Confirmation Class Service Project 2012: Nets for Life

In 2000, the international community developed the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to halve the number of people living in extreme poverty by 2015. The Episcopal Church has committed itself to working toward these goals and has asked parishes to their part. This year, our Confirmation Class was torn between working on two goals - Goal #4: “Reduce Child Mortality” and Goal #8: “Develop a Global Partnership for Development.” Believe it or not, we found a way to work on both goals at once!

Did you know that every 60 seconds a child in sub-Saharan Africa dies from malaria?

Did you know that malaria is often preventable?

Did you know that $12 can save lives?

This year, we have decided to support Episcopal Relief and Development’s (ER-D) Nets for Life Inspiration Fund. Since 2008, NetsforLife® has delivered over 5.6 million nets across 17 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. NetsforLife® combats malaria by training community agents to deliver life-saving nets, educating community members about proper net use and maintenance, and providing on-going monitoring and evaluation of net use.

Over 2600 Episcopal churches have already gotten onboard. In fact, the Diocese of New Jersey has set a goal of 10,000 nets purchased by March 2013 – and our efforts will join theirs! Track ER-D’s overall progress at inspirationfund.org.

Our Goal: 100 nets by April 25^th (World Malaria Day)

Cost per Net: $12

(checks payable to St. Matthew’s PLG – memo: Nets for Life)

This year, we’ve decided to hold a friendly competition between the kids and teens of St. Matthew’s on one side and the adults of St. Matthew’s on the other.  Who will be the first to fill their tube full of quarters for Nets for Life?  Check out the display by the coat room, and see who’s ahead!