Changing Lives Print E-mail
Saturday, 17 October 2009 15:09
By Rick Postma

The Word & Deed Business Group initiative continues to flourish under the blessing of the Lord. Since the Business Group of Southern Alberta was launched in December of 2007, 11 additional groups have been formed and over $650,000 donated in support of various projects in Africa and Latin America.


New Groups
In June a new group was started in the Abbotsford area of British Colombia with $57,000 pledged to be split between a home rebuilding project in Nicaragua and the John Calvin Christian School building project. This group was masterfully organized by Ineke Floris who is the group coordinator.


Also in June, Jeff Postma took an innovative approach and invited the sub-trades of his company, Postma Construction, to form a business group. Many did and $27,000 was pledged to support the John Calvin Christian School building project and Health Brigades in Colombia.

How does it work?
The business group program provides an opportunity for business people (you need not own your own business) to form a local group, to choose a project, to give an anonymous pledge towards the project and to have representatives of the group visit the project once it is completed. Updates are provided to the group periodically and the group meets once a year to hear about the project and to choose a new project for the next year.

If I join, what would be expected of me?
You will be asked to attend an annual meeting of your group. A goal of $1500 per member per year is set, but lesser amounts are also gratefully accepted. Some are in a position to give more. Others are in a position to give more in some years and less in others.

What kinds of projects are being supported?
Business Groups are given several options to choose from. A number of the groups are supporting the John Calvin Christian School building in Barranquilla, Colombia (a major project that is also receiving support from fundraisers, churches and individuals). Other projects chosen by business groups include micro-loans in Colombia, a multi-purpose building for the orphan program in Malawi, well-cleaning and agricultural projects in Nicaragua, and the Health Brigades and School of Practical Ministries project in Colombia.

How can I join or find out more?
If there is a business group in your area, you will be most welcome to join. If not, then you may be able to help form one. In either case and to find out more, contact Rick Postma: 877.375.9673, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it


Rick Postma is the Director of Public Relations for Word & Deed Ministries.
 
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