Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why did you choose the Philippines? 1.Spiritual Openness and Catholic Influence: The Philippines, with a vast majority of its population adhering to Catholicism, offers a unique spiritual landscape. Many Filipinos have a deep sense of faith, which presents an opportunity for missionaries to engage with individuals who are already spiritually open but may still seek a deeper understanding and connection with God. This openness can make it easier to plant seeds of faith and build on existing religious foundations. 2.Economic Struggles and Social Need: Despite its rich cultural and spiritual heritage, the Philippines faces significant economic challenges. Many communities suffer from poverty, with millions struggling with hunger and basic needs. Missionary work here often extends beyond spiritual teachings, as missionaries provide tangible support in the form of education, healthcare, and social services, helping uplift those in need while also sharing the hope and love of Christ. There are many reasons, but these two are the major reasons—spiritual openness/cultural warmth, and the need for social and economic support—make the Philippines a compelling location for missionary work. It is a place where the efforts of missionaries can have a lasting and meaningful impact, both spiritually and practically.
Why is your mission work not in the United States? The decision not to focus the mission work primarily in the United States can stem from two key reasons: 1.Global Need and Focus: We are strategically focusing on regions with more pronounced challenges, where there is a greater need for both spiritual and practical support. Countries like the Philippines, where poverty, hunger, and spiritual openness are prevalent, may present more pressing opportunities for long-term impact. While the U.S. is well-developed in many ways, there are parts of the world where resources, access to spiritual teachings, and social services are more urgently needed. 2.Serving Locally in the U.S.: While the focus may be in the Philippines, the team recognizes the importance of meeting local needs as well. We respond to the local needs by serving meals to the homeless, responding to natural and human disasters, visiting the elderly, sharing God’s word, and protecting God’s children, all crucial components of a local outreach. These activities ensure that the mission is still active and impactful within the United States addressing pressing social issues, caring for the marginalized, and promoting God’s love in our community. We encourage all Christians to be involved in their local Church and serve not only within their church, but also within their local community.
Why did you wait two years to begin? The decision to wait two years before starting the Nonprofit Organization reflects a deep sense of trust and faith in God's timing. 1.Obedience to God's Timing: The two-year wait was not out of hesitation or uncertainty, but a period of intentional prayer, reflection, and preparation. It was a time of waiting on God's guidance and trusting that His perfect timing would reveal the right moment to begin the work. The organization was not rushed into existence, but rather, it was birthed when God made it clear that now was the time to move forward. 2.Building Foundation and Vision: The wait allowed us for careful planning, partnership-building, and ensuring the foundation of the nonprofit would be strong and aligned with God's vision. In doing so, we ensured that when we did step forward, the mission would be sustainable and impactful in the communities we were called to serve. In essence, the two years were a period of obedience, preparation, and deep trust in God's timing. Now, in response to His leading, the team is moving forward to create something that serves communities in a way that did not exist before—an act of faith and purpose at the appointed time.
Why should I contribute to you? You should consider contributing to our nonprofit because your support directly impacts individuals and communities in need, empowering them through both spiritual and practical means. Here are why your contribution matters: 1.Making a Real Difference: Your donation will be used to serve marginalized and underserved communities in the Philippines. Whether it's providing food, education, healthcare, or disaster relief, your contribution will meet tangible needs and help improve lives. Additionally, your support enables us to share God’s love through action, making an eternal impact. 2.Transparency and Accountability: We are committed to ensuring that every dollar you contribute is used effectively. With a focus on keeping overhead costs low, we guarantee all funds specifically identified to a mission will be solely for the mission. We provide transparent financial reports, ensuring you can see the impact of your generosity. 3.Obedience to God’s Call: We are responding to God’s timing and calling to serve in areas where the need is greatest. By contributing, you are joining us in answering that call and being a part of spreading hope, compassion, and God’s love to those who need it most. 4.Long-Term Impact: Your contribution helps build lasting, sustainable programs that will continue to transform lives long after your donation is made. Whether it is equipping local leaders, providing ongoing education, or supporting the spiritual growth of communities, your support helps create lasting change. 5.Serving with Love and Grace: We serve all people, regardless of their background or beliefs. Your donation helps extend God's love and grace to everyone, demonstrating that faith is not only about words but about action—caring for those in need without discrimination. By contributing, you are partnering with us in a mission of compassion, faith, and transformation, and you are helping to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals who need it most.
