nehemia MAGAZIN LIFE. CHANGE. A WORKSHOP ON LIFE FOR THE WORLD how does the nehemia team work? WHY MERCY IS NEEDED a theological perspective EMPOWERMENT step by step into maturity and freedom

3 Now, figuratively speaking, the baton has successfully been passed. „A threefold cord is not easily broken.“ (Ecclesiastes 4:12). `A threefold cord’ has now taken over the responsi- bility from Hans Heidelberger: Thomas Tschaftary, Elke Feld and Mathias Hühnerbein have been closely partnering with Hans, in some ways even since the nehemia team was foun- ded. All three have been shaping the nehemia team’s work for two decades in a variety of positions and tasks. Our three main leaders will be complemented by a dedicated „core team“. Together with this new team we eagerly face the fu- ture, so that we can continue to move people and develop life. Or in the words of missiologist Peter Kuzmič: „Hope is the ability to hear the music of the future. Faith is the courage to dance to it in the present.“ This issue of nehemia magazine is an expression of our hope and faith for the present as well as the future. May it inspire and grant you insight into our current work. We wish you joy as you read these pages! Your nehemia board DEAR READER, A new season has begun! After 34 years of dedicated commitment to fellow human beings and Christian commu- nities we released Hans Heidelberger into „un-retirement“ in December 2020. This is equivalent to 34 years of „God‘s story“ with the nehemia team in Fürth and beyond. In 1987, a few young men and women around John MacFar- lane and Hans Heidelberger boldly began putting their dre- am into action and created an inter-denominational meeting platform for Christians from various church communities. While the nehemia team’s first ten years were mainly spent focusing on the northern Bavarian region, the work expan- ded and international projects were launched in the 1990s. Ever since, the variety of projects and the number of count- ries involved have steadily increased. The team‘s involvement with the needy and those in distress has spread across the globe. Hans Heidelberger was the driving force behind this movement. His heart and passion have inspired, delighted and accompanied thousands of people. As a team, we have prepared well for Hans’ „farewell“. Alrea- dy in December 2016, the leaders decided on a roadmap for the transition process. Today we can say that this process has been successful. This transition period was characterized by thorough and deliberate conversations based on mutual openness and respect. We are also very grateful for the exter- nal support and advice provided by Peter Aschoff.

5 31 32 INDIA Raja‘s Story: 33 34 34 35 36 36 DIGNITY FOR THE LEAST OF ALL FAREWELL TO RAJA THE DALITS TAILORING FREEDOM PAKISTAN EDUCATION CHANGES LIVES Faisal‘s Story: A SECOND CHANCE 37 38 KENYA Paul‘s Story: MY CHANCE FOR A BETTER FUTURE 39 THE MIWANI CENTER 41 42 BURKINA FASO LITTLE EFFORT – GREAT IMPACT 43 44 45 46 46 RUSSIA JOY RETURNS Evgenie‘s Story: CHRONOLOGY OF A RUINED LIFE BOOMERANG OF GOODNESS COLD SIBERIA 47 48 ROMANIA HOUSE OF LIGHT 49 50 50 51 NEHEMIA TESTIMONIALS SPONSORSHIPS SUPPORT IMPRINT 39 THE MIWANI CENTER „A SELF-DETERMINED AND RE- SPONSIBLE LIFE ENCOMPASSES THE WHOLE PERSON.“ – EMPOWERMENT 12 33 GOODBYE RAJA

God is not a Franconian No, this is not as banal as it sounds. We often unconsciously think and expect other people to be and behave like us. And though we‘d never say so, we often think: The way we are is right. These cultural „glasses“ also shape our understanding of God. Our team was international from the beginning. It soon became apparent that John MacFarlane (England), John Krueger (USA) and Hans Heidelberger (Franconia) not only had different personalities, but also came from different cul- tures. Later, this was reinforced by encountering and working together with Africans and Asians. Although I now need glas- ses in my old age, in the ways just described I‘ve been able to set aside many glasses of my (pre)judgments. One example among many: I haven‘t always been cozy towards Eastern Eu- ropeans. Today I appreciate not only the culinary specialties such as pelmeni, blinis and shashlik or a hot banya (sauna) in Siberia, but above all the deep, warm friendships that have grown during my travels. No place for racism There is no place for patriotism, racism or nationalism! There is no preferred nationality. Neither my white skin color nor the fact that I was born in a prosperous part of this world sets me apart from people of other origins. Only in by being comple- mentary counterparts can our cultural strengths come to full light. And perhaps God is then also a little bit „Franconian“. After all, Franconians also have their strengths, which they can contribute to the international mosaic for the good of the world. My journey This is where I could list the many countries, cities, villages where our nehemia team adventure trip has taken us. Or the thousands of mostly young people at the many events. The- se numbers would be very impressive. But what I remember much more in retrospect are the many in-depth encounters I had with wonderful, different people. The love and hospitality among the very poorest, the openness in the prisons and the warmth with which I always met people all over the world. But I will also never forget many of the people who experienced healing, inspiration and new courage and joy in life through our commitment in areas of their personality. These are the 7 treasures that I keep in my personal „memory treasure chest“. Encounters count much more for me today than events and meetings. In this respect I’ve been very richly blessed. End of the line? My journey with the nehemia team does not end with my retirement. I will joyfully continue to accompany young people and inspire them from the „treasure chest“ of my experiences. I will gladly remain, as desired by the nehemia team, an encou- rager, international networker, fatherly companion and friend to many in our regional and international network. I would like to continue to challenge others to a committed, authentic, unconventional Christianity marked by love and mercy, which finds its expression in a commitment to the needy and poor of this world. Change in perspective Through nearly 250 trips abroad to more than 50 countries, I‘ve had the opportunity and privilege to get to know a lot of this world. So, in conclusion, I would like to reveal one last secret: Where is the „end of the earth“ to someone living in Fürth? I have learned that a lot depends on one’s perspecti- ve. In this case, I have found out that the furthest distance a person from Fürth can travel on this earth (if one sets off westward) ends up in Nuremberg. Of course, I am NOT saying that Nuremberg is at the end of the earth. But if you set off in the wrong direction because of the wrong perspective, even the most obvious thing can be far away. Some perspectives have changed for me, and also for the nehemia team, in the course of the last 34 years. But one thing has remained: Our motivation for what we do is the infinite love, respect and ap- preciation that God shows us. And this always leads us, no matter in which direction we move, to people in this world who urgently need this love, appreciation and re- spect! With this perspective and the mercy associated with it, we will certainly continue to move in the right direction in the future. - And then Nuremberg will be very close again to a Fürth resident like myself. Hans Heidelberger

