AGM 2024 Minutes
IMC AGM MONDAY 20th MAY 2024, 7:30pm
Held on Zoom
Opening Prayer
Apologies
None
Business items
The minutes of the 2023 AGM, which can be found on this link, were accepted as an accurate record of last year's AGM.
Proposer: Charles Farr
Seconder: John Callaghan
The current trustees are: Clive and Jenny Booley, Leo and Leah Guzmán Aldana, Penny Callaghan and Charles Farr. Their continuing in the role was approved.
Proposer: Joan Thraves
Seconder: Dave Hall
Financial Report by the Treasurer, Charles Farr
Links run the finances. Overview trend slow decline in income so less transferred to Colombia. Reasons unknown.
Expenses detail In Feb 2023 Links listed some changes in their responsibilities which has led to an increase in their fees. Charges from 5% to 10% so fees increased more than a third.
Total of all expenses: £7,328
We agreed that Links is good value for money.
Joan Thraves says Links charge less than many other charities.
Exchange rates make such a difference to what we transfer.
Annual Chair’s Report
1,389 children supported
6.9 million in Colombia live in extreme poverty
269 children died of malnutrition in 2023
La Guajira drought is partly because of big mining companies taking the water.
1/3 IMiC income goes to La Guajira
Fusa gives refreshments rather than full meals
Interview with Nancy, IMiC Director
Seren Boyd and Leah Guzmán Aldana interpreted for Nancy, with support from Leo.
1. Please tell us about Tasajera and how IMiC is helping the people there
A fishing community. They bring stuff in to sell on. No real clean water, inadequate housing.
Neglected area after the accident with the petrol lorry exploding, no help from the govt although it was promised. IMiC has provided food and uniforms but limited funds so would like to do more.
2. What are your priorities for the coming year?
Strengthening the communicators, bringing the gospel alongside churches. Drugs are a huge problem. Resources are limited but we believe God will multiply.
3. Do you have any plans for new projects or specific projects you want to develop further?
● Want to open a community hub where Nancy lives in Barranquilla
● Building partnerships with local churches
● In existing programmes, we would like to start new clubs and activities to keep kids away from the drug scene.
● Encourage micro enterprises, saving schemes so families can start new businesses. 13 new businesses currently supported. Pilot project to grow blackberries and maybe herbs at Granja Peniel, ground good to grow blackberries and get a good price. Funds are going down so need their own finance streams. Looking at recycling projects ie new items made from the plastics etc.
● Like to start projects like cottage gardens even though drought is an issue.
● Need to finish building the church in La Guajira. Window frames have been made by Carmen who runs a recycling project through recycled metal. This is the church an IMC supporter helped fund. Health clinics will be here and a community centre. Government will provide training if you have a building. Building is not secure and safe yet.
4. What are your greatest challenges and do you have any prayer requests?
Economy and funds a problem.
30th anniversary of IMiC next year will be a big celebration.
Please pray for health and protection.
Seren and Leo thanked Nancy.
Seren shared about her visit to Colombia
Carolina and Ann from Links went too.
Funded by a supporter.
Spent most time In La Guajira. Talked about health issues as the nearest clinic is a long way away. El Brasil living in mud huts, no sanitation, drought, area water stolen by mining companies. Some drinking water delivered by the government.
Agriculture has failed because there is no water. Drip irrigation could be the solution. The new church building will hopefully move things along and bring transformation.
Fundraising and Events Update by Jenny Booley
We thanked all those who show such generosity in their prayers and financial support for the work of IMC.
There have been several specific fundraising events that have taken place during the last year:
- The London to Bogota challenge. Well done to all those involved in completing 5273 miles over the 18 months.
- The IMC Fun Day took place on Saturday 1st June, after a 3 year break. It raised £850. People were encouraged to save their pennies for the 'Mile of Pennies' at next year's event.
- Also in June last year the Summer Serenade took place with The Dragonflies musical improvisation group entertaining folk with their beautiful playing. Almost 100 people attended and £900 was raised. This event will be held again this year on 31st August 2024.
- Another well-supported event was the concert held at Petersfield Methodist church in October where Tim & Niko Peake enthralled their audience by performing a programmed of Latin American music on the piano and violin. It raised just over £500.
- Our Christmas appeal continues to be well supported and means each child in the programme receives a gift as they celebrate Jesus’ birth. Very thankful for the faithful support for this and the blessing it brings to so many children.
- Penny’s wreath-making with her neighbours had good support again last year and she now has 14 neighbours who would like to do it this year so she will be running 3 mornings.
Other fundraising activities that have taken place during the year by our generous supporters are:
- Plant sales
- Homemae cards
- Homemade jam and marmalade
- Two Carol services held at Petersfield Methodist church with collections donated to IMC.
Give As You Live was also mentioned. People were encouraged to choose our charity name ‘In Ministry to Children’ to raise money through their normal shopping.
Questions
None
Closing Prayer by Leo Guzman Aldana
Clive closed the meeting
Posted on the 29th June 2024 at 10:24am.