The Fishermen Trust

Our blog has moved

2009-03-05T19:52:00.005Z

Please note we are no longer blogging here but at the main Fishermen Trust website which can be found here

If you want to see posts pre April 2009 you can search on this site via the 'blog history' box above.

Thanks for calling and please visit our main site!

Review of activities in 2008

2009-02-18T14:34:00.006Z

One of the things the Trust has to do is submit a review of it's activities each year to maintain what is called the '80G status' - government Charitable status for the Trust.

The following are just the headlines of that review. If you want a copy e mailed please contact us:
The overall purpose of The Fishermen Trust is to engage and empower young people through a variety of initiatives. We take a holistic approach by addressing their emotional, physical, and spiritual needs.

ADVENTURE SPORTS:
Avalanche Camp – March 2008 Hebron School Children from Ooty.

Purpose: Exposure to Outdoor Activities and teach Moral Values.
Achievements: Children participated in many activities such as Gorge Walking, Kayaking, Abseiling, and Team Challenges. Through these activities and some formal talks skills were built in leadership, decision making, personal reflection, communication, and problem solving.

Avalanche Camp – April 2008 For rural young people (21 in total) of Raichur, Karnataka , conducted in Kannata.

Purpose: Exposure to outdoor adventure, building self-esteem, leadership skills, and expansion their world view through travel in India and experience of the Western Gats.
Achievements: Noticeable difference in the young people as they warmed up to the staff. The young women especially grew in self esteem as they, too, were able to accomplish activities they normally wouldn’t have a chance to experience. The team challenges encouraged the young women to contribute and have a voice in the strategy and implementation of tasks. It was an opportunity for them to experience new surroundings outside of their rural village life and a chance to see there is more to life.

Avalanche Camp – April 2008 For kids from a slum background in Doddigunta, Bangalore – 27 people total, conducted in Tamil

Purpose: To see the young people make personal life change decisions and grow in communication skills and community living.

Achievements: As a result of this camp, their attitude toward one another noticeably changed. They learned to put aside their differences and accept one another. As they completed tasks, they began expressing their opinions and feelings more and bonded with one another as a result. The young people came away wanting to see change in their lives by taking responsibility for their lives rather than accepting the circumstances they were born into.

Avalanche Camp – May 2008 Urban young people from the cities of Bangalore and Chennai – 53 people total.

Purpose: Build outdoor survival skills, and emotional awareness, while working through past pain and failure. There was emphasis on social inclusion and spirituality.

Achievement: Sessions on self esteem were facilitated by a psychologist. The young people were able to recognize their potential, set goals, express their feelings, and go from being strangers to developing a sense of community and friendship.

Kodikanal Camp – June 2008 Urban young people from Bangalore – 25 people in total.
Purpose: Motivate young people to recognize their potential and implement goals.
Achievements: The young people set up individual goals for themselves and learned how to use their potential to contribute to their lives and communities.

Chennai Camp – June 2008 Church Camp for young people in Chennai – 35 people

Purpose: Motivate young people towards positive life choices and spirituality.
Achievement: This was achieved through a series of team challenges and activities as well as formal sessions. Many of the young people made personal decisions to take an active initiative in their life and spirituality.

Avalanche Camp – June 2008 Urban Young people from Bangalore – 36 people
Purpose: To experience Outdoor Adventure and have a Retreat as well as be challenged in their experience of God.

Achievement: Feedback from the group was extremely positive as they came away refreshed and excited by their experiences in the Outdoors.

Visthar Camp – October 2008 Church children from Bangalore – 60 people

Purpose: Give children exposure to the Outdoors (sleeping in tents and abseiling) as well as continuing their Christian Education.

Achievement: Children really enjoyed the first-time experience of sleeping in tents and building their sense of community. Their Christian Education was given during informal sessions around the campfire and their self esteem was boosted through the experience of abseiling into a 40 foot dry well.

Bangalore Camp – January 2009 Non residential program for Orphaned Children in Bangalore – 20 Children

Purpose: Give them a fun escape from their regular life, as well as foster a sense of community.
Achievement: Children participated in a variety of games and activities and came away happy and excited.

Tyakal – February 2009 One day excursion for College Students from Bangalore – 10

Purpose: Exposure to Rock climbing and Abseiling

Achievement: Loads of positive feedback from the students who experienced these activities for the first time in their lives. One specifically mentioned that it was a key experience for her overcoming her fears, and another was blown away by the chance to do something he’d only ever seen in movies.

TRAINING:
Youth Work – January 2008 College Students in Bangalore – 50 Students

Purpose: To train leaders in Youth Work giving sessions on Adolescence and Youth Development.
Youth Work – March 2008 National Youth Work conference held in Bangalore – 25 participants

Purpose: To raise awareness of the value gained through Outdoor Adventure for the building of community and self awareness.

Leadership Training – July 2008 NGO Leaders from Bangalore – 15 participants
Purpose: Teaching time management, communication, organizational skills, goal setting, event planning and preparation.

Certified First Aid Training – November 2008 Youth Workers from Bangalore and Chennai – 13 participants

Purpose: To train leaders working with young children in first aid. All participants gained an official First Aid Certificate from RLSS (Puna).

Aqua Life Saving Skills – November 2008 Youth Workers from Bangalore and Chennai – 5 participants

Purpose: To acquire life saving techniques in water.

Mountaineering and Rock Climbing – January/February 2009 Outdoor Instructors in Bangalore – 3 participants
Purpose: Intensive training in Anchor building, Safety Outdoors, Instruction, Navigation, Rope work, Rock Climbing and Abseiling.

RELATIONSHIP BUILDING:
Christmas Feeding Program – December 2008 Slum Children in Bangalore – 40 attendees

Purpose: Celebrate Christmas and provide a meal for underprivileged children.

Social Work Grant – September 2008 For an NGO Worker training and equipping young people in Youth Leadership.

News from Beth on their trip to Avalanche

2009-02-18T10:19:00.002Z

This past week has seemed to fly by!

If you've been following the blog for awhile, you'll know about Avalanche Camp near Ooty, but for those of you who are new I'll give the whole picture!

Avalanche Camp is actually run by Scripture Union and Raj has been involved in it's work ever since the beginning. When I first arrived in India, we decided that if I did nothing else, we'd make sure I got to head down there… so this past Thursday was the day!

We got on the bus at 10:30 PM Thursday night and drove 9 hours to a little piece of Paradise! Unfortunately, our bus seats were the five back seats and the speed bumps on Indian roads are like little mountains when hit at high speeds (which, of course, they are every time!)... Despite that, I did sort of manage to sleep until the COLD woke me up! What kind of Canadian am I? It was only like an early September evening, but when you're used to Bangalore's heat, it was a shock. But so worth it.

We got into the truck after a couple hours rest in Ooty and started winding our way up and then down for about an hour and a half into the jungle on these crazy rutted roads – I was sure my insides were going to become my outsides at any moment! Just when I was sure I couldn't handle anymore jarring, Raj said it was time to get out and walk – apparently the roads thus far were quite GOOD in comparison to what they were going to become and it was best for us to walk!!!!

Honestly though, Paradise is about the only word I can use to describe what Avalanche is like. The mountains all stretch imposingly up, blanketed by rich jungle with a huge reservoir lying in the bottom of the valley. The earth is rich with a hundred shades of reds and browns and there are all these waterfalls tucked away like jewels waiting to be discovered.

Our purpose for the weekend, as The Fishermen Trust was to blend training and ministry. There was a group from an International School there for a camp, so Raj ran activities for them while Nandu, Michael, Dinesh, and a Scripture Union Volunteer named Glen did training with me. It was really good to be in a 'camp' atmosphere again and I was given an opportunity to share at the Campfire the second night.

In so many ways it was an inspiration to see the land that the camp is located on and to see what God has done there – but it also challenged us with the question "Where is the land that we will build on as The Fishermen Trust?" Please pray with us as we seek this piece of property.

My time is drawing to a close so quickly! The next couple of weeks are going to be jammed with office work and more day trips out for training as well as a sort of assessment of the guys' Instructional skills. It's going to be busy, but I'm loving every minute of it as well!

2009-02-14T10:45:00.004Z

Beth has produced a video of the Trust's adventure work for a presentation the team did at the South Asia Bib le College.

Enjoy!

More scope for rope!

2009-02-12T06:21:00.004Z

Met with a good friend of the Trust - Sam Clarke - on Monday night. Sam is married to Anna who has been to India twice - once to work with Raj and TFT

We chatted through lots of exciting ideas (more on that another time!) but in the course of the chat I mentioned that Raj's climbing ropes were getting a little tired. An understatement!!

Sam being Sam responded immediately and brought round 3 'dynamic' ropes tonight - to be taken out to India as soon as we can get them out there.

Great!! Cheers Sam !

Mobile TFT??!

2009-02-09T08:40:00.003Z

From Beth......

It's hard to believe I've already been here for four weeks, the time is going by so quickly!

Recently I've been spending my office time working on programming with Raj. We've been brainstorming how to get the Fishermen Trust's name out a bit more and how to introduce people to the concept of Adventure Camping. It seems like my 'to-do' list keeps growing every day! One of the more exciting things we've been working on is a 'mobile program' that the guys can take into schools doing Adventure Challenges and building Outdoor Survival skills in partnership with another local organization.

Alongside that, we've also been continuing our Climbing Training. Nandu, Dinesh, Michael and I went out to a retreat centre called Visthar and worked on the actual instructing skills as well as rescues in a massive dry well they have there. It was good banter and the guys really picked up on the skills quickly.

On February 4, they got to put their new skills to the test as a group of eight from a nearby college asked the Trust to take them on a climbing trip to Tyakal! It was an amazing day. We climbed on the train at 7 AM and arrived there an hour and a half later! The three of us instructors headed straight up to get the set-up done while the group and Raj had breakfast and did some team challenges. In all, we were able to do two abseils and a climb with them. They were a really great group to work with and the guys did a good job managing the group and communicating instructions.

Our feedback was so positive! One girl was seriously afraid of heights and it was exciting to see her lean back on the rope and do this crazy vertical abseil down into the cave. Another guy said he never dreamed he'd ever get a chance to do this kind of stuff that he's only ever seen in the movies. The only 'concern' given was that they'd like to be able to do more of it in a day – possibly book the Fishermen Trust for an overnight excursion so that they can get started first thing on the rock!

God is doing great things here and it's only just the beginning. Our Tuesday morning of prayer has been such an encouragement to me personally and I'm excited to see what God accomplishes through the Trust this year as we continue to seek Him!

More news from Beth

2009-01-30T11:55:00.007Z

This week has been a week of culture for me…

I’ve been to a Hindu wedding, checked out the Botanical Gardens here, attended a very long Church Committee meeting, and eaten a lot of really amazing Indian food (WITH my hand!!).

As tasks with the Trust go, we had a big promotional day at a Bible College here talking with people about what Adventure Camping is and what the value of it is. Monday was a holiday here in India, Tuesdays are always our day of prayer and staff meeting, and Wednesday we had another trip out to that crazy boulder field that you’ll have seen in my photos.

I’m finding it’s a huge push out of my comfort zones here. (Very good Captain Obvious!) Seriously though, I’m not actually overwhelmed by “India” like I expected… rather, every time I turn around it’s a personal push! For example:

Socially: People here don’t find “people” an inconvenience, yet I’m so paranoid that I’ll be a burden! If I want to learn to cook Indian food, I need to ask an Indian lady if I can come over and learn – but everything in me says “you can’t invite yourself over! That’s so rude!” but my other option is to feel disappointed that I didn’t go for the cultural experience I could have had if I wasn’t such a chicken hiding behind my pride!

“you do not have because you do not ask…” has been the mantra of my time here – but asking is just so uncomfortable because they MIGHT say “no” (actually I’m 99.9% sure they won’t) – I never thought this would be such an issue for me but I find it a continual challenge!

