth Group in Kingstanding Elim Church climbed Snowdon to raise money for the new school in Kasabasi village. A beautiful sunny day saw the team race to the top in record time with much fun had by all.

THANK YOU for all their hard work and amazing contribution!

We need your support, get involved!

Rejuvenate Worldwide is solely run by volunteers and we rely on the generosity of people like you to keep the charity running. You can support the charity as an individual or a group by praying or giving financially, getting involved in our events or organising one yourself. We would also love to come and share with you about our work by giving a presentation. For 2009/10 we are looking for people to get involved in:

1. Rejuvenate fundraiser evening Autumn 2009
2. Trek Italy 24 - 29 September 2009
3. Trek Tanzania (Kilimanjaro) 17 - 27 September 2009
4. Cycle Mexico 19- 29 November 2009
5. Giant abseil spring 2010

NEW FOR 2010 CYCLE EUROPE CHALLENGE

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Gillian Welch & David Rawlings - Red Clay Halo.

Celebration concert

The Acocks Green Singers

The Acocks Green Singers with Three Men and a Lady

Jeremy Ballard

Andi Thomas

At the weekend I was at a concert held in memory of my Dad, Phil Evens, which raised money for Rejuvenate Worldwide, a charity that Dad was involved in founding. The concert was hosted by St Cyprian’s Hay Mills and the performers were Jeremy Ballard, the Acocks Green Singers and Three Men and a Lady.

Jeremy Ballard is a violinist and studied in London with Sasha Lasserson. He joined the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra as leader of the second violins and also in 1971 formed the Arioso Quartet. He played a charity concert following the death of my brother Nick and was impressed by the things my Dad said in accepting the cheque. As a result, he was very willing to again perform for charity in this concert.

At the end of the evening I said the following:


"It is, of course, entirely appropriate that this evening has been raising money for Rejuvenate Worldwide and we are particularly grateful to Andi Thomas for speaking about Dad and the work of Rejuvenate. Following Nick’s death, founding Rejuvenate (then known as Faith in Action) with Andi was one of the key ways in which Dad was able to continue the work that Nick had begun and the inspiration that he had provided to many. Dad had, of course, given Nick the opportunity to begin that work by setting up the Aston Community Youth Project along with all those who played a part in its work and development. Andi was one of those who benefited from the project and who has gone on to put into practice, through his youth work in Birmingham and through his leadership of Rejuvenate, the vision that Dad and Nick both shared.

Dad influenced many people throughout his life and it was wonderful for us as a family to hear and read many tributes to Dad from those whose lives he had influenced for good in some way around the time of his funeral. One element in coping with the loss of someone who was, for me, probably the biggest influence on my life and what I have made of it, has been the sense that there are people who continue to be influenced by Dad in the way that they live out their lives. Some of you will know that over that period I posted a number of pieces about Dad’s life on my blog and also wrote a series of poems about my response to his illness and death. I’d like to end by reading the last poem in that series. In it, I list in brief those who were influenced by Dad to serve others as church workers, social workers and youth workers. That is the legacy that he leaves behind. Some of us here tonight and others in other places around the country are that legacy. In and through the way we live our lives, his memory and inspiration live on.


Our world contracted

Our world has contracted
to a room,
a bed,
a man.
Yet the world continues to spin,
traffic flows,
people sleep, work and eat,
the world and ward continue
their nightly rounds
unaffected by his passing
on.
Progenitor of people
and projects,
inspirer
of church workers,
social workers,
youth workers.
As he lay
unconscious
and breathing
we have remembered
and celebrated
this man
that the world
does not know
but who loved,
cherished
and challenged
our lives
into being
and becoming.
He lies still,
his life gone.
His memory
and inspiration
live on."


