Apostolic Christian World Relief

Summary of Decisions and Topics of Discussion
National World Relief Board Meeting
Sarasota , FL – 12/1/07

Meeting Highlights

Unrestricted funds available for allocation totaled $855,683, and the same amount was allocated as listed in the table below. Disaster funds available totaled $247,501 and $170,300 were allocated.

The allocations are summarized as follows:

Further detail is available on these projects. Click here .

Key Issues

Outreach Subcommittee: The Mission Committee reported the progress of the Outreach Subcommittee formed to address the placement of Brethren interested in outreach opportunities. A proposal was presented for spiritual nurturing of Brethren sent long term to Haiti and Jamaica and was given support.

The work in Haiti and Jamaica continues to progress with the additional oversight responsibilities of those positioned there long term. All construction teams for 2007 are finished. Six additional teams are scheduled for the next period ending in 2008. Evaluation trips to the Caribbean will alternate years between Haiti and Jamaica.

The Child Sponsorship Program has expanded substantially since its inception. To date sponsors have supported the children with $3.3 million in contributions. The program is now serving 1,045 children with 1,309 sponsors. In addition there are 86 schools in Haiti that have sponsors. A sponsorship program to provide assistance to needy families is under development.

The Distribution Centers continue to provide an opportunity for all ages, young and old, to do good for others without having to travel. Thousands of pounds of grain, soap and food have been packaged as well as large quantities of health, and school kits.

The needs of our Brethren in Eastern Europe continue and the devaluation of the US dollar is creating a concern as we assist them with their basic needs. Food packages are being assembled at Antioch using Romanian goods purchased in volume at discounted prices locally resulting in a large cost savings. The bicycle project has resulted in the purchase of approximately 400 bicycles for Romania and 500 to the Ukraine.

In India the English Medium School now has 85 students and one class per year will continue to be added until the school reaches its capacity of 250 students. A doctor has been hired temporarily to fill the position of the late Dr. Gajamom Bhagwat. The Boarding Arms continues to provide care at the two campuses and the nearby girls facility.

International Grants were approved for orphanages in Thailand and Ukraine and through Loving Shepherd Ministries. Grants were also provided for vocational training for mothers in Brazil, a food program for school children in Ethiopia, a hospital in Indonesia, and relief work in Peru and Mexico.

Work Teams: There will be many work team opportunities throughout Mexico in the next trimester. The work is progressing well on the church building and group home at CVE in Magdalena. The funding for the Child Feeding program continues in Juarez.

Disaster Relief: Funding was provided for Disaster relief in the tornado torn area of Nappanee, Indiana

Katrina Hurricane Rebuilding Project: The plans for the winter disaster relief work project in January through March in the Biloxi area (Pass Christian) are progressing with over 500 of the 750 work team slots filled already. World Relief will help support Midwest Food Bank as they expand with a new location in Peoria, IL.

The next World Relief Informational Meeting (Western Churches) is in Elgin, IL Saturday, March 8, 2008. Click here for information .

The next World Relief National Board meeting is 4/26/2008 in Silverton, Oregon.

If you have any questions or would like any more information please contact the World Relief Office in Remington, IN. Click here .