Transportation and income generation for churches in Cuba
Goal: $46,000 US (approx. $60,000 Cdn)
The project
The Anglican Relief and Development Fund Canada (ARDFC) is partnering with the Reformed Episcopal (REC) Mission District of Cuba to purchase a used 12-seat passenger van. This van will provide needed transportation and will offer a means of income generation for the growing churches – which will cover all operating costs and help the churches become more self-sufficient. The mission district owns a farm which provides some income for local congregations. The van will transport produce to market, as well as church members and guests to worship services. It will also be used as commercial transport to and from the local airport, generating revue for the mission district.
The Need
Because of the rapid growth of these Cuban churches and the poverty of the Cuban people, they depend on outside funding. (The average Cuban church member earns just $22 per month.) Currently, 16 ACNA parishes – in the Diocese of Western Canada & Alaska (REC) and the Anglican Network in Canada – partner with church plants in Cuba to fund two-thirds of their operating budgets. So, Cuban churches are looking for ways to become financially self-sufficient. Two years ago they purchased a farm which provides a small some income for the mission district. Purchasing a van will eliminate the expense of renting vans to transport people and produce, and will bring in needed revenue for the mission district.
Our partner in Cuba
Our partner, the REC’s Mission District of Cuba, has grown since its founding in 2003 to 20 parishes and 12 home groups, with 1250 weekly attendees. It has stable management, secure financial processes and a strong track record.
About the Anglican Relief & Development Fund Canada (ARDFC)
ARDFC is a registered Canadian charity, associated with ARDF Global. It undertakes carefully selected and monitored aid projects in partnership with Anglican dioceses in developing nations. See our website www.ardfc.ca for more information.
How to support the work of ARDFC
Donations to ARDFC can be made:
Through your parish
By sending your cheque to: ARDFC,Box 1013, Burlington, ON, L7R 4L8