Global Diaconate Annual Report 2010.pdf

Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.—Galatians 2:10

This year Bethlehem Baptist Church has continued to have the opportunity to strategically care for the poor around the world through Bethlehem’s generous giving from Treasuring Christ Together. The Global Diaconate task force has met monthly to make decisions on behalf of the church for the careful distribution of these funds.

This year the Global Diaconate has approved over $140,000 to 18 projects that are blessing people in the countries of Haiti, India, Cambodia, Pakistan, China, Ethiopia, Senegal, and Peru.

The year started with the disastrous earthquake in Haiti. Bethlehem sent many resources and teams to be a blessing to the people there. We joined with the Haiti orphan relief team to help staff a needed position helping U.S. churches partner with Haitian churches, and then we joined in partnership with the New Jerusalem Church to help them care for the children in their congregation. We printed bookmarks and posters so the people of Bethlehem could be praying for the children and the church. We also helped build a home for HIV/AIDS children in Haiti.

The floods in Pakistan directly affected about 20 million people. Bethlehem was glad to be able to assist with tents, clean water, and Christian materials through some of our global partners.

The work in anti-trafficking continues as we have partnered with great organizations in several countries to rescue and protect young girls and women. We also hosted a concert of prayer to raise awareness and to seek God’s help to bring justice and healing.

At the end of the year we were able to bless global partners in Senegal and China with support for their work, as well as help with community development in India and Ethiopia.

The members of the Global Diaconate task force include: Holly Andrews, Jeff Bender, Heather Elting-Ballard, Brad Nelson, Steve Prater, Todd & Tamara Rasmuson, Jon S., Maridel Sandberg, Steven & Linda Schwartz, and Darlene Sorley.

Remembering the poor with you,

Todd & Tamara Rasmuson,
Global Diaconate Co-Coordinators