The Free Methodist Church in Canada

For those churches who have submitted their annual reports . . . thank you. So far two-thirds of our churches have responded. The deadline to submit your Annual Report was February 15, 2010.

If you have not yet filed your annual report, we ask that you do so as soon as possible. If you have any questions or concerns about completing the form, please contact the Ministry Centre by phone or email.

The magnitude 7 quake in Haiti which killed a reported 230,000 people has left up to one million survivors in makeshift camps or sleeping rough. Probably some 5,000 Free Methodist members are in the impacted area, and providing food and shelter to many of them remains a critical objective of our FM relief program. Haitian pastor Jean Marc Zamor, our program Coordinator, is successfully networking with faith-based relief agencies active in Haiti, resulting this past week in tarpaulins for pastoral families living on the street, to protect against the imminent torrential rains and camp quagmires. As well, FM parishioners in over 20 churches joyfully received 1,200 free meal kits after services this past Sunday.

Dan Sheffield, Director of Intercultural and Global Ministries, shares great news about Free Methodist response to Haiti disaster:

I have just had a report from Laurie Cook, the director of World Relief Canada [WRC] regarding donations for Haiti. February 12 was the cut-off date given by CIDA for matching donations – that is, donations to WRC up until Feb 12 were matched by CIDA.

Free Methodist Churches gave $91,500 !! (matched by CIDA = $183,000!!!) By the way, this number was 13% higher than any other denomination.

All told WRC has received just over $1.3 million for Haiti, including matching funds. This aid is being distributed on the ground in Haiti by their US counter-part.

In late January, WR’s website stated: "We are providing urgent medical attention to hundreds of patients at Kings Hospital in PaP.  We have also set up a feeding center with a local church - we are providing hot meals to hundreds of people every day.  This will be scaled up in the coming days and we will be trying to coordinate our efforts with partner organizations.  We will be working with our local church partners to set up additional feeding centers and the provision of non-food items." In early Feb, hot meals are being provided to 9,500 people daily by World Relief.   Also clean water and psychological support. Tearfund, a UK agency, is working with World Relief; also Food for the Hungry and World Concern.

Thank you again to FM churches across Canada who have contributed to this need.

Since the matching cut-off date has been passed, we would encourage FM donations for Haiti to be directed to “The Free Methodist Church in Canada” clearly indicated in the memo line for “The Bishop’s Relief Fund – Haiti.”

Click here to donate online