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Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is The Harvesters Trust?
A1. The Harvesters Trust is a Registered Charity (no.1031741), and operates according to a Trust Deed. The Harvesters were officially registered with the Charity Commission in December 1993. We are also members of the Evangelical Alliance.
Our aim is to financially support Christian workers whilst, at the same time, raising and investing a large sum of money in order to produce an annual income. This income will support workers until the day of our Lord's return. We also give to help the poor and needy as resources allow.
Q2. Who are The Harvesters Trust?
A2. The Harvesters Trust is managed by a team of Trustees and Officers who serve for renewable terms of three years. They have a balance of spiritual, business and practical skills and gifts. The current team includes a housewife and mother, the director of a Financial Services Company, two directors of a Property Development Company, and a Pastor who was formerly an accountant. The Chairman has a managerial background, including technical and financial sales, and has a first class degree in Accounting and a MSc in Multimedia Computing.
Q3. Why give to The Harvesters Trust?
A3. There are approximately 190,000 Registered Charities in England and Wales. We believe that we have something different to offer to Christians of all denominations.
The Harvesters Trust is still a relatively small charity but our internal procedures ensure that we operate in a totally professional manner. We seek and act on advice received in areas where our knowledge may be lacking, particularly with regard to charity law. The days are gone when a few like-minded people can casually sit down and decide to set up a charity. We are happy for people to offer help and advice in their own particular area of expertise.
We are fully aware of the value of money - what it costs to earn and to give. We recognise that many of our supporters are on low incomes. We make every effort to ensure that every penny is wisely used, whether that be in the area of investment, grant making or capital purchases. You may feel that a small gift does not really matter, but we want to encourage you to give whatever you can afford - your 'little' added to someone else's 'little' soon adds up. Since 1995 our supporters have donated more than £11,000 in loose change by filling our special savings cans.
Everyone can help us to really make a difference.
Q4. What do you do with the money?
A4. The Harvesters Trust are committed to making every penny count. Since our formation in 1993 we have raised more than £120,000 and made grants totalling in excess of £95,000.
For every pound raised LESS THAN TEN PENCE has been spent on operating costs. By this we mean fund raising costs, operating expenses and a few miscellaneous costs.
Q5. What about expenses?
A5. That's an easy one - NOTHING. None of the Trustees or Officers has ever claimed anything for telephone, stamps, envelopes, petrol etc.
Q6. Can you prove it?
A6. Yes. Our accounts are independently audited (free of charge). We have nothing to hide and welcome your questions and comments.
Q7. How do you choose beneficiaries?
A7. Initially, we may be contacted by an individual directly or by an organisation on behalf of someone. We may send out an assessment form which asks for information regarding the proposed beneficiary. We may ask questions such as "Who are you accountable to ?", "Do you have the support of your own church?" and so on. We may also ask for references. Each request is prayerfully considered but, in order to reduce costs, we will only write to successful applicants.
Successful applicants may receive a "one off" grant or a monthly gift which is re-assessed every 12 months. It is true to say that requests out-number resources but EVERY request is considered.
Q8 What information can I receive about the Harvesters?
A8. Our web site allows us send out news via email as we add material to the site. We also send out paper based newsletters.
You can easily sign up to receive regular news updates by sending an email to info@harvesters-trust.org.uk. Our annual report and latest information is also published on the site.
Q9. Why do charities always seem to be asking for money?
A9. The simple answer is that there are always needs which are not being met from other sources. If these needs were being met there would be no need for charities to exist. Of course charities have their own individual causes as well. Different charities use different methods of fundraising but, as far as we at The Harvesters Trust are concerned, we take our inspiration from a number of individuals, namely George Mueller, Hudson Taylor, and D.L. Moody.
George Mueller spent many hours praying to God for the needs of his orphans. There are many stories of the miraculous ways in which the Lord provided. However Mueller did inform his supporters of the progress of his work and also how he used the money. Mueller asked his supporters to pray for God's provision.
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Hudson Taylor, the founder of the China Inland Mission, operated in many respects in the same way as George Mueller. He made no appeals for money. He believed that "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you." God's work done in God's way would not lack God's supply. In practice this meant that if there was a need Taylor would pray to God and tell others about the need without actually asking for money.
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More than a century ago the American D.L. Moody raised millions of pounds (and never touched a penny). He was once described as "the most magnificent beggar Great Britain has ever known." Moody was a former businessman who believed in asking people to invest in God's work and lay up some treasure in heaven for themselves at the same time. Moody believed it was highly honourable to ask for money for a worthy cause. He believed "all money belongs to the Lord."
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Three different ways of raising money and all by Godly and respected servants of God. The Harvesters Trust has adopted all three ways from time to time but seeks to be wise and sensitive as to which method to use in any given situation. We do not wish to pressurise people but rather to show them what can be achieved and to encourage people like you to do what you can. We believe that the sort of pressure and manipulation that some use to raise finance these days is counter-productive.
Q10. How can I help?
A10. There are lots of ways that you can help. The most obvious ways include prayer and giving money. You could also think about leaving us a legacy or covenanting. Many of our supporters covenant £5 or £10 a month or you could ask for one of our special savings cans. You could consider organising a fund-raiser on our behalf, perhaps a sponsored event, a coffee morning or a concert and we could arrange for a speaker to attend. Perhaps your church, your youth group or Sunday school could adopt and support The Trust. We are very grateful for any and all the help we receive.
If you would like more information please contact us - we would love to hear from you.