Financial Planning For Disaster Relief

The great idea I’m about to share is not my own, but one I heard a few years back and it has stuck with me.

Whenever there is a catastrophic disaster like we’ve seen in Japan, Haiti and Chile,  most of us want to be prepared to give and to help. One of the best strategies to prepare for this is to simply include a monthly contribution to a trusted relief organization in your budget. That way when such disaster strikes, you won’t feel pressure to find additional money to send, or feel guilty if you have nothing extra to give or just never get around to it. Even $5.00 per month will make a big impact in a third world country.

Most of us have access to automated check disbursement through our banks. Consider this small adjustment to help make a big difference!

This link is to the Bishops’ Crisis Response Fund for our denomination, the Free Methodist Churches of North America.  Unlike many other relief organizations, 100% of your funds go directly to these places of crisis.  If you have no other place where you feel confident in giving, please check this out and consider us.

Free Methodists in many parts of the world experience hunger, disease and loss of all earthly possessions because of both natural and man-made disasters. War, tsunamis, earthquakes, mudslides, drought … your gifts can make a difference for fellow Free Methodists who are unfortunate enough to experience these horrors. The U.S. Board of Bishops created this fund so that 100% goes to the point of need. Nothing is taken for overhead.

Formerly known as the Bishops’ Famine and Relief Fund, here’s how the BCRF works:

• People give to the BCRF in advance of an emergency.
• When a crisis arises, church leaders nearest the need make a request.
• The need is shared with the area bishop and the area missions director for their endorsement and support.
• Once the crisis is verified, the information is shared by email among the bishops.
• After consideration by the bishop, and if approved, the funds are wired immediately to the point of need.
• Missionaries and church leaders in the country distribute the food, medicines or building materials. At the conclusion of the distribution, a report is filed on how the gifts were used.

You can make a contribution today through Lake Hills Community Church, clearly marking it for the Bishops’ Crisis Response Fund, or mail it directly to: Board of Bishops/BCRF, P.O. Box 535002 Indianapolis, IN 46253

Phone: (800) 342-5531 ext 208

Giving to help distressed fellow believers is not new:
“The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea. This they did, sending their gifts to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.” (Acts 11:29-30)

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For Their Sake,

~ Mike Knapp, pastor