View Current Projects
2021 Projects
Funding of $30,000 for the ongoing commitment to the continued growth and function of the CarePoint at Centro de Alcance in Guatemala, where orphaned and vulnerable children receive nutritional and educational support, as well as regular discipleship. Through the CarePoint, connections are made with the community families to help stabilize the families and the community.
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Funding of $50,000 Youth For Christ – Kalamazoo will go directly towards building capacity for the ministry of the Gospel and supporting the spiritual, educational, social, emotional and physical needs of our youth.
1. Padding equipment for the gymnasium, 2. An outdoor fellowship area with picnic tables and grill, 3. Refinishing the parking lot, 4. Installing an outside sprinkler system, 5. New computers for the computer lab, 6. Digital studio for podcast , audio, and video production, 7. Background checks and training for volunteers, 8. Sound production and event hosting equipment, and 9. Additional furnishings and decor for the City Life Center. |
Funding of $40,000 will go to purchase furniture for the new Kalamazoo Gospel Ministries’ women’s and children’s shelter, specifically for the community rooms and the emergency shelter. These basic items will create an atmosphere where individuals will have accommodations that meet basic needs and allow healing to begin. Our goal is to never add trauma to a traumatic situation. Emergency cots for sleeping, chairs and tables to accomplish homework and activities, chairs to accommodate group meetings and bible studies are all aspects of the request.
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2020 Projects
Development of the Play Therapy Room and the funding for the tools (toys) needed for play therapy. Having a dedicated play therapy for children will offer more in-depth assistance to missionary and leadership families; therefore, more families will stay in ministry and be healthy in their family dynamics.
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Funding for the Jericho Foundations’ Leadership Program. Jericho invites Christian professional leaders from the United States and BiH (Bosnia and Herzegovina) to teach on a variety of topics. These workshops and training sessions highlight areas such resume writing, financial literacy, PTSD coping skills, team building, leadership, and professional development.
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Creating a cutting edge, social and digital media education arm of the Civil Righteousness movement called Civil Righteousness University (CR-U) to engage both the Body of Christ and the next generation with thought-provoking and creative educational resources available in an online format as well as in print.
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2019 Projects
With an extraordinary offering in November, CFC has been able to bless our partners even more than we had hoped at the beginning of the campaign. Initially, we had planned for $147,000 in grants with an offering goal of $200,000. We were stunned, first by a lead gift of $50,000, before the month of November. After hearing some possible concerns about giving this year, we were totally amazed when the offering totaled $277,178. Even after our planned grants of $147,000, there was still $130,178 that could be distributed.
The Board met in January to discern what the Lord was saying to us so that we would be responsible stewards of what He had put in our hands. After a month of prayer, our discussion led us to make additional grants. We granted Youth For Christ an additional $50,000 toward their future ministry center in East Kalamazoo. We granted $12,000 for the emergency medical fund at Centro de Alcance for help with unforeseen medical emergencies with the children. We granted an additional $10,000 to the Samaritas New American program to fund settling additional refugee families into West Michigan. We granted $15,000 to Benard Ondiek in Kenya for additional work at Benard’s Vision School. Lastly, we granted $25,000 to Solomon Mesweige in Uganda to help in finishing the high school being constructed.
The entire Board and officers of CFC want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of the churches for their responsiveness to the heart of Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit in our work together. It has been proven even once again that we can do so much more when we work together.
The Board met in January to discern what the Lord was saying to us so that we would be responsible stewards of what He had put in our hands. After a month of prayer, our discussion led us to make additional grants. We granted Youth For Christ an additional $50,000 toward their future ministry center in East Kalamazoo. We granted $12,000 for the emergency medical fund at Centro de Alcance for help with unforeseen medical emergencies with the children. We granted an additional $10,000 to the Samaritas New American program to fund settling additional refugee families into West Michigan. We granted $15,000 to Benard Ondiek in Kenya for additional work at Benard’s Vision School. Lastly, we granted $25,000 to Solomon Mesweige in Uganda to help in finishing the high school being constructed.
The entire Board and officers of CFC want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of the churches for their responsiveness to the heart of Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit in our work together. It has been proven even once again that we can do so much more when we work together.
2018 Projects
Alternatives of Kalamazoo - $28,000
This grant will provide the opportunity to add educators needed to promote and uphold the message of sexual risk avoidance throughout Southwest Michigan communities.
Children of the Promise (Haiti) - $30,000
This grant will be used to create a multi-use pavilion on the Haiti campus. The structure will include a significant open meeting space, office space, indoor therapy space and storage. The space will also be used by the on-campus church.
