Plight of street children inspires skydive

Patrick McDonald during his leap for Viva

The founder of Christian children's charity Viva has taken part in a skydive to raise money for street children.

Patrick McDonald founded the charity after his experience working with street children in Bolivia and was its chief executive for 16 years.

"Children grow up in a ludicrous amount of risk and danger, and I've been saddened and maddened many times by their plight," he said.

"We should all take outlandish risks and make every effort to ensure that children around us grow up to become what God intends."

McDonald's previous fundraising efforts have included backpacking through Central and South America and hitchhiking solo across Europe.

Last week, he reached new heights when he jumped from a plane at 12,000 feet over the Kent countryside.

His brave effort raised nearly £14,000 for the charity's 'Who cares?' campaign, which reflects the desperate question the charity so often hears from the vulnerable children it works with.

The money raised from the leap will go towards Viva's work with 23,000 caregivers across 21 countries to support hungry, hurting and homeless children and provide them with security and a new hope.

McDonald is still raising funds to meet his goal of £20,000 and is collecting donations online at https://my.give.net/patricksplunge

News
The first Christmas song to be sung in churches
The first Christmas song to be sung in churches

Every Christmas, people sing the song “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night”. Unlike many other songs and carols that include elements of non-biblical tradition and myth, this song is pure Scripture. It was the first Christmas song authorised to be sung in the Church of England. This is the story …

The story of the Christmas Truce of 1914
The story of the Christmas Truce of 1914

On Christmas Eve in 1914, many men were in the trenches fighting the war, but the spirit of Christmas halted the conflict for a brief period. This is the story …

Report highlights injustices experienced by Christians in the Holy Land
Report highlights injustices experienced by Christians in the Holy Land

Jerusalem Church leaders have released a report detailing the struggles and challenges currently faced be Christians living in the Holy Land.

Have you lost the wonder of Christmas?
Have you lost the wonder of Christmas?

For you who have been followers of Jesus Christ for a long time, maybe the pain and suffering of this world and the darkness you have had to live through this past year has gotten you down to the point of complete and utter discouragement. But all is not lost.