I made the mistake of equating something Raj was struggling with with my fear of ringing a certain lady and asking if she’d teach me to make Biryani (a very yummy Indian dish) and so he just picked up his phone, dialled her number and told her I needed to talk to her!!!! Grrrrrr, I’ll get him back somehow!

Spiritually: As I’ve had more time with God, questions and feelings I didn’t realize were there have been surfacing more and more and I’ve been challenged to work them through.

Skills wise: I’m really having to think hard and be creative about my Climbing instruction, as well as really push it here administratively. I have the potential to really get outside of the box here, but I’m so used to having a team as my buffer zone… suddenly it’s a choice to make an effort, or go home not having put 100% into this experience!

I have a feeling this whole trip is going to be over SO fast! Pray that I’ll savour every minute and make the most of our time for developing the Trust here!

Climbing day

2009-01-28T11:57:00.001Z

Today we went for a climbing day to Tyakal. There were seven of us out this time and we found an amazing cave in the boulders that we could abseil down into! Mostly I took an ‘overseer’ role and was excited to see Nandu and Michael (below) passing on what they had learned on our last trip out to the three other guys.

It’s been a lot of information for them to take in and it’s good to see them having a chance to put it into practice, as well as to have a chance to scout out future camp spots.

This particular venue is a huge mass of boulders – totally solid – but almost haphazardly piled on top of each other, leaving all sorts of cool caves and tunnels to scramble over and explore. It feels like at any minute they could come crashing down and yet they’ve stood like this since the beginning of time! Very awesome. So we’ve been out doing quite a bit of abseiling as well as testing our climbing skills – I say “testing” because the rock has very few good holds and so it’s a lot about just trusting that your feet will stay where you’ve put them. (This just adds to the huge myriad of spiritual parallels already present in the sport… trusting the belayer, struggling to a goal, relying on the rope!)

So we’ve had some great days out and are planning several more before I leave so that the guys can be at a good level of proficiency and able to do risk assessments, rescues, bomb-proof anchors, and solid knots after I’m gone.

There are a few pictures here but also far more stunning ones on our online photo album here

Promotion at SABC

2009-01-27T21:31:00.005Z

Just got an e mail from Beth who writes:

"On Friday, January 23 we had the opportunity to attend a Missions Promotion Event at Southern Asia Bible College (see below) here in Bangalore. It was a great day of meeting other ministry representatives and hearing about the work that God is doing here in India!

It was especially exciting to put up The Fishermen Trust banner for the first time ever and to have a proper 'ministry stall'. There was quite a bit of time for mingling and we were able to connect with a few people who are interested in future involvement with our Adventure Camps.

It was an exciting opportunity for us to 'get the word out' to this group of (soon to be) Bible School graduates and to be able to look forward to future partnerships with these young people as they become ministry leaders in their churches. Our actual presentation involved a promotional video with loads of pictures of different elements of adventure camping. have a look here:

Nandu & I were also interviewed (by Raj) about our involvement and the spiritual impact of Adventure Camping.

Raj gave a very clear and entertaining picture of what The Fishermen Trust's ministry has been so far and what we hope to accomplish in the near future. Personally I was so encouraged seeing the personal connections the guys were able to make! Having had quite a bit of experience in recruitment, I was really proud of the stall and felt the presentation was really upbeat and concise. It's so exciting to be a part of an organization that's just starting to take flight and I'm so thankful that I can share my experience with the guys and see great things happening.

Training

2009-01-19T17:17:00.004Z

One of the things that Beth brings to TFT is skills in training in abseiling etc. Here are some great pics of her training some of the guys over the last few days:

Introducing Beth...

2009-01-13T10:30:00.004Z

Some of you may have picked up that a lady called Beth Wheale is out with TFT at the moment. Beth is from Canada and picks up the story of how she has ended up there.....

"It's a really long story about me and India and how I got here... a load of crazy tiny steps of obedience and God working all these little things that have become huge signs of His sovereignty.

Suffice it to say, I got back from my time doing the adventure training course in Scotland and was feeling really frustrated with life, ministry, and God... Loving God, but totally directionless in ministry... and definitely doubting His reliability.

Praying about things, I was chatting with God and came to the final understanding that in my life what I deeply want is to be living out the Kingdom of Heaven in a real and practical way... I want to live a life of faith and be the sort of person who is so in touch with Christ that people can't help but notice it and come away impacted by Him in my life.

And I realized I wanted to use my experiences (even in the outdoors despite the fact that I felt like an utter failure) to serve God and be a blessing to others... so that's when I was praying and so clearly God told me I needed to find out if Raj needed help in India...

I had met him really randomly one time in Scotland and we had talked a bit about the ministry that he's doing here but had totally lost contact. Through some very crazy and random circumstances that are totally God at work, I've found myself here... insane, as always, but that's becoming the norm in my life...

So there you go! that's why I'm here!"

Bet is going to be keeping us up to date with what she is up to with TFT over the next few weeks. Beth has also set up a page on Facebook with her news so e mail (see blow) us if you want to know how to get to that.

Fun for kids...

2009-01-10T10:31:00.005Z

TFT has just organised a two day outing for kids from an Orphanage home run by the Mission Australia. Don Robertson is director of Mission Australia and he was the one who put us in touch with this Orphanage.

Day one we had half day programme. We organised indoor games at the Frontier Management Centre. We played some team challenging games led by Raj and Nandu.

Don Robertson brought toy glider by which the children fixed and coloured, we had competition for the gilders. We also organised competition for Badminton, Table Foot Ball and Table Tennis which the kids participated in enthusiasm. We also had same team challenges and fun games.

At the end then Raj gave a talk based on these game connecting with life skills.

Day two we took them for fun picnic to a friends land Provision India site we did some rope course activity and team challenges. This was first time children were able to involve in outdoor activities they enjoyed and amused by the rope course.

After lunch we ahead towards the airport kids were able to see some aeroplanes were landing and taking off, children were amazed to see the airport and the aeroplanes.

This was the firsttime the kids had had to an airport. We had 18 kids mixture of boys and girls, from different parts of India. All lived in orphanages. Indeed it was joy being with these kids and sharing Gods love. We hope to do some more programs for these kids in the near future.

PR for TFT

2009-01-10T09:54:00.000Z

I mentioned before that we have had some PR material (leaflets and bookmarks) produced for TFT. I (Dave who updates the blog) contacted a guy who does all the PR and printing for us at work the other day to ask him how much it would be if we wanted a few leaflets printed in the UK (to save sending them over from India). He responded immediately by saying he would gladly print 100 for us free of costs and would also do a display board for a very cheap price.

And here's the result!! Many, many thanks to to Pete at Hendrickx Marsh

and one for you to spot the kids!!

TFT are watching you

2009-01-08T09:07:00.004Z

It's been great that so many of you are following the TFT story and we wanted to try and get a sense of how many people are following the blog and where they are from. With the TFT blog we can set up a monitoring system with Google to do that very thing.

We set this all up just 2 days ago and already we have had 'hits' from Canada (where a lady called Beth comes from - she is off to Bangalore to spend some time at the trust any day now), the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, the UK and, of course India!!

Not bad eh!?

Christmas at 'Blessings Streams'

2008-12-31T10:46:00.005Z

Nandu mailed this morning to say "It was such a privilege to organise a Christmas Lunch programme for the 'Blessing Stream' ministries, a Christian Organisation led by Benson, a good friend of Raj's. BS work with street kids and teens in education and day care centre.

The kids did a Christmas play and performed some dance and singing. They really enjoyed the meal and they took some food left over to home too.

We organised a special Christmas Lunch and Christmas presents for Blessing Stream Children with the help of some contribution from TFT and Blessing Stream for this programe

It was great to celebrate Christmas with these kids.

Fundraising

2008-12-09T13:51:00.005Z

The Trust has been so blessed of late with a few very generous gifts towards the 'Land savings pot' - ready for when the Trust identify land to build the 1st adventure centre on.

First was a generous gift of £200 from a lady at the Christian Life Centre (in Hereford) where Dave (Hider) and his family goes. Second was £180 that was raised from selling Indian goodies that the Hiders brought back from the India and third a gift of £250 from a friend of Raj's.

These amounts all are worth so much more in India as you can imagine....

December update from the Trust

2008-12-09T12:46:00.010Z

The following is an update from Raj about the Trust's activities over the last month (i.e up to December 2008) against the headings of the vision:

Volunteers: We have been working on getting more volunteers to work for TFT. Recently a small group of young people from church have been visiting and spending time in the office to help out. Some of them were able to help us in the children camp. See pictures here

Adventure camping: We had the privilege of organising first ever children camp for Banaswadi Bible Church (my home church). We had forty children and thirteen volunteers.

From the teen’s group we had eight young people join us for this camp. Since most of these children come from a Christian background our theme of the camp was called ‘Live your Faith’. Special guests from an organisation called 'Child Focus' were invited to facilitate the sessions for the kids.
Prior to the camp we had to set up the tents one day before the camp, the camp was held for two-night three-days. This was the first time the children got to stay in tents and they loved it!!

Nandu was in charge of all the outdoor activities. He led the main sessions in abseiling & also took part in the skit. I must say he is very talented in acting and popular with the kids!

Almost all the kids abseiled, some also did it twice, this was their first ever experience of abseiling. At first they were scared but with lots of encouragement they did it. This was a great boost to their self-esteem and to put their faith in action.

The abseiling sessions were done in a thirty-five feet deep well. The well had no water it had dried up and it was big well for us to do abseiling. Dinesh, Santosh and Rajesh were a great blessing they were our volunteers who helped us in this camp. One of the highlights of the camp was to see these children bond together and have great time in worshiping God and growing in faith.
For me this was a dream come true, I was wanting to do a children’s camp for my church from a long time. Each time we tried, we were faced with lots of challenges, even for this camp we faced many challenge, prior to the camp it was raining cats and dogs even to last day before the camp, we all got together and prayed and we saw God do great and marvellous things, at the camp there was not even a drop of rain. Praise God!

I was also a speaker for the children camp and youth convention for the Marthoma church in Mysore organised by J team Ministries Chennai. I just loved being with the children and young people. For me it was a new opening ground in Mysore I loved it.

Relationships with others: It has been good to start to work with an organisation called 'Child Focus' who work with urban children. A new contact to work with and has potential for the future.Anglo Benn (above) has been an old-time friend he now lives in Australia with his wife Pearl (below). Both of them have dedicated their lives to serve God through outdoor pursuit. Anglo is currently undergoing training in extreme adventure sports which will give him qualification in being instructor in various adventure sports.

Anglo and Pearl are great asset and they have opened new links with us and Australia. Anglo and I had great talks about Christian outdoor pursuits in India and the need to build relationships and to take adventuring camping forward. We have had talks about accredited training in adventure sports although things are at an early stage.

We had the opportunities to work with other organisations in providing training in First Aid led by Anglo. Staff came from Breakthrough Trust, J team, and Kerygma. This also strengthened our relationships and shared resources.

See more pictures of the training here

We are also establishing contacts though Anglo with RLSS (Rashtriya Life Saving Society) based in Pune they are the certifying body and recognised by the government of India. We are hoping to do some more training in the near future.

This month we were also able to make new contact with the Marthoma church in Mysore through J team from Chennai. I was invited to be the speaker for their youth convention and also gave the main message in their church service.

Training: Anglo facilitated the training in First Aid for us. There were eleven of us representing four different organisations working with children and young people. The training was intense and exciting! Anglo taught us from the Australian St John Ambulance modules. Because Anglo has a thorough knowledge of both cultures he was able to present the course sensitively and skillfully. The training was approved by RLSS (India).

This is the first time to the best of my knowledge we have had a certified in-depth training in First Aid in Christian circles. This has opened new doors for future training too.

