Dear Friends and Supporters of International Aid Trust,
Please accept these few words of thanks for your continued support during 2017. This last year (our 26th) has been both challenging and very rewarding. Despite some testing situations, with God’s help we have been able to further expand in some areas with more church plants and practical help too. Over 400 tons of high quality aid with a value of close on £5 million have been gathered, sorted, packed and distributed to some of the poorest people of this hurting world. Of course, our work begins here at home in the UK where we have our own needy, but worldwide we are helping hospitals, children’s homes, the homeless, the disabled, rehabilitation centres, and the elderly and vulnerable. In Africa, India, Eastern Europe, South America and Sri Lanka lives are being saved, changed and turned around for the better, many thousands of the world’s poorest are receiving the gospel with genuine hope for a better future – because you care.
Over eighty percent of the income that makes all this possible comes through the work done by our shops that also serve the local communities in such a worthwhile way. Your generosity and kindness never ceases to amaze, encourage and inspire us.
We must not forget all our other vital links in the chain such as, warehouse, transport, local co-ordinators, churches, fundraisers, office staff and volunteers, all coming together to make such a wonderful team – and there is room for more willing volunteers in these areas. Never have we been more positive regarding the future of IAT. There is a very positive spirit moving through the charity as we seek to meet ever new challenges during the year ahead in this needy and hurting world.
May I, on behalf of all the trustees, staff and those we seek to serve, wish you a Happy, Peaceful and Blessed Christmas. As we look forward to 2018 may we remember The One who taught us the real meaning of loving our neighbours as ourselves. That’s why He came.
Matthew 25:40 ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
God Bless you all for your loyalty and commitment.
Rev Bernard Cocker
CEO & Founder