VISION AND OUTLINE OF ACTIVITIES
"Lanka Door of Hope" is a non-government organisation established by Apostolic Churches Australia. The aim of the organisation is to assist individuals, families and communities within Sri Lanka to lead lives of dignity, purpose and hope. We propose a two-fold strategy by which to achieve this aim: by being a resource centre for the Jeevana Diya and New Testament churches of Sri Lanka and by providing humanitarian support for the poorer members of the Sri Lankan community.
The "Lanka Door of Hope" head office is based in premises in Negombo, Sri Lanka. This office is the centre for administration and education as well as a point for collection and distribution of resources. At times the premises may also be used to accommodate visiting Australian teams. Darren and Hayley McQuade will be based on premises, being assigned to oversee “Lanka Door of Hope” activities and to liaise between Sri Lanka and Australia. In time, operations may be re-situated if another area becomes more appropriate, or a second base may be opened to accommodate growth.
"Lanka Door of Hope" and the Sri Lankan Church
As stated earlier, "Lanka Door of Hope" intends to work specifically with the Jeevana Diya and New Testament churches, whilst also assisting members of the wider community. Any activities undertaken in either of these areas will aim to assist and strengthen Sri Lankans without lessening their dignity or cultural identity.
Our relationship with the Sri Lankan churches should be seen as one of support. We will work alongside the churches by providing resources they may need for their ministry. We will not be seeking toWesternise the churches or to become directly involved in church leadership. Our actions and decisions should empower Sri Lankan church leaders as they continue in their ministry. Our role is to serve, not to control.
"Lanka Door of Hope" and the Wider Sri Lankan Community
It is not the intent of "Lanka Door of Hope" to serve only the Christian community. Instead, we aim to share the love of Christ with the wider community by providing humanitarian assistance to all in need, irrespective of religion or ethnicity.
(above left) Pastor Deva's new three wheeler (tuk tuk) purchased by Summerlakes Christian church members
"Lanka Door of Hope" will not be deliberately evangelical in its relationship with Sri Lankans of other faiths. In a nation which has historically experienced Western religion come hand in hand with colonialism, we aim to show that true Christian love does not come with strings attached. "Lanka Door of Hope" will support evangelism through the Sri Lankan churches and acknowledges the importance of Sri Lankans leading their own people to Christ. However, "Lanka Door of Hope" workers will share the gospel with any Sri Lankan who expresses interest. In such a case, this person would then be referred to a Sri Lankan pastor for continued spiritual guidance.
"Lanka Door of Hope" Projects
"Lanka Door of Hope" began operation in January 2008. The initial three-month period was primarily a time of research; the objective being to identify areas of need and to ascertain the most appropriate strategies for meeting those needs. Key research was conducted through church visits and meetings with pastors, other humanitarian workers and people within the community. At the end of this three-month period, the vision for "Lanka Door of Hope" was re-assessed and a course of action was determined.
Resource Library: The "Lanka Door of Hope" Resource Library is housed in the head office in Negombo. This library exists to support ministries and organisations that build into the Sri Lankan community. The library is a resource centre for people such as Pastors, youth leaders, Sunday School teachers, worship leaders, school teachers and community project workers. A library gives greater access to a wider variety of resources than buying resources for each individual or group and encourages the establishment of new ministries. To promote self-sufficiency in the library, other fee-charging community institutions, such as international schools, may join the library upon paying a registration fee.
The LIFE program: An aim of "Lanka Door of Hope" is to help financially disadvantaged Sri Lankans obtain greater financial freedom, and so the LIFE program has been developed. LIFE is an acronym for "Lankans Initiating Financial Enterprise" and is a micro-financing program supporting the establishment of small businesses. Through the LIFE program, loans will be given to establish small businesses based on suitable business plans. Accompanying these loans would be training in basic accounting and business management, as well as mentorship during the initial stages of the business. The LIFE program is designed to assist people break the cycle of poverty by becoming financially independent rather than relying on hand-outs.
English teaching: Command of the English language is a valuable asset in Sri Lanka. Sri Lankans who are fluent in English have a much greater chance of being employed in higher paying positions. Many churches provide free after-school English classes to children in their community. "Lanka Door of Hope" works with these groups to raise the quality of English education being provided. A course is currently being developed to train more young adults in the English language so that they might improve their employment prospects. This course also aims to produce more capable teachers for community English classes.