NEHEMIA TEAM – A WORKSHOP ON LIFE FOR THE WORLD 9 Who we are We see ourselves as an international Christian development organisation with the goal of supporting and doing holistic development work. Our team Get to know the team: https://nehemia-team.org/en/about-us/our-team/ What we do Our motto is “helping others grow”. We want more than any- thing to enable a young generation, inspired by Jesus Christ, to live independent lives with a positive vision and a new qua- lity of life. In this way, we improve living conditions, provide access to education, promote social competence, strengthen character and values as well as social co-responsibility. Espe- cially disadvantaged people need to be enabled to develop their lives holistically and successfully. We work with local ex- perts who are familiar with the countries’ peculiarities. Close collaborations with the people are important to us. This has resulted in a wide range of initiatives around the globe in the areas of education, social charitable projects, training, Christian inspiration, counselling, youth work, small businesses as well as relief services. What moves us? Faith in Jesus Christ The needs of this world Our love for people Our values Holistic Relationship-oriented Actively participating Innovative Networking Legal form The nehemia team is a registered association recognised by the tax office of Fürth as a non-profit organisation. The International Nehemiah Network Through the nehemia team’s many international projects, le- gally and organisationally independent teams have emerged in many countries. These have joined forces to form the Nehe- miah International Network. As an international network we meet the needs of young people, regardless of their origin, nationality or social position. A pioneering spirit, innovative ideas and courageous initiatives lead to further new projects. The nehemia team contributes to this network with its know- ledge in an inspiring, motivating and supportive way. It offers security for the projects in form of consulting, project monito- ring and financial support. This way, the pioneers and experts on site can act according to their culture and personal vision and best meet the needs of their people. As a connecting link and partner in the cooperation, we work closely with the project leaders in order to also support them in their perso- nal development. The legal and financial responsibility for the project remains with the leaders on site - to avoid unhealthy dependencies. Our relationships, based on trust and respect, are the foundation for long-lasting, healthy and efficient co- operations. For more information check out our website www.nehemia-team.org

11 5,5 Million Euro in donations & grants in 34 years FINANCES All this has only been possible thanks to the loyal support of our friends: we have received over 5 million euros in donations and over 500,000 euros in grants over the past 34 years. CREATIVE CHILD- & YOUTHWORK Fire Kids, Love Shows Action, Kids‘ bus, GoKick, GoTeens, Come together • 30 camps & outreaches (over a week) in 18 countries 1.200 participants 136 events in 14 countries, 11.500 participants 66 camps (up to a week) 25 events 5.300 participants 1.000 participants 20 kids‘ bus events 1.500 children Hundreds of group meetings PERSONALITY- & CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT (1-8 week long events) School of hearts, Exploring-Life-Training, Pastoral care seminars INTERNATIONAL MULTIPLICATION Accompaniment, consulting, mentoring, team training, support, networking DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS & HUMANITARIAN AID 10 in 8 10 agricultural development projects and small businesses in 8 countries 46 in 10 46 relief efforts in 10 countries (Relief transports, disaster relief, medical missions, corona aid) Establishment and support of partner teams in 10 countries 8 International Networking meetings Participants from 20 nations Activities in over 50 countries on 6 continents

13 We from the nehemia team support people‘s solution-oriented action with our expertise. Fourth pillar: leaving victimhood behind What a person is, is the result of past decisions. What the person will beco- me in the future is the result of current decisions. The advantage resilient peop- le have is the fact that they focus their attention not only on other people and circumstances, but in the first instance on themselves. They do not see themsel- ves in a victim role, but actively deal with existing situations and try to change them for the better. Victimhood does not lead to change. As the nehemia team, we do not see people in need and pover- ty as victims. We support them e.g. by showing them respect and appreciation and by letting them take responsibility for their own lives and actions. Fifth pillar: taking responsibility One of our main convictions is that our partners are responsible for their own lives. This of course also includes ac- cepting the consequence for one‘s own actions at all times. The basis of any co- operation is founded on relationships characterized by trust, appreciation and respect. In an attitude of mutual open- ness and transparency, we learn toge- ther. This leads to sustainability and transformation. 34 years of learning by living prove the validity of our approach. Sixth pillar: friendship & network We value teamwork in our various pro- jects. And throughout, we try to be sen- sitive to cultural differences. True coope- ration pays attention to the strengths of the individual, cultural differences, com- monalities and diversity. Cooperation is the strategic alliance of a wide variety of individuals or institutions striving to- wards common goals, based on mutual complementarity. Together we achieve more than each individual can on his or her own. Friendship means encounte- ring one another on eye level. Friendship and cohesion are an essential pillar of empowerment in the nehemia team. Seventh pillar: hope and a future With an active inner hope, it‘s possible to shape the future. However, this requi- res recognizing that we have choices. There are always different options for shaping the future. When we plan the future according to our own possibilities, it remains controllable and major crises can mostly be overcome alone. If the fu- ture is built on hope, this hope dares in the here and now to allow more than the controllable possibilities. Hope carries us into the future and dares to take coura- geous steps of confidence and faith. Supported by these seven pillars of empowerment and resilience, we in the nehemia team shape the future. Move on nehemia team! Mathias Hühnerbein

