BY ANDREW DUBOCK
As Viva celebrates two decades of partnering grassroots networks of churches, organisations and individuals to help transform communities around the world for children, we invite you to join us in reflecting on a year of successes and challenges – and to look at how the global Church can be effective in protecting children from poverty and abuse.
I could spend some time here crafting a heart-warming story about a child from a country in Asia whose life has turned around after being supported a church worker, who is part of a Viva network. And no doubt the article would be interesting and inspiring.
However, stories are always better told by someone who’s got first-hand experience, and who lives and breathes the story for themselves each day. You can’t beat the power of an eye-witness account!
This October, eight members of Viva’s global team – Mim, Paul, Justine, Devesh, Gary, Carmen, Joel and Karen – will be sharing news of blessings and challenges at ‘Inside Viva’, our big public showcase event of the year.
The day at St Andrew’s Church, Oxford, is a golden opportunity to get the lowdown on how Viva’s partner networks are making a difference around the world, and to hear about children and families who now have hope for a better future.
There will be time for questions and conversations throughout the day, and our staff leadership team and trustees will be available to answer any questions you have over coffee breaks and lunch.
But, don’t just take our word for it though! Here are some comments after our successful first ‘Inside Viva’ event held last May:
“The talks were interesting and inspiring, and it was good to hear about the variety of work going on in different areas of the world.”
“It was really good to hear from Viva’s workers and meet some of them. What God can do with willing and listening hearts!”
“My highlight was the India presentation about girls. The two presenters being so involved and passionate about the issue was also really inspiring.”
“Viva has always had a strong sense of community and it was good to be part of that again.”
“There was a lovely sense of warmth and inclusiveness; it was relaxed but also very organised.”
Click here to book your free place at ‘Inside Viva’ on Friday 5 October. For more details, please contact Victoria Price on 01865 811660 or at v.price@viva.org