After typhoons drenched the Philippines, an emergency appeal sent to New Life Network in Carlinville, Illinois, prompted the ministry to take a bold step to help others.
"We were just starting one of our annual fundraisers," says Barry Copeland, network director for New Life Network, which consists of 18 family-friendly stations owned and operated by the Illinois District Council of the Assemblies of God. "We realized we were in the midst of a tough economy and every dollar counted, but after receiving the appeal we didn't feel right about doing a fundraiser only for us when tens of thousands of Filipinos had no place to sleep and no food to eat."
Leaders of the network decided to donate three dollars to Convoy of Hope for every pledge they received during their campaign.
"The generosity of the listeners of the New Life Network made a significant difference in the lives of thousands of people," says Jeff Nene, senior director of communications and technology at Convoy of Hope. "Such partnerships have helped us serve nearly 5 million poor and suffering people throughout the world in 2009."
Another donor offered to match New Life Network's gift of $16,000. Convoy of Hope was then able to leverage each dollar received into $7 worth of food and supplies.
"Suddenly our gift was transformed into nearly a quarter of a million dollars worth of food and supplies," says Copeland. "Our listeners helped us we meet our goals and they helped people who were suffering."
Larry Griswold, superintendent of the Illinois District Council AG, says giving to Convoy of Hope was the perfect fit for the network.
"Convoy of Hope provides a well-trusted avenue of ministry, and a rapid response to need, clear and authentic handling of funds, and compassionate ministry," he says. "We couldn't ask for more."
For more information on Convoy of Hope, click here.
