To our Brothers and Sisters in Christ in North America
Download the 2008 & 2009 Financial Statements (PDF, 110 KB)
Since being asked to form a North American Meal-a-Day Fund in 2008, it has been a privilege to identify appropriate partners to serve compelling needs in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Our precious partners include:
- Those who already give their own time and money to serve the neediest in their own countries. We currently are able to assist over a dozen NGO’s 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 at our website www.cmadfa.com. 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.
- Those who pray for these efforts.
- 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 for more information, or to sign up to contribute at least $10 per month. Make a difference!
- Those who participate in many ways to get this important work… raising funds, helping to build a home for a poor family in Guatemala, serving on our committee, establishing our website, getting the word out and many other ways.
As with any effort, there have been challenges. In each case, we have tried to respond appropriately:
- We regretfully dropped one Latin America partner who didn’t provide the level of accountability we require.
- 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 the Red Cross and United Way, programs with administrative costs far in excess of Meal-a-Day’s. To see a multitude of verses supporting this charitable work, visit our website.
- In response to wise counsel, we are adding more Central Directors to balance our committee and fully represent our North American community.
- 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 two annual financial reports that accompany this letter.
- 2010 has brought us face-to-face with the catastrophe in Haiti. We responded with a special appeal, raising over $41,000. 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.
This combination of that special appeal, the challenging economy of 2010, and our focus on the Guatemala House building project (involving a team of 32 for 2 weeks, beginning in July, Lord willing!) has left us only able to “maintain” our other ongoing commitments… no new initiatives at this time.
We feel incredibly blessed by God and by each of you who have helped in so many ways. 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