Forgotten Man Ministries - $24,000
This grant will allow FMM to stabilize their operations and to move forward with donor development while continuing to minister the jail residents.
Youth For Christ - $20,000
This grant will provide startup funding to place two YFC missionaries in two very strategic areas of Kalamazoo/Portage … the Edison Neighborhood and Colonial Acres Mobile Home Park.
Mission India - $30,000
This grant will be used for the training of 60 church planters, the training of 2,000 learners in adult literacy classes, and ongoing support for children’s Bible clubs.
Children’s HopeChest - $30,000
This grant will be used for the continued growth and function of the Carepoint at Centro de Alcance, where orphaned and vulnerable children are receiving nutritional and educational support, as well as regular discipleship.
Because we surpassed our goal with a total of $173,148, the Board was able to respond to two other requests for funds:
Pastor Benard in Kenya had an urgent need for funds to extend evangelistic work into an undeveloped area. The Board was able to respond with a grant of $3,000.
Pastor Solomon in Uganda had an urgent need for funds to build a new kitchen to keep his school operating. The Board was able to respond with a grant of $10,000.
This grant will provide the opportunity to add educators needed to promote and uphold the message of sexual risk avoidance throughout Southwest Michigan communities.
Children of the Promise (Haiti) - $30,000
This grant will be used to create a multi-use pavilion on the Haiti campus. The structure will include a significant open meeting space, office space, indoor therapy space and storage. The space will also be used by the on-campus church.
Forgotten Man Ministries - $24,000
This grant will allow FMM to stabilize their operations and to move forward with donor development while continuing to minister the jail residents.
Youth For Christ - $20,000
This grant will provide startup funding to place two YFC missionaries in two very strategic areas of Kalamazoo/Portage … the Edison Neighborhood and Colonial Acres Mobile Home Park.
Mission India - $30,000
This grant will be used for the training of 60 church planters, the training of 2,000 learners in adult literacy classes, and ongoing support for children’s Bible clubs.
Children’s HopeChest - $30,000
This grant will be used for the continued growth and function of the Carepoint at Centro de Alcance, where orphaned and vulnerable children are receiving nutritional and educational support, as well as regular discipleship.
Because we surpassed our goal with a total of $173,148, the Board was able to respond to two other requests for funds:
Pastor Benard in Kenya had an urgent need for funds to extend evangelistic work into an undeveloped area. The Board was able to respond with a grant of $3,000.
Pastor Solomon in Uganda had an urgent need for funds to build a new kitchen to keep his school operating. The Board was able to respond with a grant of $10,000.
2017 Projects
Kenya
Two years ago at Benard’s Vision School, the Wachara, Kenya school was cooking for 400 orphans in kettles balanced on rocks. With past grants, the modern kitchen and dining hall are being used. CFC’s final grant of $20,000 to this project will finish the painting, wiring, and provide furnishings.
India
One-third of the unreached people groups of the world are in one country: India! CFC’s first of 3 grants of $30,000 will help Mission India’s effective evangelism effort In the Amritsar District win souls for Jesus through Children’s Bible Clubs and Adult Literacy Classes.
Guatemala
Children’s HopeChest partners with a church in the United States and with a community that has a high percentage of at-risk children in the developing world. Through relationships, and coming alongside the indigenous leaders’ vision for sustainable development, both communities are transformed. The CFC grant of $30,000, along with more than 300 child sponsorships, will provide impetus to that sustainable development.
LOVEkzoo.today
LOVEkzoo.today is working to restore generational hope through life-skills classes. Learning how to manage one’s money can be a frustrating exercise when done alone. CFC’s grant of $20,000 will enable LOVEkzoo to purchase laptops that will bring their curriculum into the 21st Century. Coming together in community, participants will learn, and receive the tools they need to improve their families’ lives.
Tree of Life
Tree of Life is expanding its facility by adding a new wing to house grades 6, 7, and 8. The CFC grant of $20,000 will help furnish the new classrooms once it is completed.
Uganda
Solomon received notice from the Ministry of Education that an unsafe condition existed in his school. Unless the condition was remedied, the school would be closed. A CFC grant of $30,000 was provided that will remedy the situation.
Two years ago at Benard’s Vision School, the Wachara, Kenya school was cooking for 400 orphans in kettles balanced on rocks. With past grants, the modern kitchen and dining hall are being used. CFC’s final grant of $20,000 to this project will finish the painting, wiring, and provide furnishings.
