The summer construction season is over, and despite unique challenges this year, we managed to build more than three dozen homes in the border region of Mexico. Here’s the latest information:
Construction
Faith Ministry finished the summer season with a total of 39 homes constructed, 23 in Reynosa and 16 in Miguel Alemán. Participation was down this year, but concerns about flu and violence proved unfounded, and we’re confident the picture will be brighter next year. In the meantime, nearly 40 families will be moving into homes that protect them from the elements. God is good!
And a Little Bit of Fun
It’s not all hard work; intern Kate Weddington and Omar Saldaña, Faith Ministry’s Administrator of Mexican Operations, have a little fun on the side.
Audit: Leaner and Stronger
Faith Ministry has been working to ensure the financial integrity of the organization and make sure we’re good stewards of contributions. The Board of Directors is happy to say an independent audit has given us a favorable report. Board member Kathy Starkey writes, “Long Chilton, LLC, a CPA firm in McAllen, TX, has ‘blessed’ our accounting with their favorable audit report. Just as you make a difference with your support of Faith Ministry, we hope that we also make a difference in being good stewards of the blessings entrusted to us.”
You’ll be pleased to know that approximately 78 percent of Faith Ministry’s money goes to serving the poor and less than 8 percent to fundraising expenses. According to the American Institute of Philanthropy, any percentage over 60 is considered satisfactory (charitywatch.org), and “most highly efficient charities are able to spend 75% or more on programs.” An audit summary is available on request.
Party Time
Coming up this fall, Faith Ministry will be holding fiestas in a number of cities around the U.S.
Scheduled so far, Faith Ministry Founder Deantin Guerra will be traveling to Texas and Indiana and David Rodriguez to North Carolina. They’ll be joining the fiestas at these locations to help raise money for the coming year. We’ll send along firm dates and locations as they become available.
Monthly Contribution
Each year, faithful team members arrive to build houses and work on other Faith Ministry construction projects. But did you know that you can support the ministry all year long with monthly contributions? To get set up, email David Rodriguez in our McAllen office. This money keeps our medical clinics, nutrition programs and pastoral work going and helps lay the groundwork for construction in the spring and summer.