Meet Flo Miftord.
Flo lives in Warrington and when she’s not working she’s out on hikes, listening to podcasts and looking after her baby guinea pigs. She’s also passionate about putting her faith into action when it comes to global justice.
We sat down with Flo after she took on the Stand with Kenya 7 Day Action Challenge as part of the Restore campaign.
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Flo, what made you take on the Stand with Kenya challenge?
'When I first heard about the Restore campaign, I knew very little about the debt crisis that many low income countries like Kenya are facing. I'm slightly too young to remember the Jubilee 2000 campaign, but learnt about the 1980s debt crisis at university. I’d assumed that the problem had been resolved. Discovering that debt remains a major injustice for millions of people around the world, I knew I wanted to learn more. I saw the seven day challenge and knew by the end I’d know more about the ‘how and why’ and equipped to act.'
What was it like spending seven days taking action?
'I work full time and I’m often busy after work, but found the challenge really manageable. Each day, I was able to set aside a little time to see what the task was. I liked the variety too — there was a good mix of reading, activities and creative tasks. I also found myself looking forward to it, as it gave me a chance to slow down, be quiet and reflect.'
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What was your biggest take away?
'I was shocked by the scale of debt and how it's impacting ordinary people in Kenya. That more is spent on debt payments than things like schools and hospitals - it's sobering.
I really liked the analogy used to describe how much debt was cancelled during the Jubilee 2000 campaign — $130 billion for 37 countries. If one grain of rice represents £1, then $130 billion of rice would fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool! In the global context of debt and extreme wealth, that analogy helped me grasp the scale of the inequality we’re seeing around the world today. It gave me a moment to reflect on the people who can’t escape the cycle of poverty because of the greed of a few.'
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What did you most enjoy in your seven days?
'I enjoyed all of it, but the creative action really helped me to channel my thoughts into writing. I enjoyed cutting up recycled cardboard and sitting in my garden with a cup of tea, listening to the beautiful melodies of the blackbirds. The activity helped me connect more deeply with climate and debt justice and gave me time to reflect on God’s vision for a restored world - It was quite a cathartic experience!'
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What did you find most challenging?
'The biggest challenge was coming to terms with the scale and complexity of the debt crisis - in Kenya and beyond. It can feel quite overwhelming when you’re just one person. But I kept hold of the sense that this was all about responding to what God is calling us to do, however small that might seem. For me, the challenge was a reminder that speaking up, praying, learning and taking action are all ways of putting faith into practice. It left me feeling hopeful that when enough people choose to act, change really is possible.'
What would you say to someone thinking about taking the challenge?
Any final takes?
'The Stand with Kenya challenge was a great way to be part of the Restore campaign. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for more ways to get involved – thanks Christian Aid Campaigns Team!'
If like Flo you want to challenge the injustice of the debt crisis and put faith into action, order you Stand with Kenya 7 day action pack today!
