MERCI Update - December 2005

THANK YOU North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church

As we reach the end of another year, it’s good to look back and see if our time was well spent. Just what did we accomplish this year? It is also a time when we look forward and plan for the future. We do this reminiscing in two ways: financially and physically. What did we spend and how did we spend it? (Consider how difficult it is to put a price on time these days). And what is left to do?

I had the opportunity to attend a conference finance committee meeting. My purpose in attending was to ask for MERCI to be included in the conference budget for 2007. Even if approved, that is still 2 years away. It comes as a shock to most folks to realize that we are not a part of our conference’s budget; we are not listed as a use of apportionment f

 

It costs about $800,000 a year for MERCI to operate.

• For that amount of money 1055 volunteer teams were given the opportunity to  contribute 161,210 hours of service, valued at $2,761,527.30 and  to be the hands,  feet, eyes, and ears for our LORD. (Over 68,200 days of service since we began)
• For that amount of money, 1,530 families now live in safer, more sanitary, and more secure homes. (Over 3200 since we began)
• For that amount of money 9 families now live in new homes. (Over 60 since we began)
• For that amount of money, 323 youth had the opportunity to learn more about their own walk with the Lord and ways in which they can serve him. (479 in 2 years of Footprints)
• For that amount of money, 4,169 flood buckets were created and were shipped to areas of need following the 2004 storm season. (actually a $187,605 value)
• For that amount of money, over 230 folks were trained to be early responders. (Priceless!)
• For that amount of money, 31 local churches were empowered to reach out in their community to provide help for their neighbors in need. (54 total)
• For that amount of money, 14 people were employed full time to work on your behalf and to ensure that the opportunities MERCI provides are well coordinated, of the best quality and are theologically sound.
• For that amount of money, MERCI staff has been given the opportunity to share our knowledge in disaster response with other conferences through training and advice.
• Within that amount of money, MERCI has formed partnerships with the Lutheran Disaster Response and Catholic Social Ministries, with Duplin County Planning Dept. and Pamlico County CDC.
• For every dollar MERCI spends we get $3.69 in return. Not a bad investment!

 

                The Duke Endowment has been our major source of funding all these years. But like any well raised “child” a time comes when we have to stand on our own. MERCI is always seeking grants to support our programs. We charge our volunteers a small nightly fee, we are an Advance Special in our conference, and we are fortunate to have the love and support of folks like you!

 

                As you are counting your Blessings this year and giving thanks for all that God has done in your life, please consider making a donation to support MERCI. There are lots more volunteers looking for opportunities, lots more families looking for help, and lots more emergency supplies that need to be collected and distributed. With your help, MERCI can continue to carry out God’s will to “go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:37)

 

God bless you each and every one at this special time of year!