We got an email a few weeks back about a matching funds
program that is going to be running on December 3rd through the
Advance Special Fund, the giving arm of the United Methodist Church. The email
stated that all funds that are given on-line on December 3rd will be
matched dollar for dollar. That is pretty cool. So cool it was almost hard to
believe at first. So I looked into it.
#GivingTuesday is a movement that started in
2012 as a response to the incredible coverage and hype that is received by
Black Friday. The thought was that if retailers, who only goal is to make a
profit and finish off the year in the black, could benefit from putting so much
hype into one day, why can’t the non-profit world do the same thing. So now, to
balance out and help us recover (refocus) from Black Friday and the stampedes,
and Cyber Monday and credit card debt, there is Giving Tuesday and an actual
focus on helping others. For you the “others” can be the churches and
ministries of the Lake Zone in Tanzania.
Maybe I should not too surprised at an offer like this. We
are used to funding programs and ministries through a two-way matching gifts
system. The churches here give time, labor, material, and funds that are then
added to by contributing groups from outside of Tanzania. These matching funds
become enough to continue the ministries taking place here in Tanzania.
Our goal has never been to be fully funded through outside
donations. We actually would prefer to be fully funded from the churches here
in Tanzania. Until we grow some more though we have found that taking goals
that the churches here create themselves and own and just moving them a little
bit closer is a pretty good strategy. There is nothing more important in our
work than ownership of that work by the churches.
This last week it was so great to hear a church talk about
and plan on how they can build “their” church. It is not my (the missionary’s)
church, but theirs. Locally owned and operated so to speak. This wasn’t just
talk either. This very week labor and materials are being donated that will
make up almost half of the cost of the current phase of construction. It is
hard work and it pulls people away from their gardens and work and literally
putting food on the table, but it is their work.
Now, on December 3rd, we have a chance not for a
two-way match, but a three-way match. Supporters can make donations on-line
that will then be matched dollar for dollar by Global Ministries. Don’t believe
me or want more details check it out here. Those matched funds
will then make their way to Tanzania where they will be matched a third time by
the contributions and work of the local churches and ministry programs.
Our goal is $50,000 in donated funds which will then turn
into $100,000 which will then turn into who knows how much as it is matched by
churches here. This amount would allow us to focus on ministry, and the sharing
of successes and celebrations for the 2014 year instead of always looking for
our next fundraiser.
We already have $2500 pledged. We look forward to more.
Check out the ministries that would be receiving this report on the donations
page of this site. Email ericsoard@umcmission.org
or esoard@umcmission.org with any
questions, encouragement, or pledges.
And thank you in advance for you support.