We also had a two-day training program in Aquatic Life Saving

Skills based on the Bronze Medallion program. This was a mixture of theory and practice. I had invited two swimming instructors for this course. In total we were five of us in this programme. At the course we were able to learn some good risk management procedures and accrue skills in rescuing people in a worse case scenario.

At the end of the training we felt that we were not competent for the assessment to gain the Bronze Medallion but realised the need to swim more on a regular basis. However we feel more competent now to handle scenarios that come to us now.

This was a good opportunity for TFT to organize these events and shows people that we are setting high standards in health and safety and are serious about setting these examples for others to follow. My special thanks goes to Anglo for taking time to visit Bangalore and facilitating all the training in First Aid and Life Saving Skills. I also look forward in working with him to conduct more training programs in the near future.

Other projects: We continue to look for land for our first Adventure Camping site. Recently we visited South Coorg with two of our trustees and two of their children. We meet up with some real-estate guys who took us to various sites. We visited more than 4 sites in all. The land we viewed was well cultivated with coffee plantation, pepper plants and timber.

The first site visited was 26acres, with small lake filled stagnant water. The land was situated near the reserve forest and with small well and filled with coffee plantation, pepper and other jungle trees. Second site visited had a total of 30 acres, there was no water body, and this land was just jungle filled with bushes and leeches. Third site visited had a total of 22 acres, a small stream runs beside the land, the land is filled with coffee plantation and pepper plant. Fourth site visited had a total of 22 acres, two streams that connect near the land and rich soil and flat land with coffee plantation, pepper and some fruits tree. No water for water activities.

This was a great experience to get to see more land options. Unfortunately prices for this land are extortionate. I came out of the trip more convinced that God is very soon going to give us the land and we have to keep looking for it.

Development: We are in the process of applying for what is called 'Prior permission' from the Government to be able to then receive international and national funding for our developments. Our documents are currently being looked at by our chartered accountant.

We also have re applied for our 80G (Charitable funding) status. has been reapplied to the government.

Finance: There is a big need for raising funds for the Trust. As we start to look at land the New Year will bring fresh challenges in the area of finance. We must push ('pray until some thing happens') and continue to work on securing regular Indian giving via the '100 club'.

Church camp

2008-11-22T13:54:00.006Z

Some great pictures here of the recent Church camp that Raj and Nandu ran - using a huge well to abseil down!!

New leaflet launched

2008-11-15T10:21:00.005Z

Today, the Fishermen Trust launches a new leaflet to promote it's work. It will begin the launch of the 100 campaign too whereby the Trust is looking to 100 people to give 1000 rupees (£15) to underpin some of the main revenue funding of the Trust.

If you can become a 100 club giver do contact us at the contact e mail address at the side of the blog.

Here's a snapshot of some parts of the leaflet:

More from Nandu on Chikmagalur

2008-10-01T20:04:00.003+01:00

Nandu writes: Raj and I went to Chikmagalur on 22/09/08 to 25/09/08. We did a bit of research from maps etc and selected some place to visit. We travelled by Bus.

Chikmagalur is small town which is placed foot hills. There are no bus facilities to hill stations. On the first day of the journey we stayed in relative’s coffee estate for a night. Its nice place to relax and for camping. It stretches around 17acres land and there is stream which runs inside the estate.

We got some information from local people about transport to the hill stations but there was no bus service to these places. Next morning we went back to town and Raj had some contact in Chickmagalur for a jeep but it was very expense quote so we took taxi to Mullyangiri - the highest peak in Karnataka. There was an amazing view from the peak.

We decided to stay over night and we pitched our tent to stay. It was raining heavily till midnight and the next morning we planned to go Baba budin giri that is placed on other side of hill. We trekked down for 2 hours for some transport.

We took an auto to the baba budin giri its about 29km from town. The most attractive view point at this place we stayed for just 1 hour because it was not a place for Adventure, its a pilgrims place.

We moved to other part of hill, we travelled around 60km by bus and jeep to Kemmannagundi. We stayed in government gust house for night and next morning we trekked about 45minutes up a steep path which leads to a wonderful view. There were miles of greenery stretching all aroundas well as some small water falls and streams and a whole load of leaches that decided to attack me!

A great trip though....

More pics of Chikmagalur

2008-09-28T16:52:00.005+01:00

Here are some more pics of the stunning area of that Raj and Nandu have just visited. I just have to out them up as it's such a stunning place:

Chikmagalur

2008-09-26T17:12:00.005+01:00

You will be aware that we are currently praying for land for the fishermen Trust to have it's 1st adventure centre.....There is a post below about the possibility of land through the contact we made (Martin)....

However when I was out in India one of the areas of Karnataka (the region Bangalore is in) which sprung out to us when we were praying time and time was Chikmagalur. Nestled in the Baba Budan hills, Chikmagalur is a calm, serene town with stunning hills, valleys, streams and coffee blossoms. Situated 251 kms from Bangalore, Chikmagalur is a trekker's delight, with its rugged mountain trails.

Raj and Nadu have been there over the last few days - with just a tent, bit of food and God!! Here's some pics of this stunning area of India.

They have praying and asking God for guidance as to whether this is the place that God has given them. Will you pray too.

As you can see there are least 2 possibilities on the cards at the moment so lets keep praying...

An 'in tents' experience

2008-09-20T18:21:00.002+01:00

A few weeks ago one of Raj's friends introduced him to a Indian movie maker who was looking for some tents to make a TV advert. We eventually had a chat and theywanted to use our (Glastonbury) tents. For us at TFT it was a God sent opportunity for raising some funds for our work.

Nandu (TFT outdoor instructor) was assigned to this project and this is what he had to say:

The guy we worked with was called Clint from Clique pictures This is a a film making company. who do ad's etc. They hired our tents and ropes for three days in Ootyan advertisement for Britannia Treat Biscuit. The scene was adventure camp. I helped pitching tents and moving tents according to different scenes for all three days. Some good money was raised for the Trust.

Below are some of the children used in the ad.

The miracles just keep on coming....

2008-09-20T18:14:00.005+01:00

Raj writes to tell us of another miracle (we think!) that has happened recently:

When the Hiders were here in Bangalore we went to Mysore for a one-day trip along with the Husband’s family (friends of Dave and mine).

On the way towards Mysore we stopped for a small break in a coffee shop. I went to find some Indian breakfast meanwhile the Hiders and the Husbands were having coffee. The children where playing and saw a praying mantis on the window. They were looking at it from inside the coffee shop and as they did a voice from behind Dave said (in a fairly broad American accent) “do you want me to go get it for you?”. Dave said yes and the guy, and Indian guy went out, caught the praying mantis and brought it into the coffee shop.

He called Dave over and Dave sat down and had a coffee with the guy who’s name turned out to be Martin. That’s him on the right.

Dave was sharing about the vision of TFT and the need for a land for an adventure camp centre. This man happened to be a very rich guy and it turned out his son (Gerry Martin) is famous on the Indian National Geographic channel is a big outdoor (Bear Grills type) guy. He is a big landowner and has many properties. Dave called Raj over to meet Martin who proceeded to gave us an invite to come and see some of his land, which could be of use (talk about divine appointment!!).

Martin has lived in the Uk and the US for some time is a well-seasoned man with lot of knowledge about real estate and has good knowledge of the western gats in south India. This contact was amazing.

I have recently been in touch with him an on the 3rd Sep we went to see some of Martin's land at Hunsur - 50 km from Mysore. Martin has a farmhouse with 12 acres of land. It’s flat land where there are no mountains and right next to his land there is big lake - good for water sports. It was good to see is land and we had a good talk with Martin. He explained to us how he got the land and developed it , but still in stage of developing at present they are working on building rest rooms and plantation.

Martin has offered us his land for us to conduct some camps in the future with a small finical contribution towards the use of the land. The good thing about the land is that it has the lake which come right to his land. At the moment I have been praying for some canoes it has been my long time desire to have some Old Town Canadian cones, I know one day God will provide.

It was really good for us to have visited Martin’s land , it has give us a good idea what kind of land we are looking for , at the mean time we have been praying and looking for the land God has promised to give us . As for Martians land we may be using it one day but as of know we are not sure when we will be doing that. So the hunt for land is still on....

Catching up...

2008-07-30T13:40:00.000+01:00

From Dave Hider (blog editor!):

Well I am meant to be managing this blog for the Fishermen Trust (TFT) and over the last few months have done appallingly bad. I guess the main excuse is that my family and I have been over in India with raj working with him and TFT. There is so much that happened during the time we had there but I don't think there is a lot of point in listing it all again here as you can go to my blog here and read it for yourself.

What you will notice on my blog is that as soon as we came home we stopped blogging. Main reason for this is I want to get going again on TFT's blog which, following a bit of time out I am now ready to do.

Having developed a small website as general PR for the Trust (as well as a new leaflet coming out soon) we will focus this blog on the day to day activities of the Trust so you know what Raj, Nandu and TFT we will now start to focus on a monthly update that Raj will submit on news from the Trust are up to.

Raj and Nandu have committed to sending me as much as they can to upload from now to keep you in touch with where the Trust is going. Enjoy the following posts as we start to catch up from the last few months....

Report from Raj for May - June

2008-07-20T18:25:00.002+01:00

Raj is getting into the habit of doing a bi monthly report for the TFT trustees but also to put up on the blog. Here is May and June's report:

Dave's visit:
Much of the focus over this period of time has been Dave (Hider) and his family working alongside me in the work here. Dave's three and half months has given a massive boost and set the trust to go in a second phase. Coming with his family has shown the depth of relationship and commitment in our friendship.

Dave contribution to a number of areas whilst he was here but some of the highlights have been:

Establishing the TFT office as a working base for the Trust.
Establishing new systems of reporting for myself and Nandu to trustees and others
Establish a TFT budget and write a ‘finance proposals’ paper to Board
Speak at 3 camps (Church, Avalanche, Efficor)
Establish 3 day residential leadership training weekend for Christian leaders including PR and programmes
Establish a day retreat with TFT trustees including programmes
Discuss partnership document with CLC
Established training for Raj in governance of the trust, external supervision for Raj

Adventure camps:

We had a joint venture during the summer period with 'J- team' from Chennai. In total we had 53 campers. Dave and myself where the main speakers along with Dr Havllia ( a friend from my Church) who did the morning devotions.

The young people where mainly from Chennai and Bangalore. All these young people where from an urban background. We had about seven Hindu boys come for this camp, the rest where from Christian background. It was an evangelistic come discipleship camp.

The talk themes was based on the 'great I AM's from the gospel of John. We had a psychologist from CMC Vellore who facilitated sessions on self-esteem and other topics. The highlight of the camp was providing an opportunity for young people to enter into personal relationship with our Lord Jesus.

All the adventure activities where led by Raj and Nandu (TFT worker) and Anupa, Augustan (from J Team). We also had an outdoor survival day where the young people got to cook there own food on the open field. It rained most of the time but did not dampen the camp spirit.

Two other events we have led at were:

Banaswadi Bible Church (my Church) church camp in Kodaikanal where Dave was also asked to be the main speaker for the young people's work.

Dave and I also had the opportunity to be involved with Efficor National conference ministering to their young people .

There was also a church youth camp, which was organised by BTM church from Bangalore. Nandu helped there and it was also this was his first time where he had take responsibility for the camp not having me around.

I was also invited as a speaker for a youth camp organised by the Tamil Methodist Church (TMC) from Chennai, it was a two-night three-day camp. I really enjoyed this camp, coming alongside and encourage the young people in their journey of faith.

Relationships:
There has been a real move on in some of the relationships that we have with people and organisations/church's:

Christian Life Centre – Hereford is the Church where Dave and Sarah and thier kids go. Tim Mitchell is the Pastor there and spent a week in Bangalore visiting the Hiders.