15 Make room in your heart This kind of mercy has altered the lives of many of those involved in the Nehemi- ah International Network; some of their stories are shared in this magazine. A change in their own hearts created room for the needs of others. Because of this, many wonderful projects have come into being. As we co-operate with our friends and supporters, we in the nehe- mia team are carriers of hope. In the futu- re we want to continue to act according to the principle of mercy. For those who do so there is a promise in Isaiah 58 that our own lives will be enriched in many different ways: Isaiah 58:10 (NKJV) “If you extend your soul to the hungry and satisfy the afflicted soul, then your light shall dawn in the darkness, and your dar- kness shall be as the noonday”. Elke Feld of mercy is a decision to allow my heart to be touched and then to ex- press love in action. For this to happen we must actually meet needy people. In the moment that I encounter such a person, the need takes on a human face. The numbers and statistics become real individuals and real interaction. Loving your neighbour is an action Love your neighbour as yourself is a re- gularly quoted statement from the New Testament, but it is only when that love for one’s neighbour is transformed into action that it becomes mercy. I ask my- self, “When, in the last week, have I acted mercifully, in this sense? Or have I done no more than simply feel compassion?” In the gospel of Mark, we read about Jesus meeting a leper: “Full of compass- ion, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him... and said, ‘Be whole!’” The leper’s suffering was not simply the terri- ble sickness, but also being outcast and rejected from normal social interaction. Those with this illness were rejected, thrown out and were not to be touched. Jesus met this man with another kind of logic or understanding; he allowed him- self to be moved with compassion and then he acted. He touched him and in doing so broke the accepted social rules. He healed him and received him back into human fellowship.. Be actively involved The Verse for the Year, quoted above, ex- horts us to follow the example of Jesus and to act according to the understan- ding of mercy I am describing; to get involved with those who stand on the outside. This understanding sees firstly a human person, without putting the ac- cepted norms or attitudes of society in the foreground. It is built on active in- volvement with people (one of the five basic values of the Nehemiah Network) and transforming our values, the values that are the rule in our individualistic, capitalistic, Hindu (or whatever) society. It deliberately challenges anyone who has adopted the values of profit maxi- misation, performance, material success or personal fulfilment, emphasising in- stead the value of each person. To live by this ‘principle of mercy’ was just as challenging and offensive in the time of Jesus as it is now. We are called to this; to change our way of thinking and to ac- cept the challenge to live accordingly.

HELPING OTHERS GROW 17 What does the nehemia team do in Ger- many? How does the support for pro- jects in ten countries work? We often hear these and similar questions, and here are some answers: Public relations - being a voice for the voiceless One of our mottoes is: „Our eyes on the world, our focus on people.” We do not want to treat the needs of the world simply as statistics, we aim to al- ways focus on people. Our projects in ten different countries mostly deal with children and young people who do not live on the sunny side of life; children who have little chance of a future be- cause, for example, they were born as girls in a poor mountain tribe in northern Thailand or as casteless people in sout- hern India, or Christians who have been driven from their villages by Islamist militias in Burkina Faso and need help as they start over again. The essence of our projects is not numbers, but ac- tual people with their stories – peo- ple who are lovable and valuable. They do not have a voice in the media, their plight does not make newspaper head- lines – but it moves us. That is why we want to let their voices be heard. On our website we provide basic project reports as well as background information on the life situation of the people involved. We use our nehemia express news and the nehemia magazine to communicate news and show where and how interes- ted volunteers can take action. Coaching – accompanying project leaders and employees Relationships and mentoring are very important to us. Our international and local project leaders as well as the staff in Germany achieve so much, and at the same time they are people with their own challenges and limitations. At times everyone needs encouragement, prayer, reflection, or a clarifying conversation with someone who can introduce a new perspective. We support each other as friends, mentors, and advisors, whether in personal or ministry matters. We also put our motto „Helping others grow“ into practice by mentoring and advising young people in our communities. Fundraising – using money to do good “Money is not everything, but everything needs money.” With some reservations, this saying also applies to our project partners. What is true is that money can be used to do a lot of good. That is why we call for donations for special projects. In the past, this has birthed a number of very different initiatives, both at home and abroad. Sound, transparent finan- cial management and professional accounting are the basis for this and create trust among donors. However, in our case a wise approach to donations also means making use of additional fun- ding opportunities, depending on the in- dividual project. In recent years we have been able to obtain funding to support people in need through various founda- tions We learned how to write applicati- ons, became more professional and took the next step by applying for funds at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation (BMZ). We have already been able to realize two projects with funds from the BMZ: an elementary school in Pakistan and an inclusive elementary school in Ukraine. Another application has just recently been approved: a training cen- ter in Uzhgorod, Ukraine, will educate and enable multipliers in alignment with The German team procures materials for the projects – your donations make this possible

