Projects Supported by the Ingathering

CHURCH WORLD SERVICE: A relief, development, and refugee assistance ministry of 35 Protestant, Orthodox, and Anglican denominations in the US.  Working in partnership with indigenous organizations in more than 80 countries, CWS works worldwide to meet human needs and foster self-reliance for all whose way is hard.  In the US, CWS assists communities in responding to disasters.   HEIFER PROJECT INT’L: Works to help hungry families feed themselves and care for the earth.  HPI is a nonprofit organization and works in partnership with churches, civic groups and other organizations as well as individual donors.   SELF-HELP INT’L: Continues to introduce high protein corn, QPM (quality protein maize) to Nicaragua and Ghana.  The seed produces more food, tastes good, and is more nutritious.  A Children’s Feeding Project is operating in both countries. Also operates a micro-credit program for women in Ghana and Nicaragua.  Loans are paid back with interest on time with 100% results.  The Nicaragua micro-credit program has expanded to 13 women and Ghana has expanded from 15 to 766.   IOWA-NIGERIA PARTNERSHIP: A joint United Methodist mission project that links the Iowa and Nigeria Conferences.  Nebraska, Eastern Pennsylvania and California/Pacific Conferences are also in partnership with Nigeria.  Funds raised help support Rural Health Programs, Women’s Leadership Training Center, Agricultural Programs, Bible Institutes, Banyam Theological Seminary, Village Wells program, Preschools, Elementary and Secondary School and Maternity Clinic.  Layettes, Classroom, Book, Tailoring, and Seed kits are sent to Nigeria. These gifts provide hope to many rural illiterate Nigerians who cherish these love packages from unseen and unknown friends in Iowa. INP needs money to fund A3, a Chinese medicinal plant.  Leaves are made into tea that, when drunk, relieves malaria.   UMCOR DEPOT – BALDWIN, LA: Kits and relief items, donated by churches and individuals, are shipped wherever they are requested to all kinds of disaster spots in the US or worldwide.  Health, Sewing, School and Layette kits are sent to the Depot along with baby sweater/jackets and empty school bags.   PET: Personal Energy Transportation (PET) is a sturdy, hand-cranked wheelchair.  It has a heavy metal frame and wooden bed; uses wheelbarrow wheels; is shipped partially disassembled and with a tool kit for repairs and spare parts; comes in two sizes-adult and junior; is powered by a hand-crank with a 21 to 26 gear ratio with #35 machine chain; is shipped with a seat belt and instruction packet; and is made by volunteers in eight workshops across the USA, but parts are interchangeable.  It is now in 55 countries of the world.  The cost of a PET is $250.   DISTRICT FOOD PANTRY AGENCIES: In 2007, each of the 12 districts has $2,000 to distribute to hunger related agencies within the district.  Contact your District Representatives for more information.  Call your District Office for the name of your Ingathering Representative or look in the 2007 Ingathering booklet.