Project AGAPE Update:  

Traditionally the WNCCUMC hosts spring donation drive with a coordinated pick-up in April each year for this long standing mission of our conference. The Project AGAPE staff in Armenia is diligently working to relocate its offices and warehouse in order to serve the thousands displaced by the war between Armenia and Azerbaijan.  The transition to new facilities, along with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic has hindered our partners ability to distribute donations as they would normally. Thus, Nara Melkonyan, the in-country Director, informed us the Project Agape staff will not be ready to receive shipments of goods until June 2021. The Mission Response Center has one shipment prepared to send and enough current donations on site to make two additional shipments. In-kind donations are not needed at this time. 

Additionally, the fourth Sunday of April is designated as AGAPE Sunday. We encourage all our churches to observe this special Sunday while providing their members with the opportunity to financially support the ministries of Project AGAPE. The donations received will help Nara and the Project AGAPE staff to organize and distribute humanitarian aid to so many who have lost so much.  Checks can be mailed to the Conference Treasurer, PO Box 2757 Huntersville, NC 28070

Please write “Project AGAPE” in the memo line and provide a short note indicating the donation

Or

click the “donate button” at the link.

https://www.wnccumc.org/project-agape 

Another way to support the ministries of Project AGAPE is by volunteering at the Mission Response Center to prepare donations for upcoming shipments to Armenia.  If you would like to bring a team to serve at the MRC, please click this link to register. 

https://wnc-reg.brtapp.com/MissionResponseCenterVolunteerSignup

Thank you all you prayers and support, especially during this most difficult time in Armenia and Artsakh.

New Note:

The Project AGAPE Board expresses its appreciation for the churches and individuals that have donated Christmas Boxes over the past years. The response has been so good that there are more than enough Christmas Boxes to meet the need for Christmas of 2020. Therefore, the Board asks that churches and individuals NOT donate them during our Fall 2020 donation drive.

 Nara Melkonyan, Project AGAPE Director, says there IS A GREAT NEED FOR NEW OR GENTLY USED CHILDREN'S CLOTHING. The COVID 19 Pandemic has flattened people's income in the region Project AGAPE serves and they are struggling to put food on the table much less being able to buy necessities like clothing for their children.

 So the emphasis for the Fall 2020 donations for Armenia is CHILDREN'S CLOTHING; new and gently used.

 Also, the Project AGAPE Board has received monetary donations to continue the ministry through the end of 2020. For this the board is thankful. But, to insure the continuation of this ministry in 2021, monetary donations are needed. Please considering giving an extra donation before the end of 2020. Thank you so much for your continued support through prayers and donations.   

~The Project AGAPE Board

The Mission Response Center receives and distributes humanitarian aid items, serves as a depot center for UMCOR, and offers staging for Disaster Response. The MRC also offers space to for Project AGAPE Christmas boxes and other supplies for Armenia.

Needed: Volunteer groups or individuals wishing to help sort mission materials.

When: 2nd and 4th Tuesdays and 3rd Saturdays of each month.

Time: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm on 3rd Saturdays and 4th Tuesdays.
          9:00 am - 1:00 pm and 1:30 pm - 5:30 pm on 2nd Tuesdays. 

Click here to open the MRC Volunteer Sign-up Form. 

Resources

• Bulletin Insert
• Fact Sheet
• 8.5x14 Brochure
• Ways to help
• VBS Resources - Project Agape Chicken Project
• VBS Resources - Project Agape Cattle Project
• VBS Resources - Project Agape Children's Home
• VBS Resources - Project Agape Christmas Boxes
• 2019 Christmas Shoebox Information
• If you need more information on Project AGAPE or would like to schedule a program for your local church or small group please contact the Rev. Allan Van Meter, 336-403.6792.

Monetary gifts may be made on Project AGAPE Sunday and year-round through your local church or mailed to: Project AGAPE  c/o WNCC Treasury Services PO Box 2757 Huntersville, NC 28070 Please include “Project AGAPE” on the memo line.

Packing Instructions and Project AGAPE/UMCOR Drop-Off Locations

Mission Response Center, 8973 Greenwood Rd,  Terrell,  NC. (704) 714-2340 (Contact  Brian Mateer  ahead to ensure someone is there to receive the donated items.)