On behalf of BIC U.S. World Missions, we’d like to thank you:
In fewer than six months, our Church family raised more than $100,000 for SPICE renovations — reaching our goal for the SPICE Capital Improvements project of $108,206.
Through the generosity of BIC U.S. congregations and individuals, National Church leaders in India and Nepal are able to purchase more than 600 bunk beds and 700 mattresses — as well as carry out extensive electrical, plumbing, and kitchen renovations (among other things) — in order to meet government requirements.
In March, we shared that all 9 SPICE hostels were in danger of closing due to recently enforced government regulations. Because of the Church’s support, more than 800 children in SPICE will continue having access to education and Christian discipleship.
“It’s so overwhelming to see how the body of Christ has come together to meet the needs of these children,” said Vicky Landis, SPICE mobilization administrator.
Across the denomination, 12 churches (average gift: $4,421.17), 52 individuals (average gift: $497.77), and 1 conference gave. And some fundraised in creative ways.
Kids Giving to Kids
Each year, children at Harrisburg (Pa.) Brethren in Christ’s vacation Bible school raise money for missions. This year, Patty Patterson, pastor of children’s ministries, chose SPICE as their missions project.
“I wanted our [project] to be something kids could relate to … and kids need beds,” she said.
The children’s response? Overwhelming. Emptying the pennies from their piggy banks, kids were carrying plastic bags filled to the brim with coins.
“There were a lot of bags of pennies … and lots of pennies to count,” noted Patty. Their fundraising goal was $500. But the children raised $740.21. And an anonymous donor matched the first $500 for a total of $1,240.21 raised by the children.
“One thing we talk about in church is that it doesn’t matter how old we are, we can serve and help,” said Patty.
Heritage of Generosity
SPICE is part of the legacy of Elizabethtown Brethren in Christ Church (EBIC).
Many longtime missionaries in India who helped establish SPICE once called EBIC their home congregation: The late Rev. Allen and Leoda Buckwalter, who were church planters, orphanage house parents, teachers, and writers and producers for Christian radio, served in India for 42 years. The late medical missionaries Dr. Lowell and Anna Jean Hilsher Mann, who served in India for 12 years, and Dr. Henry and Edna Kreider, who served in India for nine years, were also instrumental in the development of SPICE.
Today, Eric (son of the Manns) and Michelle Mann, on the SPICE committee, and Arlene Miller, former SPICE coordinator, also attend EBIC.
With this rich history, EBIC has always generously supported SPICE. And the congregation gave the largest gift to the recent campaign.
“The missionaries generated our passion to come alongside and partner with the SPICE hostels,” said Associate Pastor Daleen Charles, who oversees the global missions team at EBIC. She also attributes the heartbeat for missions from their congregation’s vision to “Love God, Share Christ, and Serve the World.”
“Giving to missions has always been a cornerstone of this church,” said Daleen.
Giving Globally Together
Throughout our history, the BIC U.S. family has been incredibly generous in mobilizing to raise funds internationally, whether for SPICE, other Partnership Handbook projects, or for the Global Compassion Fund. For example, over the past decade, we have been able to offer more than $1 million in aid to countries such as Haiti, Honduras, India, Japan, Malawi, Mozambique, Nepal, Zambia, and Zimbabwe through the Global Compassion Fund.
“When the family of God comes together, God enables us to do life-changing work for the Kingdom,” said Jonathan Lloyd, director of BIC U.S. World Missions.
Deeply grateful for and humbled by the recent outpouring of support from our Church family for SPICE’s urgent needs, Jonathan said, “You have shown Christ’s love tangibly to the children participating in SPICE.”
To the many individuals and congregations who gave to meet the needs of children who are part of SPICE, we thank you.
Learn more about making an impact internationally with World Missions.