OFCB Partnership Committee Meeting Minutes

June 9, 2009 6:00 pm

Present: Barbara Cribbs, David Cribbs, Bruce Bailey, Allen Smith, Jim Smith, Judy Nichols, Pat Christopherson, David Nichols, Eddy Leger, Kevin Wright, Shalonda Goodwin, Katie Crowe

· The meeting began at 6:00 pm with prayer

· Shalonda Goodwin unveiled the new OFCB Ministry Calendar accessible at www.ofcbministries.org/calendar.

§ Please email news of any visits to Bayonnais your church is taking to Shalonda at shalondagoodwin@yahoo.com so that she can put it up on the calendar. This will help keep everyone apprised of who is going to Haiti when.

· Katie Crowe introduced Thold Gill, member of First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte as the new OFCB Economic Development Coordinator in abstentia. Although Thold was not able to make it to this meeting, he is excited about putting together a team to help map and stimulate the Bayonnais economy.

· Kevin Wright reported on the completion of the roof on the new school building. This project is a testament to the power of the churches working together. $40,000 was raised in one month from churches and organizations to bring this project to fruition.

· Eddy Leger shared the itinerary of the trip to Haiti he will be taking from July 1 to July 16. Eddy will be conducting a feasibility study in regards to the proposed medical clinic in Bayonnais. Eddy’s itinerary is attached to the same email as these meeting minutes.

§ The total cost of this trip is $2,000 and so far we have received pledges from the following churches/individuals: South Mecklenburg Presbyterian- $200, Myers Park UMC- $250, Tom Massey- $100, Pat Christopherson- $100, First Presbyterian of Charlotte- $300

§ We are still in need of $1,050 in order to make this trip happen, without which we will not be able to move forward with construction of the clinic.

§ Churches or individuals may send notice of their pledge to Allen Smith at asmith@worldofgod.org

· A team of agronomists from various US universities will be traveling to Bayonnais in August in order to conduct research, share farming techniques, and begin to develop a working relationship with OFCB. We are in need of $600 to cover their per diem expenses while in Haiti. Churches and individuals are encouraged to contribute.

· A video message from Rev. Actionnel Fleurisma was viewed by the group. Actionnel discussed the desire of OFCB to purchase land adjacent to the existing proposed clinic lot in Bayonnais. The additional land would roughly triple the size of the existing plot allowing for more space for the proposed clinic’s sewage system.

§ The total cost of the land is $12,000.

§ David Nichols will gain a better sense of the parcel’s measurements when he travels to Bayonnais on July 1.

§ Eddy Leger said that his church will pledge $2,000 towards the purchase of this land.

§ Kevin Wright will check with Actionnel to see if a portion of the land’s cost can be put forth as a deposit.

§ We will further discuss the land purchase at the next OFCB Meeting.

· Jim Smith presented information regarding the need for more food in Bayonnais. It is estimated that at the current rate of food distribution, the Granary of Joseph has approximately 2 weeks left of rice and beans.

§ Jim Smith and Shalonda Goodwin are exploring ways of getting food into Bayonnais by bus vs. buying it directly in Haiti.

§ Allen Smith suggested that we partner with a food organization like Stop Hunger Now,

· David Nichols shared information regarding Rev. Actionnel Fleurisma’s upcoming trip to the US in August.

· The group discussed the need for materials to be produced that could be given to potential church partners introducing OFCB and the work of the OFCB US Partnership Committee. Such materials would help churches find meaningful ways to plug into what is already going on in the ministry rather than beginning new projects that might be unsustainable.

· The need for a treasurer was highlighted again. Katie Crowe suggested someone from First Presbyterian of Charlotte might be able to fill this role and help implement an annual budget process by which OFCB would be able to know how much money churches will be able to provide throughout the year and when they can expect to receive those funds.

· The next meeting date will be announced shortly. Actionnel Fleurisma will be in attendance and Eddy Leger will give his feasibility report on the proposed clinic at this time.

Respectfully Submitted,

Kevin Wright