19 FLIGHT AND NEW BEGINNINGS IN NUREMBERG HAMID‘S STORY I am from the North of Syria and was born into a Kurdish family. Being a mi- nority, we Kurds have always had a hard time in Syria, without our own country or independent government. I am one of seven siblings and my parents had to work hard to provide us all with an education. I studied elementary school education and ran a small shop on the side. Then came the people’s revolt in March 2011 and with it the war in Syria, resulting in an estimated 2 million dead or injured and over 12 million people being fleeing. I decided to leave my home in order to escape the brutal atrocities and black- mailing by regime troops and thugs, as well as military service. To do so, I had to sell everything I had. Then, after a hazardous and nerve-wrecking escape, I arrived in Germany in 2012. My first months here were not easy; a new cul- ture, no German language skills, and no family. I lived in a variety of different places, le- arned German and finally came to Nu- remberg, where I met nehemia team staff members Edgar and Elke Feld. They offered me an apartment in their house so that I could take in my 15 year old ne- phew who had also fled. Here we could come to rest externally, but inwardly I was still searching for peace. In the boys’ residential group for underage refugees, where I worked as a pedagogical as- sistant, I met a resident whose life had visibly changed through his new-found faith. He now radiated peace and joy and that made me extremely curious. At the same time I could see compassion lived out in the lives of Edgar and Elke. Even in difficult circumstances they prayed for me and I experienced unexpected turns of events, for example, a job offer after a surprisingly short time. Eventually, I became more and more interested and discovered what it means to believe and live as a Christian. After some time I was baptized. Not all my problems have di- sappeared, but my life now has a new di- rection and purpose. Today it is easier for me to forgive people who have wronged me. I experienced mercy and received a new chance in life, and now I want to help others experience the same. I am cur- rently retraining to become an educator. My dream is to return to Syria with the goal of building up and running a children‘s home there. Children who lost their parents in the war would be given a new home and better prospects in life. Perhaps a new nehemia project will then be established in Syria to give children the chance of a better future, to rebuild our destroyed country and let it flourish once again.

21 for many Christian organisations and the Red Cross, where my mother worked. I learned a lot about the Gospel through this and it dramatically changed me and my family. I was shocked at all the po- verty and injustice I saw when I travelled through the country with the Red Cross. There were so many abandoned and abused children who were regularly locked up in hospitals and orphanages. The living conditions of handicapped children was an appalling catastrophe. Likewise, the inhumane treatment of pri- soners shocked me. All this gave me the impulse to turn to previously-forbidden li- terature and to wrestle with these issues. During my time studying economics and finance I had translated books for the university. And my grandparents shared openly about their lives. A completely new world was opening up for me; but what could I do with it? New plans I began planning an overseas trip and was even offered a scholarship to the USA. But things worked out different- ly than I expected. The nehemia team (from Germany) ran the first “School of the Heart” in the Ukraine in 1994 and I was asked to translate. During the se- minars I got to know John MacFarlane, John Krueger and Hans Heidelberger, as well as many young people from all over the former Soviet Union. I was deeply impacted and touched by the lectures and the people who came to teach. The changes in the lives of the young peo- ple impressed me. This resulted in me staying in the Ukraine to help multiply the “Schools of the Heart” throughout the former Soviet Union. At the same time our local university offered me a teaching position in the areas of Finan- ce and Small Business. Because of this I was able to impart to my students a new vision for the future and, above all, give them the tools to be able to renew their nation and have a positive influence. Changed people change a region Anyone who experiences such a perso- nal transformation is unable to simply lead a normal life again. That has been my experience and that of many of those I observed in the “School of the Heart”. Many of these people have established their own ministries, church fellowships, organisations and projects. They have become pioneers in different areas of TETIANA‘S DREAM Memories Once a visit to the USA. I was asked to talk about my childhood in the former USSR. All sorts of recollections about events in my country, my family, my school time, and friends came up inside me. My childhood and youth were fra- med by the realities of the Soviet Regime. I didn’t really know the true background and history of my family and nation. No one talked about them. Thoughts con- cerning the future were tightly bound to the existing system, with no freedom of choice or even a desire for change. The colour of these memories is grey, the co- lour of the soviet era concrete buildings. Everyone owned the same things, and it was not tolerated for anyone to be, or want to be different. The goal of the re- gime was to make everyone’s thinking identical. Pursuing personal goals was not an option. In principle an individual was only a kind of replacement part in a gigantic machine. We were indoctrina- ted that we were living in the best count- ry, with the best leadership and the best future. We were not permitted to ques- tion that. There was no place for per- sonal goals or dreams. Fortunately, life in my family and among my relatives was different - life and joy at family gat- herings; the smell of home-made food wafting through the house; meeting and picnicking in the forest. My grandparents deeply desired that the following gene- rations would one day have a better life than theirs. Dreams of another life As a child, I had a repeating dream at night. I wanted to leave the city, but a tall, wooden fence barred the way. Ho- wever, somehow I managed to get over the fence and what I then saw was unbe- lievable; beautiful houses with multi-co- loured flowers under the windows. Ever- ything was so clean and orderly. I knew nothing like this in my real life. Even in Czechoslovakia, where my family spent a few days each summer, I had never seen anything so beautiful. New beginnings and changes The Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. I was a university student at the time and took translation work for English-spea- king foreigners who could now travel freely in our country. I could also translate

