We seek men and women who will commit
- to periodic prayer for those in need in congregations in our city and
- to providing $100 per month (or $25 or $50 as each is led) to help those in need.
Our hope is that these funds would be over and above funds currently being given rather than a restructuring of existing offerings so as not to deplete other ministries’ resources. With 100 individuals providing $100 each month we would have the ability ($10,000 per month) to significantly impact the financial needs of the recipients.
We would be able to make quarterly grants of up to $30,000 or multiple grants of lesser amounts.
Grants will be made as outright gifts with an encouragement to recipients to become involved in the Partnership so as to return some of the funding as they are able to help others.
We considered making the gifts as loans so we could “recycle” the money to others in need. We have decided not to use a loan structure and here are the principle reasons:
- Spiritual reasons
- God’s gift of grace to us is without strings. Once received we have changed hearts and want to return to Him portions of what He has given us out of love rather than obligation. We will encourage recipients to participate in 245 as willing partners, wanting to share with others the help they have received.
- Leviticus 25:35-28 35 If one of your countrymen becomes poor and is unable to support himself among you, help him as you would an alien or a temporary resident, so he can continue to live among you. 36 Do not take interest of any kind [a] from him, but fear your God, so that your countryman may continue to live among you. 37 You must not lend him money at interest or sell him food at a profit. 38 I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt to give you the land of Canaan and to be your God. (NIV)
- Practical reasons
- With no repayment structure, paperwork and administration will be minimized.
- If the recipients do in fact contribute to the Partnership, their contributions will be tax deductible to them as well.