Through this week and the other conversations we have been having , we have now agreed a formal partnership agreement between CLC and TFT.

Rob Husband/Space2think: Rob is a good friend of Dave's and runs a company called Space2Think. Rob's contribution to TFT has been a great blessing especially in the area of resources and training. This will also a long-term friendship with Rob.

I want to praise God for these two new partners for TFT.

There has been lots of development with friends in Chennai and with the local churches.

There has been some initiative in encouraging Srenee ‘s church in SavaNagar. Sreeni is a good friend of mine who runs a Church. Dave has given some guidelines, and there are also some concerns as to the church’s future.

Training:
We have facilitated some great training over the last few months. Materials for training was compiled and well planed by Dave for trustees training day and for the leadership training. Both Rob and Dave were the main facilitators. Rob had also put up a training program for the corporates in partnership with Kumar (Bablie) Mind View. This initiative was take by Dave to create an opportunity where we could get some income through this corporate training. Unfortunately this training did not happen in the end as the company we were working with were not able to get the number there.

Mentoring:
Dave and I had lots of time talking together and challenging the way I have been functioning, we looked in lots of areas where thing had to change. Our conversation has been very intense and lots of learning has taken place!!

Development & provision:
After much waiting the office was finally furnished with office tables, chairs, white board we also had filing cabinet and cupboard given. We were also able to purchase a new Laptop and some office stationery, I am so thankful for people’s generosity.

We were in great need of an office computer where Nandu could work from office, we didn’t have enough money to buy a new one. We were praying for comp. Every thing in our office has a story of God’s provision, we wanted even the comp to be a miracle story. I had a friend of mine visiting from UK for two weeks. She came to the visit the office I was saying all the story of God’s provision and I said we have been praying for a computer. Just then all of a sudden she said ‘ Raj God is telling me to give you my laptop, I will leave it with you when I am going back’ I was Gob smacked!! Praise God. Now Nandu has a computer to work with. We have got much more then what we can ask for!

More climbing gear have been provided this will enable us to take young people for rock climbing and for abseiling.

Our finance reports were completed and sent for auditing. This is our first set of accounts!!.
TFT finance reports of our first year was filed for tax returns through our Chartered Accountant Manju George .

What an exciting couple of months!

Fishermen Trust Trustees Training

2008-07-13T02:49:00.002+01:00

We had a full day yesterday doing training with the TFT trustees today. Although it went very very well it is draining at the best of times doing training, let alone having to cope with all the culture sensitivities and language issues.

It did go really well though. It feels as if the trustees are now really getting hold of their responsibilities and how that relates to Raj (and Nadu's) role as staff. Some of the things we looked at were fairly basic and some of the stuff we looked at was complex.

One of my reflections is that much of what we trained on and talked about as 'issues' are very similar back in the UK and I suspect all over the world. People are people eh??

Without saying too much on the blog again, there were some interesting glimpses during the day (in what people said or did) that they have really got hold of the fact now that they are not just friends who are supporting Raj and his vision but they are managing an organsation - with all the challenges that that brings.

We had the Trusts Chartered Accountant come and talk about the legal responsibilities of Trustees which was quite challenging due to the bureaucracy out here! Rob’s style and mine are different at times but complimentary I think and I feel we work well together.

We have worked with the Trustees now on roles and responsibilities in detail. Some of the specific discussion on who will lead what area is being kept for the follow up trustees meeting in early August but we have worked through with them that trustees need to:

Set and uphold the vision, mission, values, strategy and aims of the Trust.

Maintain effective Board performance

Prepare for, attend and contribute effectively to meetings of the Trust at meetings

Understand the staff/trustees roles and provide support to staff in between trust meetings

Set up employment procedures

Seek to maintain and enhance their knowledge and understanding of the business of the Trust and of the field it works in.

Ensure & maintain proper financial oversight

Generally uphold the principles of good Trustee governance including compliance with the law and governing document

Promote and enhance the reputation and standing of the trust with key organisations that trustees might be associated with.

Provide a link with relevant churches (i.e BBC)

This is all fairly new for the Trustees and for Trustees in some other Trusts here to (and in the UK). They do feel now that these 'standards' are something they can judge their performance against though - now and in the future..

2008-06-07T02:42:00.004+01:00

July is a month of training for us. This training begins on the 5th July with a day retreat for the Fishermen Trust Trustees (we hope) to train them in roles and responsibilities.

Then on the 11th July there is a Leadership Academy residential weekend for pastors, leaders, chief execs of Christian orgs etc. We hope this will be based at the Indian New Frontiers Centre see here.

The programme has been set up (see pic) and we have had fliers printed. A good friend of mine (Rob Husband) is coming for 3 weeks and will be the main speaker but I will take sessions too. Rob has his own business called Space2think. See here

Then later in the month of June, we will be doing some training with some of the big corporates. We have met with a good friend of Raj's called Bublie (nickname) who runs a human resources/personal development company (big one) called Mind View. Bublie does big training in the IT hub of India for the big corporate companies on values and similar training.

The plan is to do some high level corporate training with some teams here and charge a good rate and then all of the money earnt can go to the Fishermen Trust. Could be the equivalent in the UK of a few £000's!!!

Another historic day for the Trust...!!

2008-06-06T02:15:00.002+01:00

Today was very special day. We opened the Fishermen Trust office!!! Over the last week, following gifts from supporters of the Trust, we have been out and about buying office furniture, getting good deals, buying a laptop for the Trust etc

Today we cleared out the office (see pics on my blog) and set up the office and dedicated it to God's work here in Bangalore. There were some tears around as it really feels things are hotting up now and we are moving into a new phase for the Trust.

This office will be an excellent resource not only as an office but also as a base for the Trusts work in the community. We met with the landlords the other night (good friends of Raj's) and they are keen to have the place as a drop in for the community so things are starting to happen with a base like this. Nandu and Raj will be based there and this will start to work as a 'tester' drop in centre.

It really feels like foundations are being set for the Trust in a way that I have not experienced here before.

Other things that have happened just in the last week are:

1. We have had our very first Fishermen Trust staff meeting!!

2. Nandu is now submitting reports from each camp that he and Raj attends

3. Nandu is submitting a weekly log of what he is doing and how things are going

4. Raj will begin to submit monthly reports to the Trustees (and me for content for the blog)

5. Nandu and Raj are now working to structured weeks. There is huge flexibility but they have set days for admin to enable them to be free to do the real work!

Please pray for these guys now as the office begins to function and they both begin to work in a way that is very 'not the norm' out here. It won't be easy for them to get into all this. All these new ways of working are an attempt to position the Trust as an organisation of excellence in India.

An historic day for the Trust...!!

2008-06-01T02:30:00.000+01:00

This may not sound a big thing to you but The Trust has just had it's first years accounts given a clean bill of health by the chartered accountant. This is a big thing in India as finances/accounting can often involve bribes etc and these Trust accounts are all part of the transparency that is central to the Trust.

Well done the Trust, the Trustees and Raj!!

A massive catch up!!

2008-05-06T01:19:00.005+01:00

Just realised how out of date this blog is!! March this year!! Really sorry for the lack of updates to the Fishermen Trust blog over the last few weeks.

Many of you will know that I (Dave) am out in India at the moment with my family to work with Raj and the Fishermen Trust for 3.5 months. We therefore have loads to tell you so hang onto your hat as we give you a massive update on where things are at. There is a detailed update on what we are up to at our own blog at www.thehiders.co.uk. Do have a look.

First off, the Fishermen Trust now has it's own online photo album of all the activity that has taken place over the last 2 years. Do take some time to have a look at it here

It's tough to know where to begin really. The last few months have seen Charlie (a friend of Raj's) come to India to help out with some of the instruction on outdoor pursuit activities (see pics here) and a number of camps and other events through the summer here. These camps have included frequent trips to Avalanche - an amazing place in the jungle at a place called Ooti.

Some of these camps are undertaken in conjunction with other organisations such as the J Team from Chennai (see recent leaflet from a camp. This camp, that I attended with my kids, was just amazing. The location is just unreal and Raj and Nandu (Raj's staff member) the J Team guys just work so well together to see kids lives changed for God.

The camps season is coming to an end now (with a few more to happen in October) but it has been a great summer full of activity.

There are some reports due from the Trust staff soon so watch this space....

March news from Raj

2008-03-24T16:56:00.035Z

Raj has just mailed the following update:......

Dear friends a big sorry for keeping you’ll waiting on my news..... Let me begin by saying a massive thank you for all your support and encouragement, its a great boost to know so many of you’ll log into the blog, thank you.

God has been faithful all the way through. Here’s the news from this end. In the month of February I had the privilege of teaching at Southern Asia Bible College.

I had forty-five students attending my classes in the afternoons, one of the highlights has been spending a substantial time with two of the students who where going through some challenges in their journey of faith.

There was a great openness among the students to understanding the adolescent’s process with young people.

What I enjoyed the most was coming alongside them and building friendship with them as they are from different parts of India.

I am very pleased to announce that we have appointed Nandan Kumar (Nandu) as a full time staff member for the Fishermen Trust.

Nandu comes as God’s answer to our prayer. He is bright and hardworking young man who comes from an outdoor adventure camping background. We praise God for him. He will be helping in the area of adventure camps and work in the office.

Charlie Doney is doing a degree in Adventure education at the University of Chichester. He’s in India at the moment to help me in adventure sports as part of his placement. This is his second visit to India and he is loving it .I have known Charlie through his Dad (Norman) who has been a great friend and a well-wisher. He runs a sailing center at Chichester called CYE where I did some training in water sports. Norman will also be visiting India in April too.

Charlie has also brought three new harnesses and two helmets from the UK (see previous blog entry). Thanks to Charlie and to his church friends who have helped in getting this. Last year Sam Clarke had send some used ropes and some climbing equipments through his wife Anna. Its with great joy and gratitude I want to say we now have complete equipments for abseiling. Praise God. As a result of this we have been using these equipments in our camps and in our conferences.

Charlie and Nandu were able to sort out all the tents from Glastonbury Festival (see previous blog entry) which we received last year. In total we have forty three complete sets of tents, (some tents have their poles missing). A massive thank you again to Richard and his dad Peter Churms from Farnborough for their efforts in making these tents reach India.

We have also had some helping hands from Lea, Jess from Australia. They are on a grand tour to India, stopping in for three weeks in Bangalore. They have helped us in sorting out the tents too at our camp in Avalanche. This aspect of the Trust having volunteers over from other Countries is a key part of the vision of the Trust. It is key to building relationship for support and extending the vision.

A few weeks ago there was a fatal accident at Avalanche (Scripture Union camp site in Ooty ) I have been involved with Avalanche right from the beginning, it has been a part of me. As a result of this accident the camp staff have been very down. I took some time out to meet them to encourage them and extend them my support. We also talked about putting some health and safety procedures in place, this is the big need of the hour. Would please keep the staff in your prayers.

We also had a weekend camp at avalanche for the Hebron school for young people of year twelve. We had some great time of worshiping God and did lots of activities.

We also used this opportunity to put our climbing ropes to test by using them for abseiling.

Back in Bangalore we had a youth workers conference at the Southern Asia Bible College. I was doing some sessions on adventure pursuits:

This opportunity aimed at giving all those that attended this conference to give some pratical experience to some of the students of the benefits of outdoor camping and abseiling.

This was really exciting as we where entering into history of the college, because no one has ever done this before. The Faculty were surprised and excited,to see tents and abseiling at their college campus.

Charlie and Nandu led sessions in abseiling and we had people do abseil for the first time in their lives. I was so pleased that we could do this, what excited me the most was to see five girls abseil, this gave a huge boost to their self esteem.

Indian girls don’t get opportunities to get involved activities such as this. Some of them were able to handle their fear better as a result of this activity.