23 EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVE IN TRANSCARPATHIA The nehemiah team has been working for almost 30 years in the west Ukraini- an region of Transcarpathia. In particular, through the efforts of Tetiana Machabeli, who started the Ukranian NGO Neemia in in 1996, the work has been steadily built up. Neemia is in the process (in 2021-2023) of launching an educa- tional project in co-operation with the German nehemia team and the German government organisation, BMZ (Bundesministerium für wirt- schaftliche Zusammenarbeit, or Mi- nistry of Economic Co-operation). The Nehemia Centre in Uzhgorod will be altered and extended to become the “Centre for Child-oriented, Inclusive Edu- cation and Welfare”. Initially appropriate alterations and extensions will be made to the existing buildings, to create rooms suitable for the needs of the project. Qualified staff and international specia- lists will run professional development programs for teachers, social workers and administrative personnel on the topics “Inclusion and integration into society” and “Child-oriented teaching methods.” Work is already underway on model curriculum and resources for schools, for teachers and students. Fos- ter parents and people who have taken orphans from state institutions into their extended families will be given the op- portunity for further training so that they can better assist the children. The German Government agency BMZ and the German nehemia team have already supported the establishment of a model elementary school on land ow- ned by the Neemia Centre. This began in 2019. The “Centre for Child-oriented, Inclusive Education and Welfare” is the logical extension of the school and will genuinely benefit the staff, foster pa- rents and – above all – the children. IN A NUTSHELL WHAT DOES THE NGO NEEMIA DO IN THE UKRAINE? • „Center for Child-Centered Pedagogy, Inclusion, and Social Services.“ For the continuing education of elementary school teachers, parents and caregivers, assistant teachers, stakeholders from the educational and social sector and social workers • Training and practical support for foster parents • Seminars and training for churches • Montessori kindergarten • Inclusive primary school • Children and youth camps • Commitment to orphans and marginalized groups • Help for war refugees and widows • Support for Roma communities • Humanitarian aid • Educational measures Further information: www.nehemia-team.org/en projects „Ukraine“

MY JOURNEY INTO LIFE UM‘S STORY 25 ce changed my life for good and I started becoming open to faith in God. Love is Stronger than Hate I was still struggling inside with the an- ger and the many bad memories from my childhood. But there, too, I gradually experienced great changes. At some point, I even felt love for my grand- parents again and was able to forgi- ve them. The memories were still there, but my feelings had changed radically. And I got more of an idea of what love is. There were also situations in living toge- ther in the HOB that challenged me a lot. But it was there that I experienced great love and acceptance, especially from the staff. Many things have changed for the better since then. Even my father asked my mother for forgiveness for his bad behavior towards her. And although it is important in our culture to have sons, my father has since developed a deep love for his three daughters. My grand- parents, too, have now taken us to their hearts and are always happy to see us. And now? After the HOB, I got the opportunity to study nursing at the famous Chiang Mai University (CMU). In March this year I passed my exam to be able to work as a nurse. During the years of study I found very good friends and a mentor. Now I am excited to see what will hap- pen next for me. I am very grateful that I was allowed to spend all those years in the HOB. During this time I experienced so much love that has healed my inner being and enabled me to love others as well. Thank God! It‘s been an exciting journey and I am very happy that it came about this way. We were made aware of the „Home of Blessing“ (HOB) through a relative of my mother. I have two other sisters and at that time we fought very often. After my eldest sister moved to HOB and we wit- nessed how she changed for the better, my mother wanted all of us to be accep- ted there. Mum Noi, the director of the HOB, came to our village especially to meet us. At first I was still too small, but when I was eight years old, the time had come. My Family, God and Me We were a very poor family. I went to church every Sunday with my three siblings, but I didn‘t understand very much. I didn‘t take it all that seriously. There was a lot of arguing between my parents. My mother was rejected by my father‘s family. She often left the house after a conflict. This made me angry, especially at my grandparents. I blamed them for the many quarrels and resolved to take revenge on them for this some- day. There were many ugly scenes. Once my father tried to kill my mother with a knife. My grandparents did not inter- vene, despite my big sister‘s pleas. Thank God it did not come to the worst. Such horrible situations took a toll, and we fell out more and more. At Home in the HOB For ten years, the HOB was my new home. Although I lived there with my two sisters, I was especially impressed by the love of the other girls. They took care of me and showed me everything I needed to know, such as how to get organized or keep my clothes neat. Ab- ove all, they showed me their love, even though they were not even part of my family. I had never experienced that before. I heard a lot about Jesus, but I was still skeptical about this „God and faith“ talk. Yet one experience really got me thinking. I started praying for my fa- mily and remember one weekend when we were allowed to go home, I prayed specifically that there would be no fight- ing this time. Frankly, I wasn‘t really ex- pecting it because it seemed so unlike- ly. But this time, things actually stayed quiet. Also, for the first time, I had the feeling, unknown to me until then, that my father really loved me. This experien-

27 IN A NUTSHELL HOW IS THE NEHEMIAH TEAM INVOLVED ON BORNEO? • Establishment of kindergartens among the Dayaks in meanwhile 10 jungle villages (based on Montessori pedagogy) • Training of the kindergarten staff • Equipment of the kindergartens • Training and seminar work in church communities • Support of pepper cultivation projects • Support of a student dormitory in Sanggau • Intercultural encounter trips Further information: www.nehemia-team.org/en projects „Borneo“ BORNEO

