A simple goal: $50,000 in 50 days to help relieve the burden of medical debt in areas of the United States where there are Moravian ministries, as well as at the Moravian medical clinic in Ahaus, Honduras. Inspired by the work of Trinity Moravian Church in Winston-Salem, NC, the Debt Jubilee Project: For the Healing of the World was born.
A collaborative effort: spearheaded by the Board of World Mission, Interprovincial Board of Communication, Commission on Congregational Development, and Moravian Ministries Foundation as a way to bring Moravians from any and everywhere together to do something good.
An unknown outcome. Would people give not knowing exactly who would benefit from their generosity?
An overwhelming response: as of September 28, we’ve received over $100,000 for the Debt Jubilee Project: For the Healing of the World. Jubilee, indeed!
Why Did You Give?
When asked why they gave to the DJP, people shared powerful reasons.
| Because I realize how fortunate I am to have insurance that has taken care of my medical debts. This is an excellent way to create a new start for people. |
| My daughter had some medical debt sold and sued to collect the full amount. I didn’t want to have other families go through what my daughter did. If my money prevents families to avoid what my daughter went through, great!! |
| Because I’m a retired health care professional and know the hardship medical debt causes. |
| The collaboration of the larger group would allow us to be part of something that would make a significant impact. This was inspiring and encouraging. Jubilee as debt forgiveness is a faith tenet that we do not largely follow as congregations. It is an important witness of our faith and an action of justice to advocate for more equitable healthcare systems for all. |
| It’s life-changing help for those in vulnerable economic situations. Want to support Ahaus, also. |
| As a Moravian for most of my life, I love our motto, and want to spread the love. I’ve seen what medical debt can do to families, and I’m glad I had an opportunity to help. |
| Because each dollar has such a positive impact on the families and an unbelievable return on our small investments |
| I can’t imagine living with debt hanging over your head constantly. When I heard how many people this affects, it convinced me. |
| Healthcare is important! |
| I have never seen an opportunity for my meager contribution to do so much good. I wish I could have given more. |
| This will have an immediate and life-changing impact on people who most need help – those who were had a major illness or surgery and did not have the funds to pay for it. I can barely imagine the effect on someone who gets the letter saying their debt is forgiven! Praise be to God! |
Current Status
We are working with RIP Medical Debt to determine how much debt we can relieve in as many counties with Moravian ministries as possible. We will share the final amount raised, as well as how much debt has been erased where, as soon as we can.
We will be sending about $25,000 (25% of the total raised) to Ahuas, Honduras. The Board of World Mission is working with the staff at the Clínica Evangélica Morava to ensure a smooth transfer of funds and support the clinic staff as they manage these funds and communicate debt forgiveness to community members. The funds will be sent over several months in partial amounts on top of the regular monthly support sent to the clinic to cover operating costs, medical equipment, medicines, etc.
Thank you to everyone who supported this fundraiser. We look forward to sharing the total impact of this project as soon as we are able.
