Church Representative: Brenda Wilkinson
Around the world, Tearfund works through local churches to introduce Church and Community Transformation (CCT). The whole community is impacted, changed, rebuilt, restored, envisioned, empowered and ultimately transformed for it to thrive – through (and starting with) the church. This initiative overcomes poverty by helping people realise their potential and recognise the resources God has given them. Starting with bible studies, church members are encouraged and empowered to reach out to their community to work together, identify what resources they have available, and use these to overcome the challenges they face.
Tearfund Recognised at Humanitarian Reception at Buckingham Palace
In March 2025 five Tearfund representatives, including Brenda and Gordon Wilkinson from St. John’s, were invited to a reception attended by King Charles III, Queen Camilla, The Princess Royal and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. Brenda and Gordon found it greatly encouraging to see the Grand Ballroom full of people representing Humanitarian organisations that were part of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) or who work closely with them. They were fortunate to be able to speak to several members of the Royal Family, who are great supporters of the work of the DEC.
Visit to Cambodia
In 2018, a group from St. John’s visited Tearfund’s partner, World Relief Cambodia, and saw the work being done to help poor communities through improved agriculture, savings and loan schemes, healthcare training and raising awareness of the dangers of trafficking.
Supported by our prayers, Tearfund helps thousands of pastors and churches make a difference to the lives of people facing challenging circumstances.
For more information about Church and Community Transformation, visit:
https://www.tearfund.org/stories/2025/04/what-is-cct-also-known-as-transforming-communities
For an account of transformation in Uganda, visit:
https://www.tearfund.org/stories/2025/03/this-is-my-vision-johns-map-to-a-way-out-of-poverty