MOVING INTO THE FUTURE CO-OPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS NEED STRAYING POWER 29 remote location where Deckhy lives. A bridge to the Indonesian part of Borneo has been constructed. November 2005 – It has taken me ele- ven hours, in a stifling mix of heat and humidity, first on an overcrowded, ricke- ty bus and then squeezed into a small, noisy, speedboat that smells of diesel to get to Senaning. This is where the first of our „Schools of the Heart“ in Indone- sia took place, organized by Deckhy and his dedicated team of young Dayaks. Many of the participants walked a very long way through the jungle to get the- re - unthinkable in Germany. Many are touched, encouraged, and strengthe- ned, and find vision for the future and for their lives. Numerous training courses were held there and in other parts of West Kalimantan in the following years. In addition to the Lenthalls, other friends from the Nehemiah Network, including Giancarlo and Catherine Elia, Bob Hatton and others, undertook the often exhaus- ting, adventurous and hazardous journey to reach remote villages. On motorcycles or in rickety vehicles, over muddy roads, through riverbeds that have overflowed their banks, or on narrow boats to get to these remote villages. The hardships were worth it. These „Schools of the He- art“ have reached thousands of Dayaks and many of the Christian communities have flourished, experienced renewal and gained a new perspective on life. November 2007 – I meet Jürgen Ertl in Kuching, a business manager, originally from Nuremberg. He later becomes part of the nehemia team in Borneo and in the following years becomes passiona- tely involved in the development of the Dayaks in Kalimantan. Through him and his local network, the nehemia team starts to get involved in village develop- ment and improving medical care. This includes well-drilling projects, medical camps, building composting facilities, pepper farming and more. Time and again, he travels with other nehemia team members to the Dayak villages. August 2010 - Elke Feld leads one of several medical outreaches. In addition to medical treatment for the village population by the doctors and nurses, seminars, nutritional counseling, and preventive health education take place. Wolfgang and Heidi Oelschlegel are also involved. During this outreach, they get to know Ibu Luisa, an unmarried pastor, who shows a big heart for children. To- gether with her, a plan to build a kinder- garten in her village is born. January 2011 – A big step for our de- velopment projects with the Dayaks is the move of Wolfgang and Heidi Oel- schlegel to Kuching - and later in 2015 to the Indonesian side of the island to the small town of Sanggau, where they now March 1986 – a childhood dream co- mes true. I am traveling with a small team in the jungle of Borneo: two days’ travel by speedboat upstream on the Ra- jang River, lush vegetation, colorful bird life and tropical rainforest on the banks. We are the first „white people“ to appe- ar in the village we are visiting in two years. We are guests of the Kenyah, a Dayak tribe – who, until the middle of the last century were still feared as head- hunters. The “headman“ and the village community welcome us with amazing hospitality, so that our week-long stay becomes a time I will never forget: a paralyzed woman starts walking again after prayer, and many other sick peop- le report that they feel better after our prayers, and then there are other special encounters, exotic food, the deafening chirping of the cicadas at night, was- hing in the river, the community life in the typical „longhouses“. All these im- pressions leave me very impressed and deeply moved as I return to our western civilization. Something has become very clear to me: The inhabitants of this color- ful, natural world, reminiscent of paradi- se at first glance, have to struggle with extreme poverty, diseases, fear of ghosts and the many negative influences of the western world. February 2001 – 15 years later I return to this wonderful island of Borneo. Much has changed in the meantime. A year ago, we ran our first „School of the He- art“ as nehemia team in Kuching, the ca- pital of the Malaysian state of Sarawak: Local people working among the Dayak tribes are equipped and inspired here for work and ministry in their communities. Daniel Tan, an active pastor, becomes the hub of these trainings - and a part of our team. Many more of these mostly one-week training seminars will follow in the coming years.. March 2004 – Deckhy Gedeon, a young man from a Dayak tribe, was one of the participants in our training semi- nars. He asks us to come with him to his home on the Indonesian side of the island. In West Kalimantan many Chris- tian churches are waiting for encourage- ment, support and training. We embark on this adventure. Tony Lenthall from Australia is the first to take on an ardu- ous walk of several hours to get to the

31 IN A NUTSHELL NEHEMIAH TEAM INDIA`S COMMUNITY PROJECTS We are working with two project partners: 1) Association for Poor People Liberation Effort: • Children‘s Center for Dalit Children • Sponsorship program • Development and construction of an elementary school (250 children) • Agricultural projects for self-sufficiency • Seminars and training in churches • Networking of churches • Humanitarian aid and disaster relief • Well drilling projects 2) Seven Fruits Foundation: • Freedom Tailoring (sewing education for Dalit women) • Mentoring- and empowerment program Further information: www.nehemia-team.org/en projects „India“ INDIA

FAREWELL TO RAJA SEKHAR GUDALA 33 Our dear friend and faithful co-worker, Raja Sekhar Gudala, passed away on May 5th, 2021, at the age of 47, because of Covid-19. We are deeply moved and concerned by this news. For many years, Raja was a faithful and committed member and co-wor- ker in our Nehemiah International Network. As a courageous visionary and pioneer, he developed and built a children’s cen- ter and a primary school in the city of Rajahmundy. He was born a Dalit (also known as the “Untouchable” caste) and with great passion and unceasing dedication he helped especially the children of this lowest caste in Indian society. Even when his wife Ebba suffered a stroke three years ago, he continued to serve the poor, the helpless and those who live at the lower end of society. While faithfully caring for his beloved Ebba, each day he drove the school bus to pick up the children and to take them home again. For many of them, he was a fat- her. Raja also cared for the needs of many pastors in his region. He was a true visionary, the heart and soul of many activities aimed at improving the living conditions of Dalit people. Even though we can barely comprehend the meaning of what has happened, Raja will continue to be a great exam- ple to us as we cherish his memory: his great sense of hu- mor, his contagious laughter, his great compassion and, his deep love and trust in Jesus. Raja showed us to never grow complacent in our own well-being, but to press on as a fol- lower of Jesus, facing the challenges and addressing the needs in society and caring for the people around us. RAJA, WE DEARLY MISS YOU! WE ARE HONORED AND GRATEFUL TO HAVE KNOWN YOU! We are committed to continue to support the children’s center and the other activities Raja and his team have been involved into our best ability.

