Fifth Episcopal District
To: Presiding Elders, Pastors, and Lay.
We extend to you God's blessing and greetings from the EDF Board of Directors and Staff.
This letter is one way of expressing to you our excitement, commitment,
and high expectations for the future of the Fifth District Economic
Development Fund Inc. and the 5th Episcopal District. As you know
EDF is no longer in the Budget, we all must do everything we can to promote
the Fund.
We are convinced that now is the time for us to move the EDF to a
position of strength, visibility, and economic influence as we begin
creating history in this new century. The Fifth Episcopal District
can truly become an economic model for our great church if we combine
our efforts and pull together a critical mass of 30,000 developers/year.
If God is your partner, make your plans large. {"I can do all things
through Christ which strengthen me. Philippians 4:13}. We believe
with our heart and soul that God provided our district this opportunity
and expects us to deliver economic self-help for our people. We should
be able to create Christians with economic power ultimately creating
a community (14 contiguous states) that produces products and services
that increase the value of our District within
a short period. By improving the District, the economic well being
of the churches, leaders and laity will elevate.
Our stretched goal of 30,000 developers/year (10,000 normal goal)
participating is reasonable given the fact that we have the resources
in our hands. We talk about a membership of 60,000 plus in the Fifth
District, we should expect at least one-half to be developers contributing
to their self-help fund. Of course, this will add $1,080,000.00 to
the Fund the first year for investment and other growth opportunities.
One vision is to reduce the budget impact through collective giving
by using the yield on our investments.
Why should we do this, combine 30,000+ developers giving $36.00 to
the EDF? We are linked together as AME's in the 5th Episcopal District.
The future of our church is threatened if we continue with today's
level of progress. Furthermore, the truth about African-American communities
is that sustainable solutions require collectible effort of the whole
village. We must position ourselves to do more for kingdom building
and support of our fellow men and women. Each of us can carry a portion
of the responsibility of Moses, to follow God's call to lead our people
out of bondage. We cite numerous reasons why we cannot lead as an
individual or be willing to make a difference in our circumstances.
God finally asks Moses, ''what is that in your hand''. He continued
by showing him what was possible if he followed his guidance and told
him that he would be with him. So, we must ask ourselves the same
question "what is that in our hand"? Is it progressive economic growth
by collective giving $36.00/year or waiting to see the same result
year after year? It is insane to do the same thing year after year
and expect to see a difference. For us, we must throw down the negatives
and observe as God transform our collective gifts into economic growth
and independence if we trust his guidance. Therefore, the question
remains "what is that in your hand 5th district AME's". Do you believe
that collective giving is something that God wants for us?
What do we need from you as an individual, clergy, and lay? First,
pray that our stretched goal for this year will be met. Secondly,
you should begin by giving your $36.00 or more to the EDF while continuing
your tithes and offering to your local church. We must sustain local
financial commitments and sacrifice in order to grow. Thirdly, encourage
others to participate as developers and verbally and visibly support
the EDF.
We pray that you are able to visualize the leverage potential for
economic strength and economies of scale if we combine our fragmented
history into a focused, well managed and accountable Fund, lead by
a group of God fearing Christians.
A recent news paper article described the political and economic situation
for African-Americans. The article focused on a discussion about Asians,
Hispanics, and African-Americans joining as a coalition to leverage
political and economic power for the good of minorities. The disturbing
conclusion was that neither the Asians nor Hispanics could see any
real value in combining with African-Americans since it was unlikely
they would provide needed influence. We do not consistently vote in
large numbers, and we do not have a strong unified economic base.
Reported income for the 5th District in fiscal year 1999 was $31,014,405.10.
It would be wise to invest in self-help 3.5% or $1,080,000.00.
Every successful person, church, business etc. started where they
were. {Though your beginning was insignificant, yet your end will
increase greatly. Job 8:7 NASB} For us the time is now and we must
set high expectations for ourselves.
Our prayer is that you will understand where we are and by your becoming
a developer gets us started toward our vision and goals.
We were very happy to have Bishop Bryant, Rev. Cecelia, Rev. Jamal
Harrison, and Thema Simone as developers.
Thank you for your support and God will provide what we need.
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