Love in Action – Stories of hope

Love in Action started as one story. The story of how one ordinary neighbourhood in the corner of the world – Manly, in Sydney, Australia – formed a relationship with the people of Manado, Indonesia, to take action against poverty. From its small beginnings with only a handful of residents, this grassroots movement has captured the imagination of Manly’s wider community. It grew to include the support of local council, local businesses, schools, churches, and over 13,000 residents.
Now, in 2011, the story journey continues for Stu and Jim as they embark upon their next story, HEAL Africa.

Stu Harris

Stu Harris is a commercial photographer and documentary media producer based in Tasmania, Australia.

A passionate communicator and public speaker, Stu has over 15 years of experience in the creative markets including work within the film, television and photographic industries - with particular expertise in the digital environment. His work spans from commercial photography of food, lifestyle, people, and places through to documentary-storytelling photography for not-for-profit organisations. Stu also has a passion for seeing change in the local community. And, together with his wife Jeanette, has run the Alpha Course (a Christian evangelism program) for several years - both in Sydney and Hobart.

During 2006 on a short-term mission trip to Indonesia, Stu saw an opportunity to use his creative skills to tell the unique story of a community 'anti-poverty' partnership between the people of Manly, Australia and people of Manado, Indonesia. Once back in Australia, Stu brought together a team of friends to help tell the story - the result was a photographic-documentary book that explored the communities' mutual transformation through partnership.

Stu has since developed Love in Action - a creative vehicle to communicate hope and change through stories.

Stu lives near Hobart with his wife Jeanette and son Samuel.

Jim Collins

Jim Collins is a pastor, speaker and freelance writer. He is also co-founder of Love in Action,

With a background in corporate and financial advisory work, in 2003 Jim decided to re-train as a Christian communicator. A lively and engaging speaker, he has since worked as a pastor/preacher in several local churches, as well as pursuing his passion for writing. Specialising in not-for-profit communications, to date Jim's writing has been used in a range of publications - from press releases to annual reports, education papers to DVD scripts - including the photo-story book Love in Action - Taking Action Against Poverty. Above all, Jim loves to craft words that help inform, influence and inspire people to make positive change.

Jim lives in Hobart with wife Cathy and their kids Sarah and Benjamin.

Buy the book

Very few copies of our first book, Love in Action – Taking Action Against Poverty remain available. If you would like to purchase one please send an email to stu@loveinaction.com.au The book costs $39.95 and profits will be donated to Bridge of Hope.

We with to thank the following organisations for their valuable support in stocking the book when it was available.