35 IN A NUTSHELL NEHEMIAH TRUST PAKISTAN´S COMMUNITY PROJECTS • Developing and establishing schools • Nehemiah Computer Center • Medical and humanitarian aid / disaster relief • Supporting the needy • Seminars and training Further information: www.nehemia-team.org/en projects „Pakistan“ PAKISTAN

37 IN A NUTSHELL WHAT DOES NEHEMIAH INTERNATIONAL KENYA DO? • Miwani Center • Sponsorship program for destitute pupils and students • Internships and mentoring for young adults • Agriculture and dairy farming, poultry farming, vegetable and fruit growing • Bakery • Farm shop • Medical clinic • Medical outreaches in the surrounding villages • Preventive health education • Vaccination programs and HIV testing • Mentoring programs • Church and community building • Children and youth camps • Guest rooms Further information: www.nehemia-team.org/en projects „Kenya“ KENYA

39 is often only a few Kenyan shillings that go over the counter, but there is a lot of laughter and everyone who comes finds an open ear. Medical go-to address Next to the farm shop is the „Clinic“. It is a small medical centre run by a regis- tered nurse. Very few people have the money to see a doctor in town. So for many in the surrounding area, the Miwa- ni Clinic is the only place to get medical advice, be treated for malaria or even take an HIV test – and get counselling if necessary. Several vaccination pro- grammes and health screenings for the surrounding villages have also already been carried out with volunteer teams. As malaria, HIV, tuberculosis and diarr- hoea-related diseases are common, pre- ventive care and health education are urgently needed. through Vegetable farming and fodder produc- tion Anyone walking farm grounds will quickly meet residents of the farm community at work. Courteous and curious, they will involve the guest in conversation. Over 25 acres of land are currently cultivated. Besides maize for the THE MIWANI CENTER A BUILDING BLOCK OF LIFE IN NYANZA PROVINCE To get to the Miwani Centre of the Keny- an Nehemiah Team takes a drive of ab- out three quarters of an hour from Kisu- mu on Lake Victoria. The dusty, potholed road leads you past the typical, colour- fully painted roadside kiosks displaying a wide variety of handicraft on rickety shelves or selling all kinds of local food. In between, lots of children are running around, mostly barefoot and in torn clot- hes. Every now and then, you may have to stop for cows or goats that are being herded from one field of stubble to the next by young people chewing on sugar cane. Passing the large sugar cane plan- tations that fill the valley and the „Nandi Rock“ that rises proudly above Nyanza Province, you finally arrive at Miwani Farm shaken, dusty and sweaty. Investment in the future This 100-acre farm project was initiated in 2001 by John Krueger in co-opera- tion with Kenyan partners and Heidi and Wolfgang Oelschlegel from Nuremberg. Under the motto „Rebuilding a Genera- tion after God‘s own Heart“, Kenyan chil- dren were placed in foster families and sent to local schools, giving them a home and hope for the future. The surrounding villages were supported in their develop- ment through training in agriculture and nutrition. Today, 20 years later, this project is independently run by the Kenyan charitable society „Nehemi- ah International“ and has developed into an important support centre for the region. Many of the participating children have meanwhile completed their schooling or studies, others are still in the process or are just being admitted to the support programme. The German nehemia team continues to support this project through sponsorships and the establishment of small agricultural pro- jects. Farm Shop and Communication Centre Visitors to the farm are greeted at the gate by co-founder and project manager Michael Ndeda or one of the staff. Just behind the entrance gate is the farm shop. Here, the farm sells its own produ- ce as well as everyday items. Not only do the residents of the farmshop here, but also many villagers from the area. After all, you can also buy a drink or a snack here, get the latest news, the exciting football results of the English Premier League or the latest gossip from the neighbouring village. Since many peo- ple here still live at subsistence level, it

41 IN A NUTSHELL HOW IS THE NEHEMIA TEAM INVOLVED IN BURKINA FASO? • Support of the children’s care facility in Dedougou • Support for the re-enrollment of children from refugee families Further information: www.nehemia-team.org/en projects „Burkina Faso“ BURKINA FASO

43 IN A NUTSHELL HOW IS THE NEHEMIA TEAM INVOLVED IN RUSSIA? • Support of the social center and multi-generational house „Help Center“ in Prokopyevsk. It now accommodates over 100 women and men: addicts, homeless, senior citizens, physically handicapped, single mothers, ex-offenders, people seeking protection • Counseling and support for leaders • Training and seminars in churches • Camps and meetings • Support of projects for children with disabilities in Prokopyevsk and Krasnoyarsk Further information: www.nehemia-team.org/en/ projects „Russia“ RUSSIA

THE CHRONOLOGY OF A RUINED LIFE – MINE! EVGENY‘S STORY 45 I was born in Prokopievsk, Siberia. My mother died when I was 2 years old. My father remarried, but there was no room for me in his new relation- ship, so I was handed over to my grand- mother. After my school time I went to the Technical School for Mining to study Electrical Engineering, but I dropped out because I had started to drink and take drugs. My “prison career” began when I was 17. First for burglary, then for stea- ling a car, robbery and manslaughter. Over and over again I would be free for a couple of months before being thrown back behind bars – in total for twelve long years. I was released again in 2010, but my life was quickly consumed again with drugs and alcohol. My incessant drunkenness meant that I was repeatedly beaten up on the streets. I wanted to kill myself. Looking back I’m certain that God held me back. I once attempted to slit my throat with a knife; another time I slas- hed my wrists, but the doctors saved me each time. And I kept living, drank Vodka and took drugs. I contracted AIDS and got tuberculosis in prison. Sickness and addiction were my companions and dragged me repeatedly down into de- spair. My father and grandmother both died while I was in prison and after that I had no home and was unable to find shelter. Youths would bash me up on the streets because I looked like a defenceless, ho- meless derelict. I lived on the streets. One day I came across a church that offered meals for the homeless. Pavel, the leader, told me there was a way of escape and that he could take me to a “Help Centre.” Some days later, after a couple of drinking sessions, things were going so badly for me that I decided to go there. After my arrival Pastor Oleg came and prayed for me. My condition was very concerning. I had powerful withdrawal symptoms, my face was co- vered with bruises from fights on the streets. I felt better after the prayer and just two days later I began to help with household chores. I was aware that God had helped me and I even began to read the Bible. My physical condition impro- ved markedly. A year later I went to a theological trai- ning institute and held worship services every Friday in the “Help Centre”. There I met Inna. I was immediately attracted to her and in time we married. After two years in the Help Centre we moved to Novosibirsk, where I learned a new tra- de and have been working for the last six years in a factory. The bank approved a mortgage and we are now the proud owners of a one-bedroom apartment in the middle of town. My wife is getting a driver’s licence and soon we’ll have our own car. To my surprise, the doctors have declared my lungs to be completely healed from tuberculosis. I can clearly see and am astonished how God has made such beauty and goodness from nothing, from the de- struction of my life. I am so grateful for the “Help Centre”. My deepest thanks goes to those who are involved there for people like me.

