FROM R.K.'s corner
July 2010

xxxxxIn the past, The Bridge has been involved in relief efforts in a number of countries, both as direct outreaches by our field worker, but also in partnership with other ministries.  Our primary call and function is to propagate the Gospel of Jesus Christ through national believers into unreached nations, and with them, help train, facilitate, and resource indigenous church leaders in the Word of God and Biblical leadership. xxxxxxOur direct focus is, therefore, not on mercy ministries as ends in of themselves, but we do embrace them as practical expressions of the love of Jesus, initiated by the national believers

xxxxxxThe Bridge does not have a specific ministry into Haiti, but we felt it was right to give our partners and friends an opportunity to contribute funds to the victims of the earthquake disaster through our ministry. The funds would be funneled through Haitian nationals with “boots on the ground”; those already busy in sharing the Good News with his and her countrymen.  xxxxxxWe do not compare ourselves to the multi-million-dollar, international relief NGO agencies specifically designed to target major calamities like the one in Haiti. They come into a disaster area and do the heavy initial lifting, by

providing immediate relief in the way of mass feeding, emergency medical care and shelter, and by clearing roads, and re-building a rudimentary infrastructure. This gives room for others to come in and do the one-on-one ministry. We thank God for the function of these agencies and the many dedicated men and women who serve with them.

XXXXXXRegretfully, though, with so many middlemen between the donor and the recipient, it is inevitable that there are large overheads with portions of the donated funds and resources being funneled away from the intended victims into the wrong hands. Their challenge is to ensure that the resources get to the end of the road - to those suffering!

XXXXXXWe have always considered The Bridge as a small “fish and loaves” ministry.  This means that relatively small amounts of funds, raised with minimum overhead cost, and other resources are placed into the hands of indigenous men and women with leadership abilities, integrity and character, who carry a vision and a clear call from God for their people. They know the language and the culture; they live among their people and know best their and the needs of their local communities.

XXXXXXTime and again, we have watched how works that began from very small beginnings by the faith and dedication of the indigenous believers, have expanded into significant ministries that today affect whole nations and regions!  It has been exciting to sometimes participate in planting; other times in watering... but always acknowledging that GOD GAVE THE INCREASE!

       The partnership that has opened up between Jorge Urra, Enmanuel Damus, and ourselves is one of these "fish and loaves" story. Take a look (July's Haiti Update) at what the initial contribution of US$3,800.00 has provided! We are very happy to funnel your donations through this vehicle to the Haitian people, as we are assured that every penny is accounted for, and that the money is spent wisely with maximum leverage, and given to those in need!   

We will continue to keep the account 8162 Relief Aid — Haiti open for further contributions, and invite you to donate toward the Haitian people on a regular basis!   The funds are sent out in full, without any deductions of overhead or administrative expenses.