Fundraising Letter – Fall 2013
November 1, 2013
Dear Friends of Chacocente,
This is the time of year we rejoice in the beauty of autumn and send out an update on Project Chacocente! Thanks to God’s grace and your generosity, the project continues to bless many in Nicaragua. What began as a mission to transform the lives of families living in the Managua Dump has become a ministry serving the families of the project as well as those in the neighboring community. Highlights of 2013 include:
- David graduating from high school and completing all 13 levels of English at the University of Central America
- Madeling attending Teacher School while doing an exemplary job as school librarian
- Chiky earning first in his English class at the University of Central America and leading delegations visiting Chacocente as well as translating for medical mission teams
- Building of a bridge allowing safe passage for students and families during the rainy season
- Electrification of the water pump
- A 39% increase in enrollment at Chacocente Christian School
- The addition of grade 10
- The internet made available for teachers and students at school
- The elementary and secondary school children competing in academic and athletic competitions all the way to the State level
We are grateful for these miracles and look for God’s continued guidance and blessing in the future.
This year our request is urgent. For the first time, we are unable to provide the Project staff with the funds needed to carry out our mission. We pray you will donate now so that the miracle of Chacocente continues.
This urgency is coupled with, though is not the result of, a very unfortunate event. Several weeks ago, we were notified that our non-profit 501(c)(3) status had been revoked because the proper annual formal reports to the IRS had not been done. This was a significant but honest mistake on our part, and we responded promptly. The required paperwork has now been submitted. We are in dialogue with the IRS and expect reinstatement within the next few months. As importantly, we have taken steps to ensure that the error does not happen again.
In the meantime, we appreciate your prayers and continued financial support! To ensure the tax-deductibility of your donations, please channel them through your church until further notice. If you prefer, donations may reliably be made to “Valencia UMC” with “Project Chacocente” in the memo line, and mailed to Valencia UMC, Attention Project Chacocente Coordinator, 25718 McBean Parkway, Valencia, CA, 91355. Please contact us at [email protected] with questions.
On behalf of the families and staff of Project Chacocente, thank you for giving them the hope and tools to build a better life for themselves and their children!
Que Dios los bendiga!
The Board of Directors of Project Chacocente