This Week David Drew argues that we must support those in other countries who need help ONE of the most annoying letters I receive is the one that starts by saying that charity starts at home and it is wrong to help those abroad let alone the 'undeserving' in this country. I'll let you decide what we mean by the term undeserving but a short list of those would seem to include drug and alcohol dependent, teenage pregnant, and those facing relationship breakdown.

It is to international development that I turn my attention however. The idea to me that we shouldn't help those in India, China, Africa, South-east Asia, South America and Eastern Europe is both stupid and immoral. It is entirely self-defeating in the medium to long term as those countries that we have aided are much more likely to look favourably upon the UK as they achieve development in due course.

In terms of morality I cannot understand why anyone cannot see the pictures coming out of the DRC, Darfur, Bihar and Columbia and feel that they do not want to help. More than that that it is the duty of their representatives to respond to this ethical imperative something I have always tried to do.

Of course those who pour scorn on international development are in a minority but they are not without money, power and influence. However, as we approach the season of goodwill I prefer to dwell on the best of humanity. For instance I was privileged to take part recently in a service at Stroud Baptist Church to celebrate Operation Christmas Child to welcome the provision of more shoe boxes to those in the need.

To see so many boxes collected and the outpouring of activity over Stroud's latest knitting project - in this case teddy bear and clown puppets really does cheer me. I hope that despite these difficult times people will think away from their own material comforts this Christmas and remember those who are much less fortunate than ourselves and give generously to charity which remains the real meaning of Christmas.