Friends of OFCB Ministries
Minutes, December 2, 2009
First Presbyterian Church Charlotte, NC
Prepared by Kevin Wright
Richard Levine and
Samaritan's Feet
Hugh Prather introduced Richard Levine- who worked under the Reagan
administration in the area of provision of food to impoverished places. Hugh
introduced guests from Samaritans Feet in Ft. Mill, SC, a program that delivers
shoes to children worldwide. Tenisha Johnson and Bruce Bowden
Samaritan’s Feet was started by a Nigerian who at the age of 9 got his first
pair of shoes from a missionary. The group distributes shoes around the world.
They would like to continue conversations with us.
Actionnel Fleurisma's State of OFCB Address
Actionnel gave a State of OFCB Address. The
address chronicled the birth of OFCB Ministries in 1994 to the present time
including special emphasis on ministry accomplishments. Actionnel shared that
OFCB is a problem for many of us in the room, because OFCB has a client in the
Haitian people who are unable to provide for themselves in any way. Allen Smith
of World of God was lifted up by Actionnel, paralleling Allen’s vision with that
of World Vision and saying that he will grow child sponsorships. Actionnel
shared that, this evening, OFCB is in an emergency state. There are 259 older
adults who would like to be in school at OFCB in grades K-8 to receive food.
There has been violence against Haitians in the Dominican Republic daily. Many
Haitian citizens try to float to the United States. Actionnel shared that he
felt embarrassed by standing as a representative of these problems. We are here
to develop strategies to help the ‘rednecks’ in Bayonnais live longer and enjoy
happiness, create medical resources to prevent premature death, and help people
to keep their teeth. Actionnel said a special word of thanks to Myers Park UMC
for sending two medical team trips to Haiti to provide life-saving vaccinations
and treatments for simple ailments that may otherwise have killed them or
diminished their quality of life. Actionnel shared that it was unfair in this
modern world that Haitians are still living as in the first century. Though the
road is long and difficult, we must persevere. One hand alone does not clap- if
we want to go faster we must go alone, but to go further we must go together.
Actionnel shared that Amilor called to say that the brothers and sisters in
Bayonnais are praying for our meeting tonight and have been reading the book of
Esther. Esther 4:8-17.
Communications Coordinator - Katie Crowe
Communications Coordinator, Katie Crowe shared that we are working to streamline
and enhance our communications to partner churches. An email with updates will
be going out periodically, which is designed to be shared. An email has gone out
asking for contact information for point people from each church, as well as
information regarding 2010 contributions. If special offerings are anticipated
or if your church knows what they will be able to contribute to OFCB for 2010,
please let us know so that we can plan accordingly for the year ahead. As we
move from a small to a large organization, the need to formalize our funding
process is paramount. Information regarding a bus donation project will be
forthcoming, and a tri-fold brochure has been created to help with sharing
information and inviting potential partners to learn more about the ministry.
Travel Coordinator, Dave Nichols
Travel Coordinator, Dave Nichols shared that any travel to Bayonnais should be
planned through David to ensure that there will not be a conflict in scheduling
with other teams. This includes large and small teams. Such coordination can
also assist in alleviating travel burden on Actionnel and the OFCB team. David
invited Peter Daniel to share the significance of showing up vs. just sending
money. As one who used to live with the students in Haiti for a year, Peter
shared that we cannot know the impact that we have, which is often most visible
after we leave. Peter shared a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory allusion,
“Charlie, there are only a few golden tickets in the entire world, you would be
a dummy to give one up for money.” Lives are changed when you travel to Haiti-
both in the projects you do and in the way that you relate to people. David also
shared that any contributions made directly to the Credit Union must be
accompanied by an email to David to let him know who made the contribution, how
much was made, and for what purpose it is intended.
Allen Smith, Director of World of God
Allen Smith, Director of World of God, shared that there are inadequate funds to
support a $300,000 budget at OFCB. Child sponsorships are a part of the
solution. Currently the child sponsorship program is disorganized, but World of
God is going to formalize the system of sponsorships and called on First
Presbyterian, South Mecklenberg, and Myers Park UMC to host a sponsorship
meeting to organize sponsorships under World of God.
Treasurer Rick Rogers
Treasurer Rick Rogers shared that his daughter had a birthday party and asked in
lieu of gifts money be given to purchase clothes for their sponsor child and
made a donation of the difference. Rick shared Dimilsaint has done an excellent
job with the accounting in Haiti, and our job is to support him. Since their
arrival in the US, Actionnel, Dimilsaint, Rick Rogers, David Nichols, and Thold
Gill have had three meetings to create a new accounting system, dividing
incoming funds in different categories including recurring
expenses/contributions, special projects, one time gifts. Systems to better
track college sponsorships, the granary of Joseph, the medical clinic, and
visitors will be put into place. The new accounting and financial model will
adapt to the needs of the ministry. We are working to identify unknown funding
sources- since the beginning of the year, $16,000 of unidentified funds have
been received. The email that was sent to partner churches yielded four
responses with financial information for 2010. A petition was made to help us
plan for the future. Rick concluded with a word of gratitude for the leadership
at OFCB.