India
One-third of the unreached people groups of the world are in one country: India! CFC’s first of 3 grants of $30,000 will help Mission India’s effective evangelism effort In the Amritsar District win souls for Jesus through Children’s Bible Clubs and Adult Literacy Classes.
Guatemala
Children’s HopeChest partners with a church in the United States and with a community that has a high percentage of at-risk children in the developing world. Through relationships, and coming alongside the indigenous leaders’ vision for sustainable development, both communities are transformed. The CFC grant of $30,000, along with more than 300 child sponsorships, will provide impetus to that sustainable development.
LOVEkzoo.today
LOVEkzoo.today is working to restore generational hope through life-skills classes. Learning how to manage one’s money can be a frustrating exercise when done alone. CFC’s grant of $20,000 will enable LOVEkzoo to purchase laptops that will bring their curriculum into the 21st Century. Coming together in community, participants will learn, and receive the tools they need to improve their families’ lives.
Tree of Life
Tree of Life is expanding its facility by adding a new wing to house grades 6, 7, and 8. The CFC grant of $20,000 will help furnish the new classrooms once it is completed.
Uganda
Solomon received notice from the Ministry of Education that an unsafe condition existed in his school. Unless the condition was remedied, the school would be closed. A CFC grant of $30,000 was provided that will remedy the situation.
2016 Projects
With this year’s offering, CFC is shifting from Africa to Guatemala for two reasons:
To begin our work in Guatemala at Centro De Alcance, the CFC participating churches are raising sponsorships for 300+ children. This will immediately establish food and support for all of the children at the ministry.
Kenya
Benard’s Vision School of Wachara, Kenya educates and feeds 400 AIDS orphans every day. BVS/Wachara 8th grade graduates scored first in the region in National exams in 2015. It was their first graduating class.
The CFC grant of $30,000 will complete the Wachara kitchen/assembly hall building, which was started with funds from last year’s offering.
Alternatives of Kalamazoo/Battle Creek
Sexually transmitted diseases are on the rise in Kalamazoo and Calhoun Counties. Governmental and school system concerns have created an increased opportunity for Alternatives in several public schools.
The CFC grant of $30,000 will pay the salary and related expenses of a trained Alternatives employee, who will present abstinence-based curriculum in local schools.
Impact Kalamazoo
This ministry provides a local ministry trip experience for church youth groups. Typically, the teens spend a week doing home improvement projects for needy families.
The CFC grant of $8,000 will enable IMPACT KALAMAZOO to double the number of weeks they can host teams in the summer of 2017.
Additional grants were possible with the success of this year’s offering.
- It is our desire for the congregations of our member churches to have a more hands-on involvement in foreign ministry.
- We completed our long term plan for building construction in Uganda last year, and will reach our goal in Kenya this year if sufficient funds are raised.
To begin our work in Guatemala at Centro De Alcance, the CFC participating churches are raising sponsorships for 300+ children. This will immediately establish food and support for all of the children at the ministry.
Kenya
Benard’s Vision School of Wachara, Kenya educates and feeds 400 AIDS orphans every day. BVS/Wachara 8th grade graduates scored first in the region in National exams in 2015. It was their first graduating class.
The CFC grant of $30,000 will complete the Wachara kitchen/assembly hall building, which was started with funds from last year’s offering.
Alternatives of Kalamazoo/Battle Creek
Sexually transmitted diseases are on the rise in Kalamazoo and Calhoun Counties. Governmental and school system concerns have created an increased opportunity for Alternatives in several public schools.
The CFC grant of $30,000 will pay the salary and related expenses of a trained Alternatives employee, who will present abstinence-based curriculum in local schools.
Impact Kalamazoo
This ministry provides a local ministry trip experience for church youth groups. Typically, the teens spend a week doing home improvement projects for needy families.
The CFC grant of $8,000 will enable IMPACT KALAMAZOO to double the number of weeks they can host teams in the summer of 2017.
Additional grants were possible with the success of this year’s offering.
- $5,000 to Missional Chaplains for the development of community chaplains.
- $2,500 to Benard’s Vision School for roof and well repair.
- $14,000 to Centro de Alcance/ Guatemala for computers and chairs.
- $6000 to Uganda for payment of taxes on a container of food.
2015 Projects
Kenya
$58,000 was sent in January 2015. These funds will complete the Ahero staff housing shown on the left, and bring the Wachara classroom building (shown on right) to a usable but not completed condition. By offering housing in lieu of salary, the Ahero campus can reduce its cash income need by $1,000 per month.
Uganda
$58,000 was sent in January 2015 for stage 3 (of 4 total) of the current building project. When completed, this building will serve as a church auditorium, a school assembly/dining hall, a kitchen for both, and a medical clinic. Stage 3 will fully enclose the building. Some areas will be usable for storage and assembly.
