Hope for the Children of Africa Endowment Fund
The Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church believes that a new moment of decision in the church's witness in Africa is upon us. With the Bishops' Appeal, Hope for the Children of Africa, the Council is answering God's call to witness for peace, justice and compassion by leading the global United Methodist family in the rebuilding of the church in Africa and the renewal and restoration of spiritual and material ministries for children. This appeal is a significant extension of the ongoing Episcopal Initiative on Children and Poverty that is revitalizing our church. It is being developed as a result of a request from, and consultation with, the African Bishops.
The nations of Africa have faced the forces of racism, drought, disease, war and economic hardship. Country after country and ministry after ministry has been hobbled by the devastation -- families are torn apart and children are left to fend for themselves; hope is battered and dreams are trampled. Fallen buildings left in the wake of fighting are mute testimonies to disaster. The damage to the ministries once housed within the buildings --- ministries that served God's children -- is an assault to the Spirit.
This Bishops' Appeal aims to:
Provide relief and reconciliation to thousands of children and families who have suffered and lost so much from war across the continent; and rebuild United Methodist churches and restore ministries, with special attention to the physical, social and spiritual well-being of the children.
The Council of Bishops and The United Methodist Church Foundation have established this endowment fund to ensure that the church continues to work towards eradication of all that threatens health and wholeness of the world’s children. Now your commitment can live beyond your lifetime and ensure that our values and mission will live far into the future.
Because gifts to the endowment fund are tax deductible, there are a number of planning opportunities by which you can reduce your personal taxes while making your gift go even farther. There are no minimum or maximum restrictions on the amount of the gift.
Yes, I want to Give Now to this fund. Gifts may be structured to provide income to you or a family member over a period of time. If you are seeking to make such gifts, create your own plan.
There are several ways in which you can make a significant contribution to the work of The Hope for the Children of Africa Endowment Fund through this endowment:
You may want to consider making a major gift of cash, appreciated stocks, securities or property. Or, you may want to make a special bequest to The Hope for the Children of Africa Endowment Fund in your will or testamentary trust. Find out about the different ways to give through The United Methodist Church Foundation.
To learn more about the work of the Council of Bishops visit: http://bishops.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=1&mid=5855