Working in the community in the west has its frustrations and problems as this work does anywhere in the world. Many of the problems faced are very similar to ours here in Arusha northern Tanzania with maybe extreme poverty here making the problems seem more desperate or severe.

What does differ, again maybe because of the poverty, is the sheer waste of life - with disease, unsafe public transport and violent theft making everyday uncertain. However sometimes something comes along, a curved ball and catches us off-guard.

A community worker yesterday, Martha, left her home to go into town. The children Brenda 4 years and Lumuli 5 months left safe and sound with Martha’s sister. Martha is doing well for herself she has a nice job and a two-roomed brick house. Her husband is a good man and he works hard to keep his family eating and healthy.

When Martha returned home, yesterday afternoon her life fell apart. A young man, a neighbor has visited Martha’s sister and the young children. He was depressed as he had no work and life was beginning to get him down. He poured petrol over himself and set himself alight in Martha’s home. Four houses have burnt down. Last night the young man died in hospital. Martha’s sister is so badly burnt we fear she will not pull through. Brenda, aged 4 is very seriously burnt and the doctors doubt she will make it.

This has shocked our community. We live with death and disease; every day we burry someone, every night we pray the robbers will not visit us, however, these events have left us aghast and deeply troubled.

Fragile communities such as ours need help from outside. Not money, money just gets
spent and everyone gets rich except the folk who need it most. What we need are people like you, people who have the time and money to be in a position to read this. We need your help, your skills, you time, we ask you consider helping anywhere in the third world with your time.

We are in East Africa but there are many places in the world that need your help. Take some time out and visit a third world community. Go and see; go and help. The work is rewarding. Even a two-week vacation spent in the third world lending a hand will do so much good, not only for our community but for yours too. The help and learning process is two way – it is not just about giving bit it is about receiving also – so be prepared to be involved with both giving and receiving. Again, I say it is not the money – to give money is so easy – what I ask is hard – I challenge you to give your precious time to give real help.