President Kevin Write
President Kevin Write said a word of thanks to Rick and shared that no salaries
were paid for the months of August and November and December. Allen shared that
the solution is to create more revenue, but Kevin suggested that it is also to
be responsive to communications with inquiries that come in so that we can be
more responsible organizers. Kevin emphasized that if we cannot organize these
funds, we cannot organize a medical clinic that tracks and demonstrates fiscal
responsibility and accountability. If we do not organize, the clinic will not be
a reality. A request was made for responsiveness to correspondences. Kevin
concluded by thanking Eddie Leger for his work on the clinic and developing
plans to build a sustainable medical model for the region.
Brett Mollenburg representing Engineers Without Borders
Brett Mollenburg representing Engineers Without Boarders
(fresh off the plane
from San Francisco) presented. Brett began working on the solar system in 2005
with the school, and is working on the power system for the clinic. He shared
that he represents a group of 20 volunteer engineers that work in every area of
clinic design and development. Initial plans were passed around. The primary
concern for the building is that it will be solid and secure, have power and
clean water and effective sanitation system that will withstand hurricanes as
times of disaster will mean higher traffic. EWB is working on building a
sustainable design that can run on its own, and is modular- beginning small and
growing to a bigger system.
Brett shared that there are three main areas that they are focusing on. The
challenge is that there is no basic infrastructure, so power, sanitation, clean
water, and the building are all needed. Sanitation, power, and building are the
three focus areas for EWB. The sanitation system, comprised of water and sewage
treatment, solid waste disposal, and autoclave, is a design that is nearly
complete. Brett asked for guidance from the group as to if we would like to
begin with a smaller design that can grow, or start with a larger design. Sewage
will be treated on site (on land we now own). Water system timing will also
determine the timing of the clinic construction itself. EWB is looking for ways
to incinerate waste that don’t cause more problems than they help.
The power system is being developed in partnership with the University of
Wisconsin (working on the bridge)- Scott Hamil and Ian Smith are working on the
project with students. They recently won a UN grant for a hydroelectric system
that can be brought to bear. It was emphasized that that is not able to be the
primary power system for the clinic, but a solar and diesel combination will
provide power within the clinic without the worry of parts breaking down and
availability.
Hydroelectric systems should be considered secondary, with a hybrid solar/diesel
system being primary. Phasing is important- do we begin with a larger system, or
a smaller one that accommodates only basic refrigeration and lights? The design
of the building itself is nearly complete. EWB is working with partners to
capture and utilize natural light for heat and utilize passive systems for
cooling. The main structure is complete, but full pluming/electrical designs
have not been finalized. The building can be made to scale, with systems made so
that they can start slow and be built up as more finances are available.
Dimilsaint's Word of Thanks
Dimilsaint shared that, first, on behalf of all the voices in Bayonnais a word
of thanks to the group and all those who have worked diligently to make
tonight’s meeting a success. Thanks to those who work consistently to make
Bayonnais and OFCB continue to live. Dimilsaint shared that in 1990 he shared
the vision for a medical clinic, and in 13 months now, his brother will be a
doctor ready to work in the clinic. With regard to land purchase, there were
many obstacles, including multiple owners and inhabitants living on the land who
did not want to sell their property so elevated the price. Agreements were made
that three parcels would be sold for $12,000. Two parcels were purchased and
paid for with contributions from the churches. The third parcel’s owner
continued to increase the value of the land from $5,000 US to $7500. The plot of
property stands between the two others. Renegotiations are in the works, $6,000
in funds are available.
Kevin Wright and Land for the Medical Clinic
Kevin Wright shared that the price of the land could be reduced, but
negotiations cannot continue until there is an assurance it will come from
somewhere. It is a nice piece of real estate, and we’d like to get the third
piece. Kevin suggested that the total cost be divided among interested churches.
Centre International de Foi en Christ, First Presbyterian, Charlotte, Isle of
Hope UMC, Light of Christ UMC, Mineral Springs UMC, Montreat Presbyterian, Myers
Park UMC, Radiant Life Fellowship, and South Mecklenburg Presbyterian all
expressed a desire to contribute ($166.67/church).
