WMU and the WMU Foundation established the HEART—Humanitarian Emergency Aid for Rebuilding Tomorrow—Fund in response to the tragic events that occurred on September 11, 2001. Grants from the HEART Fund allow Baptists to provide direct relief and rebuilding assistance to disaster victims in the United States and around the world.
Have you found your missions passion yet? Could it be helping victims of disasters all over the world?
In 2022 alone, we have granted over $114,000 from the HEART Fund to help Ukrainian refugees, tornado victims, and survivors of a shooting. We could not have done this without your help. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of so many when you give.
Joyce Peters, national WMU retiree, is a monthly donor to the HEART Fund. “This fund has been of interest to me since its inception because my heart aches as I watch the news and hear about the disastrous effects of earthquakes, tsunamis, avalanches, and tornados around the country and world,” she explained. “Contributing to this fund, knowing 100% of my donations will be used for humanitarian aid, allows me to reach out to those in need through trusted local contacts—most often SBC missionaries.”
Giving to the HEART Fund means that 100% of your gift will go toward disaster relief efforts, but the WMU Foundation cannot guarantee which disaster it will go toward. This allows us to be able to make grants quickly and immediately. We do not have to wait to collect funds and then distribute them. We have the support readily available when disasters occur, allowing those in need to go and be the hands and feet of Christ.
“It is a gratifying feeling knowing your entire donation goes to those in immediate need and to know WMU or a WMU partner has ‘boots on the ground’ to ensure those in need receive the funds and that the message of Christ is shared with recipients,” said Collins Compere, WMU Foundation board member. “This is why our family enjoys giving to the HEART Fund.”
Since its inception, over $950,000 has been granted from the HEART Fund to aid in disaster relief of all kinds, including disasters like typhoons, volcanoes, wildfires, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Disasters like these and others unfortunately happen almost every day, and it can be easy to feel discouraged and overwhelmed. Instead, why not turn that discouragement and overwhelm into action and help however we can? And in those dark times, find comfort in these words from Jesus: “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV)
Visit wmufoundation.com/disaster-relief to learn more about the HEART Fund and to give a one-time or monthly gift today.
Written by Maegan Dockery, WMU Foundation communications manager.