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Mahler 2nd - Finale End - Simon Rattle/CBSO

London to Paris Bike Ride

Andi Thomas is taking part in the London to Paris Bike Ride on 21/07/2008 to raise money for Rejuvenate Worldwide Limited and The Salvation Army and would really welcome your support.
He is raising funds equally to support the work of Rejuvenate Worldwide in the UK and Africa and also The Salvation Army working with 'at risk' young people and families in Birmingham and in particular in Aston.

It's really easy to sponsor him - you can donate online by credit or debit card at the following address: http://www.justgiving.com/andithomas. All donations are secure and sent electronically to Rejuvenate Worldwide Limited. If you are a UK taxpayer, Justgiving will automatically reclaim 28% Gift Aid on your behalf, so your donation is worth even more. Please join in supporting Rejuvenate Worldwide Limited and the Salvation Army, both fabulous causes.

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The Style Council - The Paris Match.

Cycle London to Paris

Cycle London to Paris - July 2008, Open Challenge (raise funds for Rejuvenate Worldwide) 18 - 21 July 2008. Level: Challenging.

This long weekend challenge links two great European cities, London and Paris, covering around 300km in just 3 days. Encounter historic towns, sleepy villages and rolling countryside en-route. Cycle along wide Parisian boulevards to the finishing line at the city’s most famous landmark, the Eiffel Tower. Free day to explore the sights of Paris before boarding the Eurostar train back to London.

DAY 1: Cycle from central London through Surrey with views of South Downs to Newhaven. Ferry to Dieppe. 98kmDAY 2: Quiet tree lined roads and sleepy Normandy villages to Gournay en Bray. Some challenging hills to conquer en-route! 80kmDAY 3: Ride from Gournay en Bray to outskirts of Paris. Reach city centre via the famous Bois de Boulogne park. Finish under Eiffel Tower. 114km.DAY 4: Explore Paris before returning to London on board Eurostar.

Contact Rejuvenate Worldwide if you are interested in joining the ride (there are a few places left for those who fancy a challenge …. ). See the website for other fundraising activities to get involved in throughout the year: www.rejuvenateworldwide.org.uk .

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Blue Aeroplanes- The Boy In The Bubble.

Rejuvenate Worldwide! January 08 Newsletter

Happy New Year, welcome to Rejuvenate Worldwide! We hope this first newsletter 0f 2008 finds you well. We are happy to have you as a friend and member of our community. Whether you're a supporter or someone who has been involved in our work, we would like to keep you up to date with our work and expeditions.

Andi Thomas - Rejuvenate Coordinator

Latest News

Mission Uganda 2008

Applications for the Summer and Autumn expeditions to Uganda and South America are now open, application forms can be downloaded from the website. Places are limited so apply early to avoid disappointment!

Experience Uganda on our 2 week international programme. "An 'African' experience of a lifetime to a beautiful and diverse country, a personal guide to meet the friendliest people, to work and make a lasting difference to local people and so much more.

Our international programme is an ideal opportunity to see the real Africa, meet and work with local Ugandan's, make new friends and have your outlook on life changed.

Applications are welcome for both expeditions, Spaces are limited so apply early, alternatively if you have any questions contact the team on 0121-327-3299 or email info@rejuvenateworldwide.org.uk to be sent more information or visit the latest news page on the website.

Salem Brotherhood

RJW has been working with Salem Brotherhood since 1997, providing assistance for the construction of buildings, sponsorship of children, medical provision and educational material.
Below is a brief update on some of the work Salem is doing.

Salem's work in helping orphaned and vulnerable children in need continues to be heavily oversubscribed in relation to the resources available.

Children and Babies Home

A year ago we had received several new born babies into our care, one year on they are now all mobile and our house parents are kept very active in running around after them! One big miracle is Nairuba, who struggled for life after being born. This on account of neonatal tetanus contracted after being delivered in a dirty hut. Her mother did not survive the ordeal of giving birth to her and Salem will care for Nairuba until she is strong enough to join her relatives in the village. Up to 40 children and 10 babies are given loving care and support at any one time, yet funds received are not sufficient to meet all costs. Your help is still needed to improve this situation and to bring our sanitary and drainage arrangements up to standard. With your help, we will continue with these improvements during 2008.

