a We have visited Tearfund's partners in Colombia, Honduras and Thailand, and we have been inspired by the way they are transforming lives and communities.

After two weeks in Honduras, eating mostly rice and beans, we came up with the idea of producing a book of recipes from countries where Tearfund works.., a recipe book with a difference.., one that gives information about the country, its needs and how Tearfund is bringing hope. Tearfund is involved with over 450 projects, so we could only cover a small selection!
b Thinking about recipes and raising funds for disaster relief and development led to our title, Recipes for Disaster... Relief and Development. The book has taken us on an inspirational journey around the world as we set about collecting recipes from friends, contacts at Tearfund and Tearfund partners overseas. We had fun translating some recipes where the computer suggested we use"worn-out meat" or "dangerous eggs".

All the recipes have been tested. Most are delicious, but one or two are bland - in countries where food is limited poor people have no options. You may want to use these recipes for frugal lunches at church, or events to illustrate what life is like in other countries. When you are looking for ingredients, please buy products with the Fairtrade Mark if you have a choice.

As you serve your mouth-watering dish of Cambodian sticky rice and mango or Peruvian prawn chowder, spare a thought and a prayer for the people of those countries and for Tearfund's partners. The problems they face are huge, but the partners love and compassion is making a real difference. We hope that you will be encouraged when you read about their wonderful work.
Brenda and Gordon Wilkinson