47 IN A NUTSHELL HOW IS THE NEHEMIA TEAM INVOLVED IN ROMANIA? • Support of the day care center „House of Light“ in Sighisoara for children and adolescents with disabilities • Support of the workshop and therapy farm for young adults with impairments • Sponsorship program for children in the day care center • Accompaniment and counseling Further information: www.nehemia-team.org/en projects „Romania“ ROMANIA

WHAT DO FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS SAY ABOUT THE NEHEMIA TEAM? I got to know a part of the nehemia team on an unforgettable trip to the „Home of Blessing“ in Thailand. The close and almost family-like, simple structures of the nehemia team made it possible for me to get to know the projects very closely. Through the expe- riences on the trip, I know exactly where and how my help arrives. Helping people to help themselves is the key for enabling projects to develop sustainably. The nehemia team helps with this. Thank you! Andi Koch, Vienna, AUSTRIA, Freelance Cinematographer I got to know the nehemia team as a young man through people who trusted me and gave me space to try things out. People who always thought and planned a little further and more courageously into the future and into the vastness (of the world and of Christianity). This mentality has shaped me to this day, and I believe the world can still use a hefty dose of it in the future. Dr. Peter Aschoff, Nürnberg, Pastor financially, For us there are many (!!!) good reasons to support the nehemia team in prayer and through per- sonal contact/relationships: We appreciate the friendships that have grown and the close contact with individual leaders from the team. We appreciate the transparency (we always feel well informed and experience you as open people) and we are sure of the responsible handling of do- nations. We were also able to get to know the work on site in Kenya through a „work assignment“. Thereby we both got to know and love each other in 1992. We are exci- ted about the blessing of God that we can see through the work of the nehemia team in many places around the world. Birgit & Walter Oechsle, Fürth, Educator/Engineer I was able to experience the founding of the nehemia team in 1987 at first hand. Today I am excited by how this work has grown worldwi- de over the years and how the initial vision li- ves on: building the Kingdom of God through networking! Friedrich Horänder, Frommetsfelden, Leader of GMS Friendship that lasts the test of time is truly friendship in Christ. This is what we experien- ced in many years of ministry with nehemia team. Thanks to the dedication of so many Nehemia friends, godly brothers and sis- ters who helped us and supported us with amazing kindness, we were able to minister within the framework of various nehemia’s projects all around the world, from Siberia to Argentina, Borneo, India, Ukraine, and so on. This is what the Kingdom of God is like, friendship with an helping, loving hand. On the top of everything, whenever we got toge- ther there has always been great fellowship and sincere fun. Giancarlo & Catherine Elia, London, GB, Light to the Nations Ministries We especially appreciate the relationships and friendships that have developed with the nehemia team. Whether in Caorle, Borneo, Thailand or the Ukraine, the people and ex- periences from these missions were and are always a great enrichment for our lives. Kess & Michael Peiker, Nürnberg, Educators 49 I associate the nehemia team with the idea that it is personal relationships that invite people to experience real help. God‘s love and closeness are at the center of the team‘s work. That is why I was not surprised that my text program understood „Nähe mia“ (my clo- seness) when I typed „Nehemia“. Joe Pöhlmann, Nuremberg, Musically Creative Artist What I really appreciate about the nehemia team is that heart and mind work together in the diverse projects all over the world. The team acts in an uncomplicated and pragma- tic way, spreading faith, hope and love, the three positive effects that, according to the Bible (1 Corinthians 13:13), have lasting va- lue and endurance. Jan Gehrke, Nuremberg, City Council The nehemia team - a global network of love, remains deeply inspiring and a beacon of hope in these difficult and uncertain times. You lift people up, enable them to grow, thri- ve and find hope by the unselfish love you share. Faith, hope and love spread around the world. Well done!! Dr. Ernie Franz, Port Townsend, USA, Physician We support the nehemia team because we value the philosophy of helping people help themselves, and that mainly disadvantaged children are given a chance for education and thus for a more livable future. Impressive for us is also the refreshing and stimulating contact with the staff and helpers of the ne- hemia team. Marlies & Walter Rentsch, Aichach, Athletes

Centrum für Speichelanalyse www.censa.de Ihr Partner für Hormondiagnostik - Speichelhormontests bequem von Zuhause aus. WIR SUCHEN HELLE KÖPFE! w w w. p r o j e k t a n t r i e b . c o m Tinten Papiere Toner Drucker 10% auf Ihre erste Bestellung Gutscheincode „nehemia“ Compana EDV-Zubehör GmbH info@compana.de 0911 / 94 97 6 - 0 IMPRINT PUBLISHER nehemia team e.V. Rudolf-Breitscheid-Straße 27 90762 Fürth PHOTOGRAPHY / DESIGN Florentina Mannchen CONTACT Phone: + 49 911–77 34 54 Mail: office@nehemia-team.de BOARD OF DIRECTORS Thomas Tschaftary (director), Elke Feld, Mathias Hühnerbein Registergericht Fürth Nr. 848 WEB www.nehemia-team.org INSTAGRAM / FACEBOOK nehemia team / nehemia team Fürth MEMBER OF NEHEMIAH INTERNATIONAL NETWORK