$58,000 was sent in January 2015. These funds will complete the Ahero staff housing shown on the left, and bring the Wachara classroom building (shown on right) to a usable but not completed condition. By offering housing in lieu of salary, the Ahero campus can reduce its cash income need by $1,000 per month.
Uganda
$58,000 was sent in January 2015 for stage 3 (of 4 total) of the current building project. When completed, this building will serve as a church auditorium, a school assembly/dining hall, a kitchen for both, and a medical clinic. Stage 3 will fully enclose the building. Some areas will be usable for storage and assembly.
2014 Projects
Our goal for 2014 is $180,000. The 2014 offering was received in churches all over Kalamazoo on November 30, 2014 and will be used to fund the following projects:
Kenya
A goal of $60,000 for Benard’s Vision Schools in Kenya to fund the completion of the staff housing 6-plex which will reduce salary costs by $1,000 per month and for the completion of the Wachara classroom building.
Uganda
A goal of $60,000 for King Solomon’s Academy in Uganda to fund the completion of the church auditorium, school assembly hall and school cafeteria.
Local
A goal of $30,000 for Jesus Loves Kalamazoo to fund the resources necessary for follow up with individuals at their point of need.
A goal of $30,000 for Kalamazoo Love INC to mobilize more churches and Christ-followers to truly help more people in need. Funding is needed for the Journey Forward program to move those in need toward life transformation.
Kenya
A goal of $60,000 for Benard’s Vision Schools in Kenya to fund the completion of the staff housing 6-plex which will reduce salary costs by $1,000 per month and for the completion of the Wachara classroom building.
Uganda
A goal of $60,000 for King Solomon’s Academy in Uganda to fund the completion of the church auditorium, school assembly hall and school cafeteria.
Local
A goal of $30,000 for Jesus Loves Kalamazoo to fund the resources necessary for follow up with individuals at their point of need.
A goal of $30,000 for Kalamazoo Love INC to mobilize more churches and Christ-followers to truly help more people in need. Funding is needed for the Journey Forward program to move those in need toward life transformation.
2013 Projects
The 2013 offering was taken in Churches all over Kalamazoo on Sunday, November 24, 2013 and will be used to fund the following projects:
Kenya
A goal of $60,000 to construct staff housing. Providing housing will reduce dependency on American funding by $1000 per month.
Uganda
A goal of $60,000 to enclose the multipurpose building. Solomon's Academy still prepares meals for 600 students in a 12 x 12 kitchen and elementary students eat at their desks. Preschool students, who have no desks, eat sitting on the floor. This building will provide a proper kitchen, a dining hall, and in Phase II a neighborhood medical clinic.
Local
A goal of $62,500 to enhance a new job preparation program called Momentum, a division of Urban Alliance. Momentum graduates, with new jobs, still have obstacles such as transportation and child care. The CFC contribution will provide short term solutions on the road to financial self-sufficiency.
Kenya
A goal of $60,000 to construct staff housing. Providing housing will reduce dependency on American funding by $1000 per month.
Uganda
A goal of $60,000 to enclose the multipurpose building. Solomon's Academy still prepares meals for 600 students in a 12 x 12 kitchen and elementary students eat at their desks. Preschool students, who have no desks, eat sitting on the floor. This building will provide a proper kitchen, a dining hall, and in Phase II a neighborhood medical clinic.
Local
A goal of $62,500 to enhance a new job preparation program called Momentum, a division of Urban Alliance. Momentum graduates, with new jobs, still have obstacles such as transportation and child care. The CFC contribution will provide short term solutions on the road to financial self-sufficiency.
2012 Projects
The 2012 offering was taken in Churches all over Kalamazoo on Sunday, November 18, 2012. The Board of Christ Followers For Change distributed the funds for the following needs:
Uganda
Pastor Solomon has many projects going on right now including the completion of a dormitory, back pay for teacher’s salary, restroom completion, the multi-purpose building and the purchase of a brick making machine. Here is the breakdown:
a. Dormitory roof, windows and doors, flooring, electrical and furnishings: $13,000.00
b. Completion of the restrooms: $2,600.00
c. Building for Administration staff to move out of the restrooms: $14,000.00
d. Brick making machine and start up supplies: $7,000.00
e. Reserve for teacher’s salary: $7,000.00
f. Rice: $5,000.00
g. Chicken feed: $5,000.00
h. Land, fence, beds: $5,750.00
Total $59,350.00
Kenya
Pastor Benard needs to complete the girls dormitory: paint, interior doors, electricity, furnishings, (beds, table, chairs etc.)
