To our Brothers and Sisters in Christ in North America

Total 2010 Contributions*: $426,736. Ecclesias provided $33,462, organizations provided $33,525, and individuals provided $359,747.
Total 2010 Distributions*: $400,142. $1,503 to administrative tasks, $15,200 for health related needs, $29,650 for family welfare, $37,600 to provide electricity, $40,000 to agriculture and fishing, $45,000 to adult education, $46,753 to disaster relief in Haiti, $48,536 to the Guatemala Build trip, $67,700 to provide pure water, and $68,200 for children's welfare.

*Excludes $150,500 pass-through contributions for Christadelphian Meal a Day - UK and Agape in Action

To our Brothers, Sisters and friends in Christ in North America:

Since being asked to form a North American Meal-a-Day Fund in 2008, we have felt incredibly blessed by God and by each of you who have helped in so many ways. CMaDFA directors meet twice a year to discuss all current and possible future projects. Each time we trust that God will continue, through our contributors, to support the decisions we have made. We recognize that it is in the best interest of those we serve, as well as the expectation of our contributors, that we use the funds we are entrusted with, rather than build a balance in our accounts. As you review our 2010 financials, you may question whether that has happened, but please be aware that CMaDFA was blessed with a very large contribution at the end of the year, half of which was meant as a pass-through to our sister organization, CMaD-UK. These funds were sent along as quickly as possible in January.

While large contributions are certainly a blessing, our partner NGOs and the poorest of our neighbors benefit from every contribution we receive. A dollar goes a long way in Latin America.

Over the past few years, it has been a privilege to identify appropriate partners to serve compelling needs in Latin America and the Caribbean. Our precious partners include:

  1. Those who already give their own time and money to serve the neediest in their own countries. We currently are able to assist nearly 20 NGOs or individuals who include some of the most committed people we have ever met. You can read about their projects and the poor they serve on our website. We make an effort to visit each partner and at least one of their projects each year, to assure they are using these funds appropriately.
  2. Those who pray for these efforts.
  3. Individuals, ecclesias and businesses who give financially to make these efforts possible. One-time contributions (small and large) continue to be very important. We are currently focusing on establishing a core of regular supporters through our "Be 1 of the 1,000" campaign. See our website to sign up to contribute at least $10 per month. Make a difference!
  4. Those who participate in many ways to do this important work... raising funds, helping to build a home for a poor family in Central America, serving on our committee, establishing our website, getting the word out and many other ways.

One of the great blessings of 2010 was the summer's Guatemala House building project, involving a team of 32 for 2 weeks. We pray that this year's similar project in Nicaragua will be as successful and meaningful, not only for the families who will receive a home, but also for the participants.

Along with these blessings came some challenges and opportunities for growth and improvement:

  1. We regretfully dropped one Latin America partner who didn't provide the level of accountability we require.
  2. We've heard resistance from those who imagine that fulfilling God and Jesus' instructions to serve the poor is in competition with preaching. Ideally both work hand-in-hand, in the "touch and teach" model. Where that isn't yet possible, both still give glory to our God and our Lord. In every appeal, we ask contributors NOT to divert preaching funds to this program. Instead we ask that you allow us to steward the funds you previously donated to programs like United Way, programs with administrative costs far in excess of Meal-a-Day's. To see a multitude of verses supporting this charitable work, click here.
  3. In response to wise counsel, we have added more Central Directors to balance our committee at 4 & 4, to fully represent our North American community.
  4. We desire to be transparent in our efforts, and so have chosen to publish our finances in more depth than is common. We welcome your comments in all aspects of our work and particularly with regard to the annual financial reports that accompany this letter.
  5. 2010 brought us face-to-face with the catastrophe in Haiti. We responded with a special appeal, raising almost $47,000. This has allowed our partner "Partners in Health" to save lives and serve needs they couldn’t have, without your help through Meal-a-Day.

As you can see from the reports, God and many generous supporters have blessed this effort over the last 3 years with nearly $1 ¾ million, to meet compelling needs: 60% serving needs in Latin America and 40% given specifically to serve needs in Africa, via our Sister Meal a Day of the UK.

It is a privilege to be involved in "doing good works in the name of Jesus". It is apparent that this work has "struck a chord" within our community, especially among the young adults who see it as meeting a real need. One of them said "I think this is the thing I am proudest of, within our community". Ultimately we see this work as part of "strengthening the things that remain"... helping people stay involved in the work of the Lord, encouraging their faith, building enthusiasm for serving others in love.

As was said, prayers- suggestions- volunteers- contributions welcome.

In the Master’s service,
Bruce Parker, Chairman
On behalf of the Directors of the Christadelphian Meal-a-Day Fund of the Americas.

April, 2010