World Missions Gives Seed Gift Toward S.W.I.M. Grant
Church of God World Missions has contributed the first $10,000 toward a matching grant of $250,000 to support Southwest Indian Ministries (SWIM) in Gallup, New Mexico.
SWIM and the churches associated with it, are part of the Church of God State Offices of New Mexico, under the leadership of Administrative Bishop Mike Newcomb. Earlier this year, SWIM and two other independent agencies came under the umbrella of Church of God Care Ministries after years as a stand-alone benevolent agency affiliated with the Church.
“The history of SWIM goes back to a YWEA project from the 1960s,” stated Dr. Raymond Culpepper, Executive Director of Church of God Care Ministries. “The Church of God has had a presence among the Native American Navajo nation since a campus was established in Gallup, New Mexico. We have 25 native churches in the area and this current project seeks funds for renovations and modernizations for those churches, as well as facilities on the Gallup campus and in the community.”
The “Living Waters Project” seeks to raise a total of $500,000 for the renovations and the installation of filtration systems capable of purifying 100,000 gallons of water per day. Operation Compassion and Men and Women of Action are also partners in supplying the water systems and skilled labor.
When asked about its contribution, General Director of World Missions Dr. M. Thomas Propes said, “while our primary focus in World Missions is outside the U.S. and Canada, we are mindful that most of the financial contributions for our ministries comes from the U.S. Giving this seed gift to help support Southwest Indian Ministries was an easy decision. Providing clean water is a dire need in this region, so it aligns with our 365 Challenge goals.”
To partner with Care Ministries in meeting the $250,000 match, options include giving online by clicking here and choosing the S.W.I.M. option, calling (423) 478-7088, or mailing donations to Church of God International Offices, P.O. Box 2430, Cleveland, TN 37320-2430, ATTN: Virgie Parker. For churches or individuals that desire Church of God World Missions credit, please use the number 020-0814-001.