One of the delegates of the conference said that this is the second most daring thing he has ever done apart from speaking to his wife parents about marring their daughter.

Another delegate said ‘this is the greatest thing I have experienced’. This guy full on for adventure sports after being in our session.

We also setup tents for the delegates and they stayed for the night. It was great fund as it rained that night . They all enjoyed it. We put about eleven tents up - three tents were occupied by the girls , the rest by the guys . ‘It was truly an amazing experience, it was just like the old testaments times’ one delegate commented . We also had some children on the campus who also enjoyed playing and exploring the tents .

I was so thankful to God to see this happen , He is making my dream come true. I want thank you people for all this

Well, finally some prayer points:

Please pray for The Hiders family as the come to India for three and a half months. They will be involved with the Trust and taking the vision forward in setting up projects. Pray for good health , for God’s provision , for safety, for Esme and Josh (the kids) as they will missing their friends.

Please pray for camps in April, I have a camp for village young people and for their leaders .

For Oasis young people , boys from Football project .

Thank you once again for all your love and support , please keep me in your prayers.

This is me saying goodbye now....by taking a nap in the Truck after a tiring camp!!.........

Love

Raj

Climbing kit

2008-02-16T12:20:00.007Z

A set of (used) climbing kit has been donated to the Trust from Sam Clarke (who's wife Anna has been to India twice) at the Taste For Adventure Centre in Hereford.

TfA has recently won £50,000 on ITV's People's Millions. Over the past 15 years TfA helped over 30'000 individuals.

Through Sam, TfA have donated a ruck sack full off stash of carabiners, harnesses & helmets which will soon be heading it's way out to Raj and the Trust via the parents of a friend of Raj's called Charlie who is on his way out to spend some time with Raj next Monday (18.2)

Charlie will also be taking some kit out and training Raj in some climbing techniques.

January 2008 update

2008-01-24T07:57:00.000Z

Raj sent a report through today as an update of what he has been involved in and what some of his plans are for this year.......

I want praise God for is faithfulness. Last year has been a fruitful year. The Fishermen Trust is slowly getting shape with its challenges, thank you for all your support and prayers for making this God given vision into a reality.

This year begun with a youth camp in Yarcard for which I was the speaker. A group of church young people had come from Chennai for this camp. We had an amazing time together, it was great to see these young people recommitting themselves to God.

For the next four weeks I’m teaching a module in Adolescent Development for the Southern Asia Bible college students, this is the college I once studied where got my Bachelors in Theology. I have forty-nine students in my class, its exciting and inspiring. All these students are from all over India, it’s a rich experience empowering these students who eventually will be going back to their places and be involved with young people.

As this year has begins I need your prayers and support more than ever! I have lots of things lined up for this year, some of them are bigger than I imagined. I’ll keep you posted as the days come closer, but for now please can I request you to pray for :

February – ‘learn to swim’ camp for the under privileged young people, this is to teach young people how to swim, as many young people in this country don’t know how to swim as result there are many fatalities.

Pray for Charily who will be with me for two months , he is an energetic young man from Cranleigh UK , who is volunteering to helping me with some of the projects for a work experience.

March – Youth workers conference with Southern Asia Bible College. Youth workers conference in outdoor pursuits and training in Ooty

April – Youth camps , Adventures outdoor leaders meetings .

May – Dave and family arrival (pray for accommodation, good health, and for their time to be fruitful ) . (For more exciting news on our trip see www.thehiders.co.uk - Dave!)
More youth camps , Christian worship concert on the 31st May .

Many thanks for all your prayers and support.....

December 2007 update....

2007-12-03T16:18:00.000Z

Had an e mail from Raj this morning with the following news and pictures. Hey, if you have time, why not drop Raj a line and tell him what you think of what he is up to?

thefishermentrust@gmail.com

"I want to praise God for the youth workers conference, this was one of its kind, and ecumenical in its nature. We had people come from various Christian backgrounds, to mention we had four catholic priests come from Tamil Nadu, one youth worker from Sri Lanka. In total we had forty people including volunteers representing three South Indian states.

There is a great need which has emerged from this conference and from Bible colleges to put resources into youth work and then make it available for churches. We have sent our first resources kit for all the participants who attended the conference. We intend to have a bimonthly resources program through the internet which will be customised to the Indian setting. In the long run we want to come up with a youth work magazine. Please can I request your prayers and suggestion for this.

The last two months I have been intensely involved in my local church with the ‘super teens’ (see the pictures below). This is an added responsibility from my other commitments to the church. The aim is to come alongside the young people in their journey of faith. Once a month we also conduct a youth club for the un -churched young people. There has been a gradual growth in these young people as we mentor them by building strong relationship.

Shamine (who was the first worker we appointed) has now left us as she is due to get married this month on the 27th Dec 07. We want to thank Shamine for all her contribution towards the trust. This leaves a space for some one to work for the trust, God willing we will be employing someone in the New Year. Please can I request you to prayers for the right person to come alongside, we want to employ at least two people beginning of next year, as we venture out in what God has called us to do.

Once again I want to thank you for all your support and prayers, please continue to uphold me in your prayers , the future looks bright ,with your help and God by our side we can make this vision into a reality . Thank you. "

Some pictures of the guys having fun at 'super teens' group at Raj's Church:

National Youth Work Conference

2007-11-02T14:19:00.003Z

Thought you might be interested to see the programme for the National Youth Work Conference that Raj is involved in setting up (see other blog entries):

Tuesday 6th November

Breakfast, Registration & Worship

Communication &leadership - Bob Muffett

Understanding Adolescents – Simon Hall
Communication &leadership- Bob Muffett
Young people today – making the gospel relevant – Clifford
Understanding Adolescents – Simon Hall
Informal education/outdoor pursuit-Raj

Wednesday 7th November

Breakfast & Worship- Paul

Devotion – Paul Dass
Youth work in call centres – Clifford
Urban missions & culture apologetics - Paul
Youth Workers – Coping with Change - Bob Muffett
Impact of youth workers in the wider church - Simon Hall
Musicians for Missions – Paul
Informal education/outdoor pursuit-Raj

Thursday 8th November

Breakfast

Worship- Clifford

Devotion – Rev Albert Davies
Trends in Youth Ministry – Simon Hall
Youth Work as a Ministry in Itself - Bob Muffett

Conclusions – Raj

Looks good eh??

October 07 update

2007-10-29T16:36:00.000Z

Raj has been really busy over the last few weeks but has managed to send through a bit of an update as to the last few weeks........

At last, the long awaited tents have come (see previous blog entry about Glastonbury). It was a struggle to get the tents from the customs office but praise God he made a way through.

The fishermen Trust now have 47 tents from the Glastonbury Festival in the UK!!! can you believe it!?

Big thanks to Richard Churms for all his hard work in collecting the tents and for making this idea into a reality. Also a big thank you to Pete Churms (Richard's Dad) who helped fly theses tents through British Airways free of cost.

Raj's sister Anitha got married to Phillip on the 11th of October (see pics).

It was an awesome wedding with seven hundred and fifty people turn up for the wedding reception in Chennai!!!! Another two hundred came for the celebration in Bangalore.

Raj's family feel so privileged to invite Philip into the family. Phillip works in Dubai and Anitha has now joined him to live there for a few years.

Please keep them in your prayers as they establish their home .

Samaritan’s Purse (see http://www.samaritanspurse.com/) is a world renowned organisation. Raj has been spearheading the logistics for a 5 day conference for them of late called ‘Prescription For Hope’ for HIV/AIDS . It was a privilege for Raj to organise this South India conference for them. Through it all Raj says he has learnt many things and build some good relationship with lots of NGO and church Pastors. There were 120 people for this conference . In keeping with the vision it was great opportunity to connect with others and building relationships .

Next big news is that the Indian government has give ‘The Fishermen Trust’ Charitable Status and 80G Recognition . What this means is that people in India can give money and have their tax exempted, this also give us the freedom to apply for grants from big companies and business. God has made this possible, it usually takes a years time to get these status but if God is for us who can be against us.

The Youth Workers conference (see previous blog entry) is coming up 6th - 8th November 07. There are going to be some great speakers involved in this conference (check the blog www.ywc07.blogspot.com). Please pray that there would be more delegates joining this conference. So far there are about 25 delegates from all over South India but the aim is to cater for 50 leaders. Also please pray for the delegates that Lord will strength and equip these youth leaders for a great task in this country of 555 million young people who are below the age of 25 .

Finally, and this is not normal for Raj - a request for finance! Well, it's more than a request - more of a miracle!!!! Raj's faithful old motorbike, which he has used for 12 years, is coming to its last stages and is causing significant ongoing problems. Raj is beginning to pray about the possibility of a 4x4 jeep that can be used in the ministry (for getting people at the outward bound centre about, teams to and from locations etc). Big challenge (and it's not as big a challenge as it would be in the UK) is we are looking at around £10,000 .

We are trusting God for this provision but if you have ideas, plans, sponsored events or would like to help raise part of this, please e mail thefishermentrust@gmail.com

2007-09-29T09:09:00.000+01:00

Talked to Raj today. He is just back from Chennai where he has been busy with preparations for his sisters marriage on the 11.10 this year. Raj is very heavily involved in this as, in India this includes meeting all the extended family etc.

Raj has also recently returned from running a camp in a place called Ooti. Raj reports "We had a great time and saw young people end up in tears in their love for God. It was an amazing time of them (and me) being reaffirmed by God's unchanging love.

Raj also mentioned about a National Youth workers conference in November that he is involved in organising with others. See the blog with info on it at http://www.ywc07.blogspot.com/ This really is a first out there so do pray that all the plans work well. Raj's 1st member of staff (Shamani) is doing really well in developing this new role etc. More on that soon.

More news on the way as Raj starts to do a monthly report for the Trustees. Some of this information (and some pictures) will be going on the blog.

It's off to work he goes...

2007-09-15T07:21:00.000+01:00

Just to let you know that Raj left for Chennai yesterday to run another camp. It is 50% Christian and 50% not yet! Please pray that all goes well as these camps can be exhausting physically, emotionally and mentally for Raj

The Trust goes to another level...

2007-09-03T18:08:00.000+01:00

The Trustees of the Fishermen Trust have agreed to employ a second worker! This will be a major step forward for the Trust as it will enable raj to push on looking for land and for connections to develop the work further whilst the worker can get going on some of the practical issues of setting up the projects.

The person the Trust have employed is a good friend of ours called Shamini Shekar (left in the attached picture) who is engaged to another good friend of ours called Camillio Xavier (on the right). Camillo has just emigrated to Australia but will be coming back later this year to marry Shamini. They will both then return to Australia. This means Shamini will be working with the Trust for just 6 months and her focus will be on establishing the role and getting it ready for someone else to take it on. She'll be very good at this!!

Update from Raj since he has returned home (August 2007)

2007-08-14T22:36:00.000+01:00

Raj has (as ever) been busy over the last few weeks since he returned to India. I had contact with him today and he has just returned from Chennai (Madras) where he has been running a camp for 13-16 years old boys. It was organised by J- Team ministers.

There were 42 boys from Chennai , most of these boys come from a non-Christian background. Raj had a really good time building relationships and sharing the gospel with these kids. He aslo did some practical sessions in self-esteem.

