January 10, 2005

Raising Roofs across the Miles

Roofs on Community of Christ church buildings are rising across Africa, thanks to the outpouring of generosity of members and friends around the world. Two congregations in North America recently shared their rooftop experiences of giving to their brothers and sisters on another continent.

The Liberty, Missouri, congregation presented a check for more than the cost of an entire roof to President Steve Veazey during an October 30 worship service. Ken Craven commented, “As I read the letter from President Veazey and Apostle Chibwe describing the conditions in which our Community of Christ brothers and sisters in Africa meet, it was difficult to imagine not having a roof under which to worship during all seasons of the year.”

He continued, “There are so many things that we take for granted, and it would seem to be a normal part of life that all Community of Christ churches would have a roof. The realization that this is not the case in all of our congregations was a real eye-opener.”

Ken Craven (r.) presents a check to President Veazey

The Liberty congregation decided to take immediate action. They approved raising the funds during a congregational business meeting in addition to the regular budget, and less than six weeks later, presented a check to President Veazey.

Shelly Patten of the Woodward, Oklahoma, congregation described the rooftop experience of the congregation’s youth group: “Our youth group is small. We have three children who come regularly and extras who attend here and there. When the Roofs Over Africa information arrived at our congregation, it was discussed in the youth class. The children wanted to help in some way.”

Woodward youth with their garage sale sign

The youth brainstormed fund-raising ideas and presented them to the congregation: bake sale, donation, or garage sale. Everyone decided to clean out their houses and contribute to a garage sale. People gathered items from home and brought them to the church.

On the Friday before the sale, the youth and others from the congregation gathered to organize the items. An ad was placed in the city newspaper. The youth and volunteers carried out the sale. Between 50 and 75 people showed up, and $250 was raised for Roofs Over Africa.

A sign posted at the sale let customers know that all proceeds would go to Roofs Over Africa. Brochures about the designated-giving initiative were handed out as people browsed and paid for their items. “We also took the opportunity to visit with everyone while they stood in line,” said Shelly.

The children were excited to be able to present this money to benefit Roofs Over Africa. Shelly continued, “I think it made them realize that it doesn’t take many people to make a difference.”

As of November 21, members and friends had given more than $140,000 toward the $207,000 Roofs Over Africa goal. This designated-giving project will provide roofs for 36 Community of Christ churches in Africa, including 17 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 3 three in Malawi, 2 in Kenya, 8 in Zambia, 4 in Nigeria, and 2 in Monrovia (Liberia). Any contributions received above the Roofs Over Africa goal will be transferred to the International Capital Fund.

—Sandra Ferguson reporting

 

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