It is my pleasure to introduce Looking for Hope: Shining Light in the Darkness. I first saw Paul Mergard's photos at the 2006 Hillsong Conference and was immediately moved by the hope they depict in the faces of children living in extreme poverty. Many of these children are also highly vulnerable to those seeking to exploit them in the appalling modern day slave trade we call human trafficking.

Paul Mergard and his Salvation Army mission teams have brought relief, happiness and spiritual nurture to thousands of children, as well as their parents or guardians. From Kenya to South Africa, from Papua New Guinea to India, they have shared their faith and their great compassion for people in desperate need of both.

Money raised from the sale of Looking for Hope will go towards The Salvation Army's campaign against human trafficking, and also towards Compassion's efforts to support children living in poverty. Compassion is another organisation whose work we totally support, seeing children released from poverty in Jesus' name.

My heartfelt prayer is that as you peruse these powerful images, you will be moved to continue to pray for and uphold those who desperately need our help in so many aspects of their future.

With much love

Darlene Zschech, Worship Pastor Hillsong Church

It is human nature to assume that the geographical region in which we live is indicative of the expression of human nature to its fullest extent. Until we travel outside our own borders, such restrictive perceptions can continue.

Paul Mergard has taken that journey to many other countries and cultures. His heart of compassion for the poor and marginalised, driven by his love for God, has meant that he has not been a tourist but an ambassador for those whose circumstances cry out for help.

The excellent work contained within this publication provides us with a clear understanding of the enormous need in the world. Look into the eyes of the people depicted on these pages, consider the clear messages contained in the text. I commend this publication and its message and trust that you will be challenged as I have been.

Les Strong, Commissioner
Territorial Commander, The Salvation Army, Australia Eastern Territory

Paul Mergard captures the innocence, joy, hope and value of children in these images from his travels to the developing world. Notice the wide-eyed wonder and mischievous delight in their expressions. The images confirm that children are the same all over the world; they share the same hopes and dreams regardless of race, creed or colour.

The images remind us of why God so loves the little children; they are most like Him and His kingdom. No wonder Jesus used some of the strongest language in the New Testament to remind His apostles that no-one can enter the Kingdom of God without humbling himself like a child, and to chide those who dared get between Him and the children and their mothers.

Compassion's ministry is about children; releasing them from poverty in Jesus' name through caring sponsors and faithful local churches. We believe the most strategic thing we can do to extend God's kingdom is to champion the cause of His church and His precious children. Children are the hardest hit by poverty, are the least able to do anything about their circumstances, and yet are the future of this troubled world.

Enjoy Paul's photos. Use them to remind you that children are a precious gift from God, and inspire you to be an advocate for those children who have no voice.

Paul O'Rourke, Chief Executive Officer, Compassion Australia