Loaves and Fishes 2009
$58,632.93 (2/22/2010)

The 2009 Loaves and Fishes Program will provide urgent seed money to assist in developing a Colombia-based Foundation (Nehemiah Foundation) designed to secure government and non-governmental funding for ministries that address the systemic changes that impact needs such as poverty, hunger, micro-businesses, and self-development of people (e.g., hot lunch programs, nursing homes, medical programs, women heads of families, educational programs). The foundation will address the increased need for funds to sustain current programs while initiating new programs that bear the possibility of becoming self-sustaining. This requires the presence of an employee to administer the foundation and constantly initiate efforts to identify and maintain regular communication with available funding sources.

Nehemiah and the Missions Ministry Team thankfully announce that Jairo Lopez, a faithful member of Cauca Valley Presbytery, has been employed to direct the development of the foundation. Mr. Lopez has served as an elder of the Nueva Esperanza Church, has traveled widely across the denomination, and has received advanced university preparation in the development of non-profit organizations. He will be a tremendous asset in the development of a new strategy to assist those in need around the world.

The theme verse for the foundation is "They responded: 'Let us start rebuilding.' So they began this good work." Nehemiah 2:18

Many dreams have been in the minds of compassionate people that have had a heart for the "least" people of the world. The Nehemiah project is a concrete effort to establish the foundation that will provide the process for not only dreaming but acting. Please join us as we launch this program of hope to funnel resources to needs that are waiting to be met.

You can view pictures of ministries related to the Nehemiah Foundation by clicking on the link below:
Loaves and Fishes - Nehemiah Foundation

Our Thanksgiving offering of the denomination has contributed over 2.2 million dollars to various hunger causes since it began in 1983. The Loaves and Fishes Program is one way in which the Cumberland Presbyterian Church can make a difference in communities deeply affected by poverty:

50% of the total offering for Nehemiah Project (to be sent to the Missions Ministry Team - MMT)
25% of the total offering for the Missions Ministry Team denominational Hunger Fund (to be sent to the MMT
25% of the total offering retained by the congregation to meet community hunger needs.

You can join in this meaningful effort by:

1) Present the Loaves and Fishes Program to the missions committee and/or session for approval.
2) Complete and return the enrollment card to the Missions Ministry Team by Sept. 25, 2009
3) Receive the requested number of Loaves and Fishes banks no later than Oct. 23, 2009
4) Distributed the banks to the congregation on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009
5) Encourage families to put their offerings into the banks during the next four weeks
6) Return banks to the church on Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009 and dedicate the offering
7) Send one check (75% of total offering) and your report form to the Missions Ministry Team during December for receipting and distribution.

Informational Letter (pdf)

Agreement/Enrollment Form

Report Form
please complete and mail with your offering to
8207 Traditional Place
Cordova, TN 38016-7414

Educational & Worship Resources:

Bulletin Insert

Poster (colored)

Children's Message (introduction)

Children's Message (dedication)