Eddie Leger the "Man on a Mission for God
Eddie Leger shared that he is a man on a mission for God, and reminded us that
God doesn’t call the equipped, he equips the called. The analogy of the
bi-focal, enabling us to see the now and further out, was held up for the group
with the encouragement to view the clinic project through the lens of faith.
Eddie shared that phase one of the clinic is to reach out to the community as
the clinic is not the building but the people served. Phase one has begun to
provide preventative care to those who would otherwise die from simple ailments.
Individuals in the community have been identified and sent to training using the
model of Partners in Health for training to go out into the community and
educate around various health topics.
Using the school and church as the first of several concentric circles of
service to the community. Eddie shared they will put up a stand at the market to
provide healthcare, and the clinic administration will be kept by the existing
administration. Phase one includes data collection on disease, immunizations,
problems encountered. Using those people as a target market for the services
that can be provided, information is decimated.
Eddie shared also that a Community Health Worker would be trained and
responsible for 25 families to help the clinic know what is going on in the
community and be responsible for data collection and compilation. The Department
of Health in Haiti has a program for the country, the vision of which would be
broadened and implemented for Bayonnais with two new doctors. Working with the
Health Department in Haiti, immunizations will be implemented. Haiti will
provide the vaccination if others will supply the workers.
Minimum basic services such as prenatal, parasitosis, std’s, etc. will be
addressed by nurses. Currently Firme is allowing a rented house to be used to
give over the counter medications. Printing and copying could be kept in the
United States. An annual budget of $14,000 was determined to be sufficient for
salaries for year one of phase one and a pilot project. A brief history of the
medical personnel student development was given. Training with PIH in 2010 and
2011 will allow for a high impact in growing roots for medical care in
Bayonnais. Within a year Eddie expects to be able to provide documentation and
data to share the need and the fruit with potential donors. Eddie concluded with
a challenge to look at the project through the lens of what is now, and what can
be through faith.
Brett from Engineers Without Borders
Brett from Engineers Without Boarders
elaborated on the $15,000 Euro award given
by the UN. Newsletter for Nov. 19 EWB holds details of the newsletter. Allen
Smith asked if nursing students, once they graduate, will be responsible for
training others to become community health leaders, which was answered in the
affirmative. Pat shared a concern about getting reams of paper into Bayonnais
for the clinic and shared an inquiry as to why electronic records could be held
instead of paper, necessitating copy machines, etc. Eddie shared that they are
open to electronic records, PIH holds records on website. If the nurse is able
to return from training and report that it is a possibility, the option could be
pursued. Brett shared that EWB has a Washington State partner who worked to
address needs for electronic records and agreed to work with Pat on determining
if it could be a solution.
Kevin and Actionnel and the Complexity of the Needs at OFCB including an
adequate Organization
Kevin and Actionnel said that in 1994 things were easy with OFCB. Using an
object lesson of books being handed to Actionnel representing desires that have
been added to Actionnel and OFCB over the years.- School- sponsorships- college-
banks- growth- microfinance, etc. Every church has a brilliant idea for OFCB.
They are wonderful and we are grateful. However, while we have many balls to
throw to Bayonnais, they have limited gloves.
Amilor opened Lordie market for his family. Child sponsorships are essential.
Random projects crop up and are left unfinished. Agronomy goal is to focus on a
chicken coop, and we need to be responsive to their needs. Kevin expressed a
concern that at this rate we will wear out our leaders in Haiti. A OFCB Steering
Committee is formed, and the request was made that interest be channeled through
Steering Committee Members
(also below) before going to Actionnel. The request was also made
that churches respect the recommendations of the Steering Committee with regard
to ideas and needs. We must grow with an eye to sustainability.
Kevin and Actionnel created a definitive list of the OFCB church families.
Contact information for each is in the table below. 17 churches were identified,
and ecumenical diversity noted. The medical clinic proposal for a one year pilot
project was presented with the request that information about the project be
shared with each church mission committee, and contributions prayed over.
OFCB US Steering Committee 2009:
Role
Name
Contact Info
Church
Chairperson
Kevin Wright
MPUMC
Treasurer/Finance
Rick Rogers
First Presbyterian- CLT
Project Manager Coordinator for Clinic
Eddy Ledger
CIFC
Economic Development Coordinator
Thold Gill
First Presbyterian- CLT
Food, Nutrition, Agronomy Coordinator
Jim Smith
First Baptist- Huntersville
Technology and Infrastructure Coordinator
Shalonda Goodwin
LOC UMC
Medical Coordinator
Dr. Greg Underwood
MPUMC
Education Coordinator
Allen Smith
MPUMC
Kevin Wright
December9, 2009
Charlotte, NC
©2009 OFCB Ministries