Salem continues to do a fantastic job despite the lack of funding and other major resources. Throughout 2008, RJW continues to support the work they do. To find out how you can get involved visit the website.

We need your support, get involved!

Rejuvenate Worldwide is solely run by volunteers and we rely on the generosity of people like you to keep the charity running. You can support the charity as an individual or a group by praying or giving financially, getting involved in our events our organising one yourself. We would also love to come and share with you about our work by giving a presentation. For 2008 we are looking for people to get involved in:

• Asics British London’s 10k run - Sunday 6th July 2008 (London)


• BUPA Great North - Sunday 5th October 2008 (Newcastle)


• BUPA Great South Run - Sunday 26th October 2008 (Portsmouth)


• Great Midlands Fun Run - Sunday 1st June 2008 (Birmingham)


• Golf Tournament - Date to be announced!


• London to Paris Cycle - Date to be announced!


• International Pudding evening and fundraiser - Date to be announced!
  

Or, maybe you have an event of your own! Is that you, are you up for the challenge, contact the team for application forms.

For a detailed fundraising information pack contact us!

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Lone Justice - Shelter.

Mission Uganda 2008

Uganda can be experienced on Rejuvenate Worldwide's two week international programme which provides an 'African' experience of a lifetime to a beautiful and diverse country, a personal guide to meet the friendliest people, and an opportunity to work and make a lasting difference to local people. Their international programme is an ideal opportunity to see the real Africa, meet and work with local Ugandan's, make new friends and have your outlook on life changed.

By choosing to work with locally-run volunteer projects in Uganda, you will not only help to bring a little hope for a brighter future, but by working alongside local people you will experience a side of Uganda that most foreign visitors never get to see. These 14 days will be about working as a team, making a difference and contribution towards sustaining the projects, educating yourself about the issues facing those living in Africa and gaining real hands on experience so, on your return you can continue to make a change.

Application forms can be downloaded by clicking here.

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Ugandan Children's Choir.

Revd. Phil Evens, 1936 - 2007

Revd. Phil Evens, 1936 - 2007

My dad died peacefully on 12th December 2007, aged 71, at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. As a family, we are very grateful to the staff at the QE (in ITU and ELG B) for the care that they provided for dad and also for their sensitivity towards us. Dad's funeral will be held at Aston Parish Church, Birmingham on Friday 21st December from 11.00am, followed by a family interment. The service will be led by the Rt. Revd. Keith Sinclair, Bishop of Birkenhead. There will be family flowers only but donations can be made to Rejuvenate Worldwide and Headstart Birmingham. Donations can be sent c/o William H. Painter, 398 Yardley Road, South Yardley, Birmingham B25 8LT.

Voice of the People - Part 7

Bringing his story right up-to-date, in his retirement my dad has had to deal with the deaths of his son Nick and his sister Jean. Combined with several different health problems over this period, he has experienced periods of depression as well as grief.

During this period he has also worked on and completed an MPhil based on the 'Woven Cord' programme that he ran at St Edmunds Tysley. This was an extensive piece of applied research that summarised his knowledge of and views on Celtic Christianity and its application to urban communities.

Andi Thomas, one of the young people that Nick supported and helped through the Aston and Newtown Community Youth Project, has, since Nick's death, continued several of the initiatives that Nick began. This includes taking young people from Birmingham on expeditions to Uganda and supporting the work of the Salem Brotherhood in that country. My dad has worked with Andi to turn these activities into a charity called Rejunevate Worldwide.

Together with my mum, he has also been actively involved in supporting the Headstart group that meets at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. This group provides a place where people with experience of head injuries can tell their stories and support each other.

The Queen Elizabeth is the hospital where he is now receiving treatment himself following brain damage caused during a cardiac arrest. Please pray for him as he is not expected to recover consciousness.

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Mike Peters - Strength.