a. Finish girl’s dormitory: $30,000 b. Property: $15,000 c. Furnishings, water for dorm: $12,000 d. Water Tank: $6,600 e. Food: $4,700 Total $68,300.00
Local
Tree of Life School: This new school in the Edison Neighborhood is providing Christian education of those in the neighborhood. We supported their building project last year. This year we continue to support the completion of the debt for the construction and provide furnishings yet needed to make this a top notch school for these children. Total $30,000.00
Uganda
Pastor Solomon has many projects going on right now including the completion of a dormitory, back pay for teacher’s salary, restroom completion, the multi-purpose building and the purchase of a brick making machine. Here is the breakdown:
a. Dormitory roof, windows and doors, flooring, electrical and furnishings: $13,000.00
b. Completion of the restrooms: $2,600.00
c. Building for Administration staff to move out of the restrooms: $14,000.00
d. Brick making machine and start up supplies: $7,000.00
e. Reserve for teacher’s salary: $7,000.00
f. Rice: $5,000.00
g. Chicken feed: $5,000.00
h. Land, fence, beds: $5,750.00
Total $59,350.00
Kenya
Pastor Benard needs to complete the girls dormitory: paint, interior doors, electricity, furnishings, (beds, table, chairs etc.)
a. Finish girl’s dormitory: $30,000 b. Property: $15,000 c. Furnishings, water for dorm: $12,000 d. Water Tank: $6,600 e. Food: $4,700 Total $68,300.00
Local
Tree of Life School: This new school in the Edison Neighborhood is providing Christian education of those in the neighborhood. We supported their building project last year. This year we continue to support the completion of the debt for the construction and provide furnishings yet needed to make this a top notch school for these children. Total $30,000.00
2011 Projects
The 2011 offering will be taken in churches all over Kalamazoo on Sunday, November 20th. The board of Christ Followers For Change would like to distribute the funds for the following needs:
Uganda
$25,000 will go towards the purchase of land in Uganda, on which will be built a 10-room house for the school teachers, saving the school an estimated $1,000 per month in rental costs.
$15,500 will go towards stabilizing an existing church building in Uganda that is in danger of collapsing. Hundreds of people worship here each Sunday.
Kenya
$69,300 will go towards finishing off two additional classrooms that were started last fall, as well as a dormitory to house some of the students from the orphan school in Kenya.
Kalamazoo
$50,000 will go towards the cost of a new building for the Tree of Life School in Kalamazoo.
$47,600 will go towards purchasing beds for those in need in the greater Kalamazoo area.
Uganda
$25,000 will go towards the purchase of land in Uganda, on which will be built a 10-room house for the school teachers, saving the school an estimated $1,000 per month in rental costs.
$15,500 will go towards stabilizing an existing church building in Uganda that is in danger of collapsing. Hundreds of people worship here each Sunday.
Kenya
$69,300 will go towards finishing off two additional classrooms that were started last fall, as well as a dormitory to house some of the students from the orphan school in Kenya.
Kalamazoo
$50,000 will go towards the cost of a new building for the Tree of Life School in Kalamazoo.
$47,600 will go towards purchasing beds for those in need in the greater Kalamazoo area.
2010 Projects
In 2010 Christ Followers For Change collected a combined total of $220,000 from the churches in Kalamazoo. Those funds were distributed as follows:
Uganda
Funds were donated towards a fish farm, pump and generator, land for a new church building, the construction of the new church building and teacher salaries.
Kenya
Funds were given to help with a convenience store, giving power to a village and building classrooms.
Kalamazoo
Over 300 beds and mattress covers were purchased and distributed for those in need in the Kalamazoo area.
Pictures are available here
Uganda
Funds were donated towards a fish farm, pump and generator, land for a new church building, the construction of the new church building and teacher salaries.
Kenya
Funds were given to help with a convenience store, giving power to a village and building classrooms.
Kalamazoo
Over 300 beds and mattress covers were purchased and distributed for those in need in the Kalamazoo area.
Pictures are available here
2009 Projects
In 2009 over $125,000 was collected for the first annual CFC collection. Those funds were sent to three places:
Uganda
Resources went towards a school building, teacher salaries, and a chicken farm.
Kenya
The building of a dining hall.
Kalamazoo
Funds were given towards a local dental clinic.
Uganda
Resources went towards a school building, teacher salaries, and a chicken farm.
Kenya
The building of a dining hall.
Kalamazoo
Funds were given towards a local dental clinic.