VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 04/18/08) - American Baptist International Ministries announced that Christian Community Credit Union has pledged $232,500 to support the work of global consultant Mike Mann and missionary Becky Mann, who work with the Integrated Tribal Development Program in Northern Thailand (ITDP).
Called the "Launch a Village" project, the Credit Union donation will fund water and sanitation, construction of a school and health clinic, and provide a source for micro enterprise loans for three hill-tribe villages. The money will also help those three villages provide agricultural and business training, purchase a 4-wheel drive truck, and enable the producing and marketing of Arabica coffee.
The 'Launch a Village' project is a powerful example of how Christian Community Credit Union members are making a difference to improve the lives of people in desperate need," said Reid Trulson, executive director of International Ministries.
"Working together with ITDP allowed us to apply the credit union movement's philosophy of 'people helping people,'" stated John Walling, Christian Community Credit Union president and chief executive.
"Partnering with Christian Community Credit Union members is a great opportunity to put Christ's love into action by helping resource-poor villagers in Thailand be alleviated from poverty and at the same time plant the seeds of Christ," said Mike. "The 'Launch a Village' project is an answer to prayer," said Becky. "Not only do we help bring water and life skills to the poor and remote villages in Thailand, we're also sharing about the Living Water that will flow into each of the villager's heart and soul!"
To date, Christian Community Credit Union's "Cards that Give to Missions & Ministries" program, which will fund this donation, has given $750,000 of support to International Ministries.
With assets over $450 million, the San Dimas, CA-based Christian Community Credit Union serves over 29,000 members nationwide and around the world and has served the financial needs of Christian ministries, churches and their members for over 50 years.
Andrew C. Jayne American Baptist Churches USA Mission Resource Development http://www.abc-usa.org/