Benevolence Team
"We exist to demonstrate God's love through meeting the needs of people who are facing financial difficulties."
What is the purpose of our Benevolence Team?
We seek to meet immediate needs for those needing food, clothing or shelter. The Benevolence Fund is intended to be a source of last resort, when all other avenues of help have been exhausted, including but not limited to help from family and friends, personal savings or investments. Our vision is to help people who are facing hard time due to external influences or bad life choices, but who have the potential and the desire to become responsible individuals. Our primary objective is to meet a person where he/she is and then help him/her identify and take steps that lead to a person making biblically wise decisions regarding his/her personal finances.
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Assistance from the Benevolence Fund is intended to be a one-time gift. Disbursements are a charitable gift and are not to be considered as a loan. No gift can be repaid or is expected to be repaid in any form of financial payment or through work.
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There is a priority for assistance for individuals who are members and regular attendees of our church.
How does the team function?
Our team is made up of seven volunteers, both men and women, from Big Woods who seek to come alongside of those facing difficulties. Our team meets every month to talk through all of the requests that have been given throughout that month. We work alongside one another to steward the resources we have been given and distribute them as the Lord would allow.
Apply for Assistance
1. Every individual who is applying for assistance from the church MUST fill out an application either online below or in person.
2. After the application is received, it will be distributed to the Benevolence team and someone will reach out with you to schedule an interview. An in-person interview is required for every applicant.
3. After the interview has been completed, there will be a 7-day waiting period for the team to discuss, pray and provide their thoughts on the request.
4. After that 7-day waiting period, someone will reach out to you with a decision regarding your request.
5. If the team has approved your request, any moneys given will not be given directly to the applicant. We will send the check to the company/organization (i.e. electric company, landlord, water company etc.)
What can you apply for?
Below are some of the needs that we have been able to help with.
-Food
- Rent
- Utilities
- Clothing
- Other (on a case by case basis)