Raj has asked me to alert you to some of his current prayer requests which are:

Opening of the bank Account for the Trust - you wouldn't believe how complicated this can be but please pray for favour on granting this decision so that we can easily give to the Trust from the UK
Land for the drop in centre and hostel. We really want to see this land come into being by the New Year as (as you will have read earlier) we have a team planning to go to help set up the adventure centre in January 08 and a team from Hereford going out in July/August 08. As you may know my family and I (Dave) will also be going to be with Raj for 5 months next year (see http://www.thehiders.co.uk/ for more) and want to spend some time specifically helping to set the hostel up. Please pray for a good piece of land (free ideally!) for these projects
It may seem like a luxury prayer request but having spent lots of time with Raj his need for some kind of jeep (4X4 vehicle) is getting critical. Raj seems to spend a lot on getting people around (visitors from the UK or teams of people out there) and, with his faithful motorbike at last on the blink, he really needs to get a vehicle to get people about in (adventure camping etc). This is a big prayer but....we have a BIG GOD!
Finally do pray for Raj as he is setting up a national youth workers conference in November. This will be something very innovative for India - more on this another time....

Raj has spent some time recently writing up what has been achieved over the last year (2006-07). It really is staggering reading. Here are just some highlights:

DEVELOPMENT OF THE FISHERMEN TRUST:

The business vision plan for the fishermen trust was completed beginning of April.
Paul Dass, Annie Malcolm, Miriam Praveen and Vijay Praveen agreed to be trustees
Met with Charetred Accountant for the first time on the 6th Nov (Praveen/ Dave/ Raj) .
CA has written deeds and these have been agreed by the Trustees
21st of Feb 07 trust registered
Tax exemption applied
Funds secured from Christ Church for two years starting from March 07 .

ADVENTURE CAMPING:

Following camps have happened:
Hebron guides camp
BCM camp
J Team
Sreeni’s group
Moore road group
BBC youth
BBC family camp
Land yet to be identified

YOUTH DROP – IN CENTRE:

Happening slowly but not much progress made.
Creating awareness/ sowing seeds
Land identified /under negotiation

RELATIONSHIPS:

Church relationship strengthened / youth /young- adults relationship strengthened at BBC
Speaker for youth conference / three churches came together- Chennai Aug 06

Enabled a small church to run VBS (holiday club) for un -churched children

Not much progress made in area of social care
Srineevas visited UK for four weeks as part cross culture experience.
Anupa from Chennai currently has enrolled for a one-year program with CYE training in water sports.
Young people from Christ Church to come in Aug but things didn’t materialise
Beth and Anna visited India for three weeks in April 07 as part of cross-cultural experience

TRAINING:

Did training for SABC Youth workers conference in Informal education –March 06
One day visit to training outdoor centre for students exposure.
Leaders have been training in conducting camps / -Progress made.
Conducted SU Avalanche Camp staff training July -06
Training has been conducted for churches youth leaders/ BBC, ETC ,
Dates are set for the national youth workers conference for November 07

Raj has also been working on the Trust's plans for 2007-08. Here are some highlights.........

DEVELOPMENT OF THE FISHERMEN TRUST:

Publicity of the trust
Apply for tax exemption
Create Bank account for TFT
Decide roles for the Trustees
Raise funds for the trust
Dedication of the trust through Church
Employ 2nd staff member
Trustees training
Projects implementation / land for ADV/DIN/NS
Set-up advisory Trustees for the projects
Land purchase

ADVENTURE CAMPING:

Identify land.
Develop potential to build an adventure centre at friends place.
Raise support and awareness in the UK for adventure centre
Use local contacts to collocate data on available land and potential camp site
Learn to swim camps
More adventure camps
Possibility of making our own canoes
Volunteers to work on our site
Construct low and high rope course
1st Camp on new site

YOUTH DROP – IN CENTRE:

Create awareness for drop in centre
Secure funding for the project
Establish advisory group /seek assistance in setting up the drop in centre
Rent a building to be used as a drop in centre/ night shelter
Drop in centre fully functioning
Proposal for talk bus to be made
Set-up hotline for young people to call

RELATIONSHIPS:

Strengthen relationships with churches in UK /ind
Help local youth organisation
Have visitors from UK
Raj to visit UK to touch base/talk to potential funders
Help in putting a team together for a project for The Samaritans
Network youth workers/ churches
Network with Bangalore Youth Transformation (BYT)
Organise HIV conference through the Samaritans
Oasis girls camp
Christmas feeding program
Create a hospitality team for the UK visitors.
Identify needs which the TFT could help for other charity trust

TRAINING:

Raj to go through training in adventure sports while is stay in UK.
Work on the national youth workers conference in Oct
Send proposal for Bible colleges to train their students in YW
National youth workers conference
Work towards an Indian version of youth work magazine

If the Bible says 'without vision the people perish....' there's not going to be a lot of perishing going on in 2007-08!!!!!

Exciting eh?? Why not e mail Raj and encourage him. Click here and mail him now!

Possible India Teams in 2008

2007-08-14T19:09:00.000+01:00

You may or may not know that my family and I (Dave Hider) will be going out to India to spend time with Raj and the Trust. Further info can be found on our trip at our blog at http://www.thehiders.co.uk/

We are also looking at a large (ish) team of about 15 going from the Church we go to in Hereford (plus a few others). This trip will be around July/August 2008. We have met with people who think they may be interested and we are looking at confirming numbers late September.

Finally, on top of these 2 exciting ventures it looks as if there may be a small team going out in January to work with Raj and others to establish some of the outdoor pursuits courses at the proposed adventure centre.

It looks as if Raj has access to some land through a friend for the centre and we have 2/3 trained instructors from the UK that we know well that have said they are happy to go out and train some of the local guys in how to set up things like high and low ropes courses etc.

All very exciting!! Please do pray all these plans will happen if they are 'right' to.

Raj heads back for India...

2007-07-02T17:16:00.000+01:00

I came down to London on Sunday (1.7) to meet with Raj and spend a bit of time reflecting on his trip to the UK. More details on that later but it really has been a spectacular trip for him....

I took Raj to Heathrow at 4am this morning. Easier said than done with all the tight security recently.

Raj flys to Dubai where he is staying for 2 days meeting Raj's sister's prospective husband. All part of the family vetting process....Raj will then travel back to Bangalore....

Sad....but he has had a fantastic good trip......

A very 'in tents' moment.....

2007-06-29T16:11:00.000+01:00

Raj goes home in 2 days time. I spoke with him last night and he told me of another story.......one of many that have happened on this trip.......

On the 23rd of June Raj went to a Church that he has some friends at in Farnborough and told us about his need for tents to support the growth of his slum children/adventure camp scheme. Some of Raj’s friends there contacted Glastonbury Festival organisers after the Festival was over to see if they could donate 50 tents to Fishermen Trust The roller coaster ride had begun........

In just two days from point of initial contact to implementing the plan everything had to be organised. Despite many setbacks a team got together a 5 men, top of the line Mercedes van and trailer and Land Rover Defender 4x4 and headed down on our 2 hour journey to Glastonbury Festival, Pilton, Somerset. From 8 in the morning till 3pm come rain or shine the team pulled down tent after tent, amazed at the quantity and quality of the tents, some as expensive £600 each. Come the end of the day and only 48 hours from the conception of the plan the group had got 65 high quality tents which will accommodate 200-300 Indian slum children. Praise God!!

The tents will now (we hope) be transported to Raj in India via the Dad of one of Raj’s friends who is a pilot with British Airways!!

Special thanks go to:

Ian Simpson (Driver and Camp Clown),

Andy Simmons (Tent Expert)

Jon McDonald (The Wig Wearer) and last but not least

James Walker (Master Off Roader).

More pics from Raj in the UK......

2007-06-25T21:08:00.000+01:00

(L & R) Raj canoeing at

Abernethy Trust in Scotland.

(L) Me swimming in a lake in Scotland!

(R) Friends Richard and Joe who will be helping build canoes.

Friend Richard at St Michaels Abbey Farnborough.

Raj is here....in fact he's 2 weeks in!

2007-06-02T10:11:00.000+01:00

Well Raj has finally arrived in the UK. In fact he's been here for 2 weeks now! He has already been to Bexhill (for a friends wedding) and then to Croydon to stay with Margaret (who Raj stayed with when he lived in the UK).

Raj came to us in Hereford last Sunday (27.5) and has had a really busy week.....

We have been to 2 outdoor pursuit centres in Hereford. This one is Taste for Adventure (TfA) where a friend of ours work (that's Sam on the right). We hope to be able to get Sam (and some colleagues) out to India when it's time to build the centre there....

Sam also gave us the nod about some cheap (full size) plans for building canoes that were going cheap on E Bay. We bid for them and won!!! So Raj returns to India with a full set of plans and instructions for building 14ft canoes - something he has wanted for ages......

Raj also went out caving for the day in the Black Mountains with a TfA team. Here's a couple of pics of TfA:

We have spent some time with the leaders at Christian Life Centre (where we go to Church) as we are looking at building a stronger link with them. We also met with about 30 of our friends (from CLC) for a chance to get to know Raj better. These are all really crucial links....

Friday am we went out to BODS , a Christian outdoor centre and spent sometime with Ben there (that's Ben below left). Raj had a great time at both these centres who offer very different models of outdoor centres for Raj to consider.....

Here's a couple of pics of BODS and Ben (on left) who works there). Again we hope to link with some of the BODS team when we need a group to go to India so these have all bee great contacts to make.

Later in the day (after being at BODS) we all went for a Kayak down the River Wye and had a great day as the weather was great.

Again here are some pics:

Visa

2007-05-10T09:13:00.000+01:00

Just heard this morning that Raj has got the visa for him coming to the UK from the 18.5 - 4.7. That's great news.......

May 2007 update

2007-05-09T19:18:00.000+01:00

I received this update from Raj this morning.......

I want to take this time to write a short note of thanks for your continued support in this ministry.

The last three months have been a great blessing experiencing God’s faithfulness and his provision. As many of you’ll know my father had to go through an open-heart sugary beginning of January.

He is now much better and recovering thanks for all your prayers.

The following are few highlights as to how the vision and work are expanding:

At the end of January I was involved in a training program for four weeks at the Southern Asia Bible College. I had twenty-five students in my class and I taught a module for them in Adolescence development. This was greatly welcomed and well received by the students. This was my first teaching opportunity for bible college students. I must say that I enjoyed every bit of it. These bible college students are from all over India. Each of them come from different states of India with their own distinct culture, ethnicity and language. It was an eye opining experience learning how to come along side young people in their transition stage. I was greatly encouraged by the student’s response. Probably this was the first time in the history of the college where a module was taught in Adolescence development. The college has asked me to do more modules in the near future embracing Youth ministry Course.

One of our Trustees (Annie) and her husband Malcolm has very generously offered their ground floor to be used as an office for two years free of cost. It’s a two bedroom flat. This is a great provision from God for which I am utterly thankful.

On The 21st of February, as Dave has mentioned elsewhere in this blog, we registered ourselves as a Christian Charity/Trust with the Government called ‘The Fishermen Trust’. Praise God it has finally happened. The trustees have begun to meet.

March was fantastic month, my sister Anitha was engaged to Philip, they plan to get married in October 2007.

March also brought a new horizon in ministry working alongside with another youth ministry called ‘Capstone Ministries’. Here is Paul Victor, founder of Capstone Ministries:

I worked as the event manager for a large outreach concert on the 6th April. There were a number of local bands (here is one):

and the mainline act was a New Zealand called RedRain. I must say this was a new experience for me and for my team, but we have learned so many things and I praise God for this opportunity to reach out to urban young people through music. Here is a pic of me being interviewed by the local media:We had three thousand young people come for this concert. We had seven of our Indian bands and one International band from New Zealand called RedRain playing for this concert. Here are some pics

As part of our ongoing relationship with Dave’s church in Hereford we had two of Dave's friends (Beth and Anna) visit for three weeks to Bangalore in April. It was a blessing have them both. I have never had two girls stay at my place in the past!! Thank you Beth and Anna for putting up with me and for all the fresh perspective you’ll have added. Here we are:And finally, if you haven't heard already, the big news is that, God willing, I will be visiting UK for six weeks from 18th 0f May to 4th of July 2007. I have yet to get my visa but hopefully all will be well.

