The Barnabas Foundation...

You have heard me mention the beginning of the Barnabas Foundation. Our goal is to channel resources to help the marginal class (urban poor) become economically stable and form an adequate educational base for survival in today's global economy, and thus become stronger more effective spiritual leaders in their communities.  Our two primary objectives are 1) to educate in basic principles of administration and to encourage and help them finish their basic education (high school diploma) and 2) facilitate loans to establish small business with which they can begin to grow a stable economic base for their families. 

Some of you have expressed interest in helping this become a reality which is awesome! Here are some things you may consider:

     1) Sponsor someone to go back to school: $50/year will cover tuition and books

     2) Sponsor a small business: Cost will vary depending on the type of business, most will fall between US$100-500.
Some of you may wonder what kind of businesses we are talking about. They could be as simple as buying someone a washer machine and/or iron so that they can do laundry for others in their community who don't have a machine. It could be buying a refridgerator so that they person can make ice and ice cream to sell.  Buying a welding unit to set someone up in a welding business, etc. And then of course, some businesses, depending on the skill and training of the person involved might be a woodworking shop.

     3) Consider donating a new or used computer. Our goal is to establish learning centers in the barrios, allowing children and adults to gain survival skills in the computer age. We will have government training programs and technicians giving classes (for free!) in basic computer skills and programs.  Please contact me about how to help us with this program. We need at least 6 computers per learning center (to make giving classes possible) and we can establish at least 10 learning centers alongside our Baptist church planting ministries!

I am happy to talk with anyone about these needs and would love to hear your suggestions and comments.  You can contact me directly to see about how to contribute. marsha.davidson@macregion.org