The winners get a trophy, but also must donate $30. The funds are contributed to Bed Nets for Life, which is sponsored by the Department of Christian Formation of the Evangelical Covenant Church.
For the past five months, Pastor Brian Rhen has been handing out the ITAFERR (pronounced i-tafer, like “wafer”), which is an acronym for invite, train, affirm, feedback, evaluate, reflect, recognize. Any paid or volunteer leader of a team, group or ministry is eligible.
“It has been a fun way for us to promote staff development plus support a great cause,” says Rhen.
Bed Nets for Life will provide mosquito nets for children living in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Each net costs $10.
Malaria is the largest cause of death for children under age five years in Congo. Malaria spreads through mosquitoes. Bed nets help prevent mosquito bites at night.
Steve Burger, director of children and family ministries, says there is a desperate need in Congo for the nets, which have proven elsewhere to cut the number of malaria cases and deaths by up to 50 percent.
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