I plan to visit friends in Bexhill, Hereford, Cheltenham, Cardiff, Chichester, Oxford, Scotland, & London/Croydon and will be spending time speaking at various Church's about the work. Please pray I get the visa OK and for God’s provision for this trip as this will be amajor challenege.

Thank you once again for all your prayers and support. God bless.

Lots of love and prayers .

Raj

Funding..

2007-04-08T08:54:00.000+01:00

Things step up a gear from April 2007 with a very generous quarterly gift from the Church Raj was based at when he was in the UK. This quarterly gift now means that all of Raj's day to day expenses are covered and the trust is effectively funding it's first full time employee with the possibility of a little left over to look for a second!! Along with other giving, this brings some security to Raj's support base for the next 2 years at least by which time he is hoping to be funded from Indians/Indian Churches.

This is a major development as much of our focus has been working on developing the trust but that is so hard to do when you need funding to survive.

New logo options for the trust

2007-03-28T16:19:00.000+01:00

Raj has had a friend work on some options for a logo for the Trust. The options are below and we thought it would be fun if we allowed you all to have your say on which one you think is best. Have to stress that Raj and the Trustees will have the final say but if you have a favourite you need to e mail me here by next Friday (30th March).

The 3 options are:

Option 1

Option 2

Options 3

Remember 30 March is the deadline for comments.......

Working with Capstone Ministries...

2007-03-13T20:32:00.000Z

Raj is currently involved in an exciting project working with Capstone Ministries....

Capstone Ministries is a registered body with the Indian Government. It works among the young people in the city of Bangalore through music. It's aim is to "help young people be better citizens of our nation, no drugs, no alcohol and no body surfing events, just enjoy the clean music and have clean fun is our slogan"

Capstone Ministries is lead by a friend of Raj's. It is involved in many different events day in and day out to name a few:

· Conducting music classes
· Dental &health camps in slums

· Promoting the Indian music bands
· Enter the battle zone( Indian rock bands)
· Enter the obsession ring
· Obsession (Indian worship bands)
· The awakening tour

· Purpose driven life study groups
· Street Ministry teams
· Park ministry team
· Mission 3:16 (a 4 day mission trip to orphanages once in 3 months)
· Building ramps for the physically challenged as the need arises
· Girls day out (sexual education, abortion awareness…conducted by professionals )
· Youth workers training
· Youth camps.

Raj is working specifically on and event called 'The Battle Zone Music Fest' - see the flyer below. The event is on the 6 th of April . we have a enormous task of razing funds for the project costing almost £2,650 Indian Rs 2,30,000.

Six local bands will be playing and this will give a good platform for the Indian Christian youth bands to perform. Headlining will be a band called called Redrain (see www.redrain.org). Red Rain members start making their way back to NZ this month after two months apart. After a very busy schedule in 2006 the band decided to take an extra month to rest and recoup with family and friends. 2007 sees the band the hit the studio to re- record some old songs and work on some new ones.

They have some great tours planned for the year starting at the end of March in India and will be in the states and Europe from Sept through Dec.

They are hoping to get 3-4 thousand young people for this concert so please prayer that all the organisation goes to plan.

More info about the event is at http://redrainmusic.blogspot.com/

The Fishermen Trust is legal!!

2007-02-24T09:10:00.000Z

I am pleased to report that on Wednesday 21st February 2007 the Fishermen Trust became a legal entity!!

Raj mailed me this morning with some pictures of 'the formal ceremony' (done on the boot of a car outside the Chartered Accountants by the looks of it!!!

Raj signing the deeds....

Raj is allowed to be the 'founding trustee' (something they have in India but there will be plenty of other trustees to ensure right governance and that the trust is managed properly.

Miriam signing the deeds....

Miriam is married to Preveen (another trustee). They have 2 kids.

Preveen and Miriam go to the same Church as Raj and have been key in getting this whole vision going. They are really suportive of Raj and his vision.

Paul Dass also goes to Raj Church and is a key guy in Bangalore and India and beyond!!

Paul runs an organisation called Provision India.

Here he is signing the deeds....

The trustees 'celebration' after the signing...

Preveen (Miriams husband) is the one nearest the camera and Annie next to Miriam. Annie has been a friend and a greater supporter of Raj's for many years. She is married to Malcolm with two daughters.

They have very generously offered their flat to be used by the Fishermen Trust for two years free of cost

And finally, all of the trustees....

You may also be aware that Raj has also been lecturing at the South Asia Bible College in Bangalore. I hope Raj will mail us a report on that soon but in the mean time here are some pictures of his students:

News from the 2nd trustees meeting

2007-02-03T21:39:00.000Z

Raj and I spoke this morning (via Skype) and Raj updated me on the latest on the trust development. The trustees met this week with the Chartered Accountant that has been helping set up the Trust deeds and the following was agreed:

The Founder member (which you have to have when starting a Trust in India) will be Raj.
The name of the Trust was confirmed as ‘The Fishermen Trust’ and each project of the Trust would be named separately as they are developed.
One of the trustees will be going abroad for a period of 2 years but will continue to be on the Trust Board
Representative from Raj's Church (BBC) Trust can be an ex-officio member on the advisory level
The sample Trust Deed was agreed at the meeting and the Trust will be registered on the 20th Feb 2007!!
A Bank account for the Trust will be opened
The Trust will be applying for tax exemption (FCRA)

As you can see things are really moving!! Raj also told me the exciting news that a lady is to let him have her property (whilst she is away for 2 years) for the use of the Trust (as offices etc). The house is a really good size and this will be a great base for the Trust.

Raj is currently teaching students at the South Asian Bible College.

All these developments are part of the plan for 2006/07. Things are really moving.....!!

From Raj......

2007-01-17T19:23:00.000Z

Received the following from Raj tonight.....

"I have just come back from Chennai this morning. I wanted to take this time to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your prayers for my dad who has had a successful open-heart surgery. He is now back home recovering, he still feels week and needs lot of rest and regain energy. The doctors have advised him not to use his bike and avoid travel.

My family and I are so thankful to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ for granting us favour and mercy. As many of you know we come from a Hindu background. It is amazing to see how my Dad and Mum have been growing in faith. God has given my Dad almost a second life. In the hospital after Dad’s surgery, he was sharing the gospel and praying with others who have come for a similiar cause. It was so encouraging to see him reading the bible and praise God. Indeed God has been merciful to me by touching my Dad’s life. My mother has been equally growing in the Lord , her prayer life and the time she spends in reading God word has encouraged me so much .

My parent’s spiritual journey means a lot to me for once they where lost but now they are saved. My sister Anitha and brother George have been a great source of strength a I thank God for them.

Please continue to pray for me as I have lots to catch up. God willing we will register as a Trust this month, which will be called ‘The Fishermen Trust’

For the next three weeks I will be teaching in a bible college, I will teaching two modules in youth work (Adolescence Development and Working Groups and Individuals).

Once again thank you for all your support and encouragement, God bless.

Lots of love and prayers.

Raj

“The Best Reason For Hope is God’s Faithfulness”

Back home...

2007-01-14T20:01:00.000Z

Just heard (via text) from Raj that his Dad is getting better and is returning home on 17.1.07 from his parents. That's good news as the op was a major one (open heart surgery).

Raj is well and returning home on Wednesday....

Update on Raj's Dad

2007-01-03T18:01:00.000Z

Raj is leaving tonight to go to Chennai where his parents live. His Dad will be going to hospital on the 5th January 2007 to have open heart (bypass) surgery. Please keep him in your prayers .

Family is a big concern in India as I am sure you will know so please pray for Raj and his family. Please pray that the surgery goes well and he has a quick recovery.

Update on the camps....

2006-12-24T15:22:00.000Z

Here's some photo's of one of the camps that Raj has done recently....

Update on the Trust - December 2006

2006-12-23T17:25:00.000Z

As mentioned before, this blog is really for people who have supported Raj over recent months and years (financially or otherwise) or who has expressed an interest in doing so.

I have had every intention of updating you all straight after coming back from my latest trip to India this year but things have been very busy since I got back and I just have not got round to it. I do plan to keep in touch with you all over the next few months far more than we have. I have agreed with Raj how we can do this and we'll start afresh in January 2007.

I have just come back from a great (6th??) trip to India to meet with Raj. It was my 40th this year and he surprised me on day 3 with a trip to Delhi to visit the Taj Mahal etc (see below)

This took up the first week and week two was working on the developments listed below
Having said all of that there is lots to tell you.....

Here are some of the headlines both of the trip I had there, what happened on that trip as far as Raj's support is concerned and where Raj is going from now.

MINISTRY
The vision Raj has had for years is now coming together in a way that I never imagined possible. Here are some of the things that have happened over recent months to progress some of the aims of the vision which, if you have not seen it before, is encapsulated in the business plan mentioned below.

A Trust (based on the aims listed in the business plan) is now set up with the help of a Christian Chartered accountant. Here is a photo of Raj and one of the trustees (Praveen) after coming out of the chartered accountants having discussed the deeds - a real milestone meeting.

The deeds of the trust will soon be agreed by the Government (we hope) and they are attached for your info. as well. This is an exciting step as the vision is going from something that Raj has held for some time to being shared by a small groups of trustees. Raj is clear about the ownership of the vision and the need to share this with others for the future development of the work.

The first trustees meetings have been held and things are going well. I know all the trustees and they are good people. They have been wrestling with whether they should set up a new trust or try and develop the work under a currently existing trust. They have not taken this decision lightly but all including Raj feel a new trust with new trustees is the way to go. They will need help on the governance side of things but Raj has people who can help on that

Raj is in discussions with numerous people (far too many to mention) about progressing various aspects of the Trust. The elements of the trust that you can see on the attached are:

Adventure camping centre: Raj has been talking to a guy about the possibility of land that is available. Watch this space!!!

Drop in centre and night shelter: Raj has had contact with a couple of people who have a similar vision. It seems this will be the first 'project' to happen. I have given some input to the nighshelter as I have experience in this area

Relationships with others: Wow!! Far too much to say in this area but just to say this is a huge growth area. Raj has more contacts and relationships than you can shake a stick at!!

Training: Raj has been doing training at the local Bible College and is looking at doing self esteem training and skills and loads of other areas

I have spent a lot of time with Raj talking through structuring a charity and accountability issues. He is just great on taking what's good about the Uk and mixing it with the best of India too!

FAMILY
Just to let you know - hot off the press - that Raj's Dad is not well at all. He may have to have open heart surgery and Raj is in Chennai (where his parents live) now. I will let you know more when I do...

Rajs' brother George (see photo attached when we met him at Hyderabad station recently on our 41 hour train journey coming back from Delhi!!) is doing well and is working in media in Hyderabad on Disney films and all sorts

Anita, Raj's sister is doing well. Please pray for a husband for her. This is really important in their culture...

PERSONALLY
I guess for me the biggest miracle I witnessed while I was out there was seeing (or at least hearing) that all the money that Raj needs for his personal funding for the next 2 years is now in place - well it will be as from March next year. I have worked hard with Raj to secure enough funding from the UK for the 1st 2 years of his work. This is based on the fact that Raj has been in the UK for the past 3 years and therefore we are seeing this as his initial support base. After the first 2 years Raj is clear about the fact that he wants and needs to get local support from local India people. This is crucial for the future long term success of the trust as we cannot do the old 'English missionary does stuff to the poor people' bit any longer!!!!!

Raj and I set a goal on the finances of raising just short of £300 per month. This was after doing a lot of work on a budget as to what his needs are (he finds all this hard to talk about as you can imagine). We had got a fair way towards this target before I went and heard when I was over there that the church where Raj was based in the UK will be funding the remaining amount. This is such good news as it means this does not have to be a focus or Raj's work. The funding is sorted so now Raj give 100% focus to establishing the trust without worrying about money. It also means that all the money that comes in from now on can go to the Trust and it's growth.

