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Chairman's Report - 2001/02
The emphasis during the course of the past year has been towards giving with grants totalling £16,631 – an annual increase of 31%. Total income for last year fell by 41% to £12,034, largely due to the tremendous success of our millennium appeal in the year 2000/2001 which has distorted the trend somewhat. As at 31st March 2002 the net worth of the Trust amounted to £5,214.
Since its' formation the Trust has raised more than £80,000 and given away more than £60,000. Supporters filling special savings tins with their loose change have collected approximately £7,000.
Net operating costs for the year equate to just 9.9 pence in the pound. This reinforces our aim of keeping operating costs to a minimum and, for the eighth consecutive year, trustees have declined to claim any expenses.
Our first annual appeal - Zambia 2000 - was a wonderful success and has now been completed. The final payments have been made and the orphanage is up and running - it even featured in the Zambian Times!
The Trust now regularly supports pastors in Uganda, Zambia, India, Serbia, Romania, Spain and Russia as well as 6 UK based workers / organisations. The Trust also funds a feeding program in Russia for 300 people.
Fifteen special grants were also made last year. In particular the Trust supported Peter Leigh as he undertook a one-year Leadership Training Course at the Abundant Life Centre in Bradford. Peter has now successfully completed the course and recently graduated.
Our latest venture involves the Manea Family, Pastor Julian, Monica, & their 3 children - Rahela, Emanuel, and Beatrice. They recently went to live in an isolated district called Ticusul Nou in Brasov, Romania. They “decided to give up all worldly things to do the work that God has called them to do.” Their “mission area” is 5 villages – 3250 people where only 50 have a job. Those who do work earn the equivalent of $1.00 per day. Approximately 50% of the people are gypsies and 50% Romanian (plus a few Hungarians & Germans).
People exist by begging and stealing – most people only eat one meal a day and they may go without food for several days. Conditions lead to sickness and disease but the people cannot afford medication and there are no social services. Please contact us if you would like to help Pastor Julian.
We would especially like to thank Mr Chris Hindley F.C.A. for independently checking and auditing the financial accounts.
The Harvesters Trust cannot function without the generous help and loyal support of many people. Once again, we want to thank you all so much.
Yours in Christ
Michael Wood
Chairman
12th August 2002
On behalf of the Board of Trustees.