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Sponsorship January 23, 2010 This is a note regarding ongoing donations to this ministry (Haiti Friendship Ministries) through Missionary Ventures, including those made this month and funds from the end of 2009 that have not yet been distributed. Many of you support various schools of Pastor Abner in Haiti, and some of you still sponsor individual children in some of those schools. Obviously there is no school taking place for the time being, and it's difficult to say when they will be functioning again. Most likely it won't be before the start of the next school year in September. Therefore, for the time being, all recent and future donations will go to any urgent needs and the rebuilding of those schools, churches and communities that this ministry has been involved with. It's too early to know specifically what is going to be needed at these locations in regard to rebuilding. And it will be a long time before we know the fate of many of the children that people still sponsor -especially in Marchasse which is so remote. We will continue to send out information as we get news from Pastor Abner and Ed Lockett. Thank you for your continued prayers for Haiti. If you would like to donate to this ministry, see below. For the least of these, Joel & Carole You can donate to HFM on the MVI web site (www.mvi.org). If you go to their donations page (www.mvi.org/donations), you can check off "Other" and type in "Haiti Friendship Ministries" or "HFM". Alternatively, you can make a check payable to Missionary Ventures (designate it for "Haiti Friendship Ministries" or "HFM"), and mail it to: MISSIONARY VENTURES INTERNATIONAL P.O. Box 593550 Orlando, FL 32859-3550 Following is the text of the letter sent to new sponsors; it answers many common questions about sponsoring a school through Haiti Friendship Ministries. Dear Haiti school sponsor, Thank you for taking this exciting step of sponsoring a school in Haiti. Haiti is the poorest country in the Western hemisphere, and as a result many of its children do not have the opportunity to attend school. Your sponsorship of $20 per month will provide much needed support to help with paying the salaries of Christian teachers, for school supplies, and for a nutritious lunch program. The following should address most of the practical questions you may have regarding your sponsorship and this ministry. How do I make my contributions? Make your check payable to: Missionary Ventures International, and use the MVI envelope to send in your first contribution. Include a note designating it for "Haiti Friendship Ministries" or "HFM". After each donation you send you will receive a tax deductible receipt from MVI along with a new envelope for sending your next contribution. You will need to return part of the receipt, writing on it: "Haiti Friendship Ministries" in the category designated as "Other". You may send your contributions monthly, quarterly, semiannually, or annually. Alternatively, you may have automatic donations made through your bank account or credit card by filling out the appropriate form and mailing it to MVI. In that case make sure you indicate on the form that the monthly donation is to be designated for "Haiti Friendship Ministries" or "HFM" as part of the "Other" category. If your church participates financially with HFM (for example: Abundant Life Christian Center of Edison, NJ), then make your contribution through your church, designating it for "Haiti child" or "HFM." How is the money handled? The finances are sent from the MVI office to Ed Locket, the MVI Haiti field coordinator. Ed will then distribute the funds to the designated schools through the Haitian pastor responsible for each school project. Donation helps all the children in the school to have a Christian education and a much needed meal for as many days as there is enough support for the entire school. What accountability is there with this ministry? MVI is a member of the Evangelical Counsel for Financial Accountability (ECFA). Members of ECFA must adhere to strict standards of responsible stewardship. We are provided each year with a financial report from Haiti on how the money donated for each school was used. Lord willing, we will visit the sponsored school each year to update information and ensure funds were used as designated. We try to offer the exciting opportunity to come with us each year on a short-term mission trip to meet and minister to the children and teachers involved with the school. This also gives the sponsor an opportunity to see how contributions are being used first-hand. How can I be more involved than just sending a check? Pray for the children and teachers, as well as their families, churches, communities and country. Consider coming with us on an exciting mission trip to Haiti. Tell others about sponsoring a school in Haiti. Perhaps your pastor would be interested in having us do a presentation in your church. More questions? Please feel free to contact us. And thanks again for making this commitment. You will be making a difference in the life of precious children in a third-world country. Remember, Jesus said that, "…to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me." For the least of these, Joel & Carole