Will you only serve Christians? No, our mission is not limited to serving only Christians. We are committed to serving all individuals and families, regardless of their religious beliefs. As followers of Jesus Christ, we believe it is our calling to be His "hands" and "feet" in the world, demonstrating His love through action. We serve out of love—God’s love—which is unconditional and extends to everyone. Whether someone shares our faith or not, we will meet their needs with compassion, kindness, and respect, offering support in any way we can. Our goal is to reflect Christ's love through service, fostering peace, understanding, and care for all people, no matter their background or beliefs.
How will you measure your impact to the community? Measuring our impact is essential to ensuring that our efforts are effective and truly making a difference in the communities we serve. We will use a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods to assess the outcomes of our programs and track our progress. Here is how we will measure our impact: 1.Community Feedback and Engagement: One of the most important ways to measure impact is by listening to the people we serve. Through interviews and community meetings, we will gather feedback to understand how our services are affecting their lives. Are their needs being met? How have their circumstances changed? This feedback will help us continuously improve our programs and ensure we are addressing the real needs of the community. 2.Program-Specific Metrics: For each program, we will set clear, measurable goals and track specific outcomes. For example: In feeding programs, we will measure the number of meals provided and the nutritional impact on individuals and families. In educational initiatives, we will track the number of students served, improvements in academic performance, and how our education programs contribute to long-term community development. 3.Long-Term Tracking: We will track long-term outcomes to assess how our work is contributing to lasting change in the community. This could include monitoring how individuals or families are progressing over time, such as improved health, increased educational attainment, or better economic stability. Long-term tracking ensures that our mission is not just making a temporary difference but contributing to sustainable growth and transformation. 4.Partnerships and Collaborations: We will also measure our impact by evaluating the success of partnerships with other Christian organizations. Are we effectively working together to reach more people? Are we helping each other achieve shared goals? Strong partnerships will be a key indicator of our success in creating a larger, coordinated effort to serve the community. 5.Financial Accountability: Tracking how funds are used and ensuring that the majority goes directly to the mission will also be a measure of success. By maintaining transparency in our financials and showing that donations are being used effectively, we can prove that the support from donors is truly making a positive impact. 6.Spiritual Growth and Engagement: Since we are a faith-based organization, we will measure the spiritual impact of our work. This includes tracking engagement in church services, Bible studies, and other spiritual activities we offer. Spiritual transformation and growth are key indicators of how well we are fulfilling our mission to share God’s love. In short, our impact will be measured through a combination of direct outcomes (such as meals served or students educated), community feedback, long-term tracking of changes, financial stewardship, and spiritual growth. This comprehensive approach will ensure we are making a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of the people we serve. or beliefs.
Will you serve those with an alternative lifestyle? Yes, we will serve individuals and families with an alternative lifestyle with love and grace. Our mission is to reflect the unconditional love of Christ to all people, regardless of their choices or lifestyle. We believe in meeting people where they are, showing compassion and respect, and offering support without judgment. Our goal is to serve with kindness, showing the love of God through our actions, and demonstrating His grace to everyone, no matter their circumstances.
How do you utilize my donor funds? We are committed to using donor funds responsibly and transparently. Here is how we utilize your generous contributions: 1.Specified Mission Donation: 100% of donations that are designated for a specific mission will go directly towards that mission. We respect your wishes and ensure that your contribution supports the purpose you have chosen, whether it is providing meals, clothing, sponsorship of a child, educational resources, or community center construction. 2.Non-Specified Donation: For donations that are not designated for a specific mission, we commit to keeping overhead costs as low as possible. At least 80% of these donations will be allocated directly towards missions and programs. The remaining 20% will cover necessary operational costs to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of our work. Our priority is to ensure that donor funds have the greatest possible impact on the communities we serve while maintaining transparency and accountability.
Can me or my team perform a missionary trip to the communities you are serving? Yes, absolutely! We warmly welcome Christian missionary teams to join us in serving the communities in the Philippines. We believe that your time spent serving will be a life-altering experience, both for you and the individuals and families you serve. If you or your team are interested in joining us on a missionary trip, please feel free to reach out to us through the "Contact Us" page on our website. We would love to discuss how you can be a part of this meaningful mission and share in the work that God is doing in these communities.