Finally in this section I am sure Raj will not mind me saying that he would also like you also to pray for a wife for him. This is a big thing for Raj.

Well I think that is it for now. I know you are keen on supporting Raj but I don't want to overdo it!!! I plan over the next few weeks to set up a blog or webpage so that everything I hear about how Raj is doing can be put on there. Then if you want to know everything you can have a look but if not I am not bothering you too much!!!

I want to end this by saying again I have witnessed many miracles (I don't claim that lightly) over the last year or tow in Raj's life. I can assure you, having witnessed all of the above and more 1st hand many times that this work is good, being managed well and is growing. God is in it...of that I have no doubt.

Many thanks, on Raj's behalf and from me for all you have done to be a part of this......

The Vision

2006-12-23T17:23:00.000Z

Raj's Vision (now the basis of the Trust) has been written up in a stunning business plan document. Unfortunately I cannot upload this to the blog but it can be mailed to you by contacting me at thehiders@gmail.com

THE NEED

In recent times India’s leading magazines have come up with statistics of the Indian population, the enormous size of the ‘Indian population is 1.2 billion out of which 54 percent of Indians are below 25 years of age’[1]. ‘Indians below 15 years of age are 336 million and 121 million are between the ages of 15 and 19. The age group of 20-34 are 271 million, adding up 728 million under 34 years of age making almost 70 present of the population’[2]. Thus making ‘India world’s youngest nation having 555 million young people’.[3]

According to the University Grants Commission of India, there are 325 Universities and 16,000 colleges[4], about 3.1 million graduates are produced in India every year and this is expected to double by 2010[5]. Although this points to a vast number of educated urban young people, alongside them are the underprivileged, dysfunctional, uneducated, semi -literate, under-employed young people living in the city side by side in slums. Unemployment has grown to 27 million people[6]. There is huge diversity amongst the young people living in cities.

‘Bangalore has the highest rate of suicide; as many as 1800 people commit suicide each year in the city, a majority of attempted suicides are between the age group of 20 to 24’[7]. A survey conducted by abortion centres across the city of Mumbai states that a minimum of 120 teenagers undergo abortions every month.

‘According to WHO ( World Health Organization) 10 percent of all abortions in India every year, are about five million a year among girls between 15 and 19.’[8] There are 5.1 million HIV positive patients and 1,11,608 people with Aids in India , it is estimated that by 2010 there will be 20-25 million HIV positive people in India[9].

India also has the largest population of street children, ‘it is estimated that in urban areas there are 11 million children on the streets. Of them 420,000 street children live in six metropolitan cities of India, in Delhi alone there are at least 100,000 street children’[10] .

The government estimates ‘that there are 400,000 child prostitutes in India. Unofficial estimates say India has as many as two million prostitutes, of which 20 percent are below 15 years of age. UINICEF claims that almost 15 percent of them enter the profession before the age of 15, and 25 percent enter between 15 and 18’[11].

The need is unprecedented in reaching the young people of this vast nation .We cannot ignore the sheer size population of Indian young people, they are the lifeline of India, we need to step outside of our stereotype mentality and build bridges in reaching out to young people

[1] Outlook, January 2004,p.50
[2] India Today January 2005,p.5
[3] Outlook, January 2004,p.50
[4] The Week, September 2004,p.6
[5] The Week, January, 2005.p.6
[6] Outlook February 2004
[7] Deccan Chronicle October 2005,P.8
[8] India Today, January 2005,p58-66.
[9] The Times of India, December2005.p.6
[10] Vishal Arora ,How Do We Care for the Children and Youth Indian Mission IMA, January –March 2006,p22-23
[11] Vishal Arora ,, Indian Mission ,IMA, January –March 2006,p22

WHAT OTHERS ARE DOING

The mainline churches with their traditional approach have very little scope in addressing issues which young people face. Today’s young people are shaped by postmodernism and globalisation. The church needs to wake up by getting involved and taking proactive initiatives and become more relevant to the young generation.

The church has no choice but to change its methods in engaging with young people taking the gospel where they’re at.

Along with the enormous challenge of reaching out to young people the church faces the challenge to be a witness in the pluralistic, multicultural, multi linguistic society. Young people are not just the leaders of the future but they are the church of today. How we engage with them today will result for the future.

There has been some initiative taken by many para church organisations that have focused on young people.

YMCA, YWCA and Student Christian Movement have been pioneers in addressing young people, they have had their times. Youth for Christ and Scripture Union have been ministering in Christian Schools and Colleges providing Christian education.

Union of Evangelical Students in India (UESI), Campus Crusade for Christ and Inter Collegiate Prayer Fellowship (ICPF) have been involved in discipleship with young people in colleges, they conduct bible study clubs in colleges.

Organisations such as Friends Missionary Prayer Band (FMPB) Indian Evangelical Mission (IEM), Blessing Youth Mission (BYM) and Operation Mobilization (OM) have taken the approach of missions challenging young people to be involved in missions in reaching the lost. The focus has been on training young people to be Evangelists, Pastors and Missionaries taking the gospel to the different corners of India.

Although these organisations have some contribution in reaching young people, there is still great need for youth work bringing innovative ways of reaching today’s young people.

The Christian population according to the Indian census report is 2.3% around twenty four million including catholic and protestants.[1] The need for new intervention is fundamental if Christians have to take the great commission seriously.

This is the reason, I feel passionate in bringing a new approach for youth work and ministry in India. These new interventions will be addressing and supporting young people at grassroots, helping them to tackle their issues and take responsibility for their development.

In order to be effective and to accomplish the vision an organisation is needed to bring efficiency and consistency in what the Trust will be engaging in. Adventure camping, youth drop in centre and accredited training are unique concepts for the Indian scenario.

These interventions will seek to be on the cutting edge, providing the best services tailored to meet the needs of this generation of young people.

[1] John Amalraj, Indian Mission ,IMA, January –March 2006,p25

THE VISION
Here are the core elements to the vision which the trust has (in chart format)

Adventure camping: A centre providing first class out door pursuits activities with qualified instructors.

This project will br fairly groundbreaking. There are others doing adventure camping (such as scripture Union in Chennai etc) but this centre will be the first of it's type in Bangalore.

The Trust will initially run camps with the existing campsites for the underprivileged, dysfunctional and marginalized young people. It will also work with school pupils and urban young people in providing outdoor adventure activities. Adventure camping has been a big part of Raj’s Christian Journey. It is a fantastic means by which young people can be reached where they can come away to experience and enter into a meaningful relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ through activities which are thrilling, safe and fun.

The adventure centre will provide activities that are purpose built to enhance learning in personal and social development. Services will be provided to deal with issues such as Self Esteem, Conflict Management, Interpersonal Relationship, Problem Solving, Decision making skills, Team Building and many more.

Drop in & night shelter: The drop in centre will provide a range of services in Information, Advice, Advocacy and Counselling for young people.

Information and Advice will be provided in issues such as Sexual Health, Substance Misuse, Family, Abuse, Housing, Employment and Mental Health. Counselling will be offered on an appointment basis.

The Drop In centre will also work closely with other NGO’s in networking resources. Advocacy will be an integral part in supporting young people empowering them to make informed decisions; and base their choices on knowledge rather than ignorance.

The drop in is not a familiar thing in India so this facility will be pretty ground breaking. As many of you will know, India currently has a significant number of call centres operating on behalf of the UK and elsewere. Many of the staff at these call centres work long hours in an intense environment and when they finish work they can play hard too!!! This is having significant impact on things like unplanned pregnancies etc so this drop in with be of vital significance.

You will alos be aware of the number of street kids that India has. The night shelter will be a place for kids identified through the drop in to be able to access 24 care through the night shelter. An assessment will be made along with referral to other agencies. Referral will be also made for training and employment.

Relationships with others: Raj (founder of the Trust) has significant relationships with others in Bangalore and beyond. The trust will be at the forefront of developing relationships with other City youth worker etc in the City.

Raj is working in partnership with Churches and Agencies both nationally and internationally. Th Trust will seek to have exchange programmes, between India and the UK, thereby creating opportunities for young people to be exposed to and involved in different cultures.

Liaison will also be built with agencies where they will be involved in specialised training programs tailored towards the needs in Youth Work and in Adventure pursuits.

Setting up inner city youth events with local youth workers; projects will be set for social action working along with churches in reaching out to their communities. Worship events will be set-up for young people where they can come and be involved in worship and in social action, putting their faith into action.

Build partnership in working with young people at grassroots in rural areas. FYM will seek to have working relations in strengthening youth workers at the grassroots in the rural context by sharing resources and coming alongside them in supporting their work.

Accredited training: Raj has been in the UK for 3 years training in theology and youth work with Oasis (www.oasisuk.org) and returned to India a year ago as one of the most qualified youth worker the Country has!

The Trust will begin to facilitate accredited training in Youth Work for people who seek to be
professionally qualified in youth work. A combination of theory and best youth work practice will be offered in youth work and ministry. FYM’s future plan is to run a two –three year Diploma, Degree program in Youth Work and Ministry.

To start with Raj has been working in partnership with Bible colleges in setting up a short- term course, and will set up specialised programs for churches to enhance training for youth workers and youth pastors. Subsequently there will be regular youth work conferences held throughout the country.

The Trust will eventually seek to provide training for church leaders in rural settings where they can make an impact in reaching young people at grassroots. Training programs will be carefully tailored to meet the challenges in diversity facing the Indian youth culture.

The adventure centre will also be used as a training centre where Instructor training courses will be provided for people who want to pursue outdoor adventure activities. It will host a whole range of accredited courses in outdoor and adventure activities (see the section on adventure camps in the business plan).

This will provide a culture of professionally trained instructors who will be involved in our campsites and beyond, and will provide a base for them to use the value of using outdoor adventure activities in Christian Ministry.

VALUES:
The Trust is a Christian Trust and will therefore stay true to the following values:

We will be God centred…
FYM is a Christian organisation and as such, our focus from beginning to end is on God and on the building of His kingdom. However, FYM are committed to working with all people of all faiths. Each FYM project is established to serve all the community we will retain this ‘God centred focus’ in all we do.

We will introduce people to God…..
In everything we do we will seek to introduce people to the Christian faith and ultimately help them discover a personal faith in God. We will do this, as we believe that a personal relationship with God is the best thing a person can ever discover. Having said this we will not pressurize anyone but give the freedom and responsibility of learning back into the control of the hearers

We will ensure prayer is at the heart…
Because we are a Christian organisation, we are committed to prayer being at the heart of all we do in FYM. We cannot deliver any of our projects and ultimately build God’s Kingdom without God in every aspect of our work. We are therefore wholly committed to prayer being at the heart of all we do,

We will be people focussed…
People will always be the focus of all that we do in FYM. We will continue to establish projects and secure resources to support all that we do but core to all that we do will always be a commitment and focus on people. “People matter more than things,” we will not let anything else take the place of this motto.

We will serve the community…
Our main aim is to be of service to the community in the same way as Christ was. In
everything Christ did, he served… Whilst taking a clear leadership role in the community
where we can, this leadership will come from an attitude of a servant

We will have integrity in all we do…
We will act at all times with honesty and integrity. We will do as we say and say as we do.
We believe this will generate high standards of satisfaction and performance in all projects
and gets results – in every sense!

We will be creative and proactive…
We will seek to be innovative and creative in all projects. We will always strive to take the
lead in India’s fast growing culture, to be proactive in a desire to shape our culture and not
just respond to it.

We will be fair and embrace diversity...
We will treat everyone we work with – users of our projects, funders, supporters, and
employees fairly. We will embrace diversity and work to challenge every disadvantage we
encounter.

A full version of the business plan can be mailed to you by contacting me at thehiders@gmail.com