|PIC1|On 18 April 2009, a band of trekkers will start their week long Sinai Desert Challenge. Led by Bedouin guides, they will climb mountains and cross the wilderness. Their aim is to meet the challenge launched by Siloam Christian Ministries in order to raise funds for some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people in the world.

The first person to come forward to meet this challenge is Alisdair Anderson of Biggleswade, Bedfordshire. He notes that Jesus spent much time in meeting people's practical needs and views his own involvement as an extension of his faith. When he read about the challenge his immediate response was, "Yes! This is something I can do!"

"I believe I can make a difference," says Alisdair. "By raising sponsorship for the challenge, I'm helping to fund Siloam projects around the world. Also, I want to raise awareness and encourage others to take an active part in charitable ventures, even if it means moving outside their comfort zone."

That's what Alisdair and his wife Katherine have been doing through numerous visits to Romania with a Christian charity, giving practical aid to needy families. As a result, several orphanages as well as a baby hospital have been extensively renovated.

Then two years ago, Alisdair spent time working in India which gave further impetus to helping others. "I was doing my computer work in my office. But just outside on the pavement, horrendous scenes were taking place. There would be people like mothers with small babies suffering terrible poverty. I just had to do something."

Returning to Britain, Alisdair and Katherine began sponsoring two girls in India through Siloam. "We have their photos on our fridge and talk about them to our own children in everyday situations. We remind them that not everybody enjoys the life we have."

Now Alisdair anticipates that his experience of heat during Romanian summers and in India is something which will help him during his arduous week in the Sinai. "Actually, I like a challenge. This trek will be special as I will be seeing some of the Bible lands firsthand. My raising the sponsorship money will involve talking to many of my secular friends and acquaintances. It should be a good conversation starter!"