2007 Honorable Mention
Word of Grace Ministries, Inc.
Name and location: Word of Grace Ministries, Mesa, Arizona
Denomination: Non-denominational
Pastor: Dr. Gary Kinnaman
Date Founded: 1988
Total Church Membership: 5,000
Website: www.wordofgrace.org/ministries.php?current=outreach_global
Outstanding Involvement and Effectiveness in the Fight Against AIDS:
Word of Grace Ministries has directed its holistic AIDS-related efforts to people in more than 30 communities in Malawi. Since October 2005, nearly $300,000 has been devoted for a wide range of services—care, prevention and education—to longer term development programs, such as safe drinking water, income-generating projects, nutrition and medical care. Moreover, the church is reaching out to engage other US-based ministries, and in January 2006 hosted a seminar for 60 individuals representing 18 Phoenix-area churches to discuss ways to help those impacted by AIDS in Africa. Word of Grace has funded the construction of wells in Malawi, including one that sits on seven acres of land the church purchased for a group of 25 churches caring for more than 100 orphans and vulnerable children. It also has sent four teams of volunteers to work alongside staff and volunteers of Somebody Cares Malawi, a Christian non-profit organization in Malawi, and was planning to send three additional short-term mission teams in 2007.
Impact on the Congregation:
The congregation of World of Grace has demonstrated an uncompromising commitment to the people of Malawi, especially those affected by AIDS. More than 200 members have contributed financially to the program over the past 18 months and more than 30 members have served on short-term mission trips to the country. The church holds monthly prayer meetings for the people of Malawi. Those involved, regardless of whether they have traveled to Africa, have established a strong relationship with the Malawian people founded on compassion and care.
Pastor's Quote: "World of Grace Ministries has made a specific impact on the AIDS crisis in Africa by dealing with the cause of the problem as well as the symptoms of the program. The care component is dealing with the symptoms of the pandemic—orphans, widows, home-based care patients. The focus on the community leaders, chiefs and pastors addresses the root of the problem and will, in the end, have the greater impact on the crisis."
Comment from the Judges: "Clear in its objectives, efficient in its use of resources, collaborative in its response and indigenous in its delivery, you have raised up a model that can be used by others in the AIDS battle."