How will you make your Financials and Operations transparent? We are committed to maintaining full transparency in both our financials and operations to ensure that our donors, partners, and the communities we serve can trust how resources are being used. Here is how we will make our Nonprofit financials and operations transparent: 1.Publicly Accessible Information: Our financial reports, along with other important operational documents, will be available on our website. This ensures that anyone who wishes to review our operations and funding usage can do so easily and with full clarity. 2.Third-Party Audits: To further ensure accountability, we will engage independent, certified auditors to review our financials annually. Their audit reports will be made publicly available, offering an unbiased review of how funds are managed and spent. 3.Clear Program Reporting: We will regularly update our supporters and the public with reports on the progress and impact of our programs and mission work. This includes how funds are being used on the ground, the tangible results of your donations, and how those funds directly affect the communities we serve. 4.Open Communication: We encourage open lines of communication with our donors, volunteers, and partners. If you ever have questions about our finances or operations, you can reach out to us directly through our contact page, and we will respond with the information you need. By implementing these measures, we aim to build a culture of trust, transparency, and integrity, ensuring that every dollar donated is being used responsibly to further our mission and make a real difference.
Are the contributions tax deductible? Yes, contributions may be tax-deductible, depending on your country's laws. In the United States, we are a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization, which means that donations made to our organization are tax-deductible for U.S. taxpayers. Donors will receive the necessary documentation for tax purposes, such as a receipt for their donation, which can be used when filing taxes. For donors outside of the United States, the tax-deductibility of contributions will depend on the tax laws in your country. We recommend checking with a local tax professional or the relevant authorities in your country to determine if your donation qualifies for tax deductions. If you have any questions or need more specific information regarding tax deductions, please feel free to reach out to us directly.
How is the non-profit executive team structured? - Gerry Bouffard - President and Chief Financial Officer - Lindsey (Emalinda) Bouffard - Vice President of Operations - Joshua Bouffard - Corporate Secretary
How will you collaborate with other Nonprofit Organizations? We are committed to collaboration with other nonprofit Christian organizations to maximize our impact and expand our reach. Here is how we will approach this collaboration: 1.Learning and Understanding: We will take the time to learn about other Christian nonprofit organizations, their missions, and the work they are doing. Understanding their goals and operations allows us to identify areas where we can support one another and complement each other's efforts. 2.Strategic Alignment with Christian Organizations: Our primary focus will be to collaborate with other Christian nonprofit organizations that share similar beliefs and values. By working alongside these organizations, we can ensure that our efforts are aligned in a way that is consistent with our mission and vision for spreading the Gospel and serving communities. 3.Shared Impact and Reach: By working together, we can reach more people, extend our services to new areas, and strengthen our collective efforts in meeting both physical and spiritual needs. We will also learn from the experiences of other organizations, continually improving our own programs and missions. Ultimately, our goal is to build meaningful partnerships that extend the love of Christ to communities in the Philippines, while working together to create a more sustainable and lasting impact.
Are you facing any risks or challenges? Yes, we are indeed facing several risks and challenges, with the two most significant being the political environment and weather-related issues. 1.Political Environment: The political landscape in the Philippines can sometimes be unstable, and changes in government policies, regulations, or even local governance may impact our ability to operate effectively. Political tensions or shifts can also affect the safety and security of our teams, the communities we serve, and our ability to deliver aid efficiently. We will stay vigilant, maintaining flexibility and adaptability in response to political changes, while ensuring that our mission remains focused on serving people regardless of political climate. 2.Weather and Natural Disasters: The Philippines is prone to natural disasters such as typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. These events can disrupt our work, hinder transportation, and communication, and cause considerable damage to infrastructure and communities. We plan to be proactive in disaster preparedness, equipping our teams with the necessary resources to respond quickly and efficiently during emergencies. Additionally, we will collaborate with local partners who have experience in disaster relief to ensure we can support those affected. Despite these challenges, we remain committed to our mission. Our faith in God's guidance and our dedication to serving those in need will help us navigate these risks with resilience and hope.