We are very sorry to report that our ‘Charity of the Year’ fundraising plans have been dealt a severe blow by the Nicaraguan Government’s sudden announcement, on 19 August, that it was cancelling the registration of 1,500 faith-based charities and non-profit organisations including CEPAD, the organisation we are funding this year to carry out the ‘Every Drop Counts – Nicaragua’ project.
Revd Rachel has been in discussions with senior members of Amos Trust, the UK partner of CEPAD, and we now know that CEPAD’s legal status has been cancelled, national bank accounts have been blocked, staff salaries and rents cannot be paid, and their limited assets are under threat.
Although CEPAD will try to find a way to continue their work, and are currently appealing the Nicaraguan governments decision, they face a very difficult future.
We therefore have no way to fund the work of ‘Every Drop Counts – Nicaragua’ and must, with great sadness for the ‘ordinary’ Nicaraguans who would have benefitted, suspend our fundraising initiatives for the time being.
Project Briefing: Sunday 29th September, 6.30pm – St Mary’s Church
Chris Rose, Director of Amos Trust, the UK partner of CEPAD will be visiting St Mary’s on Sunday 29th September to brief us all on the latest developments in Nicaragua, and the implications of continued support for the project.
Please do join us for this briefing to learn more about the situation, and for prayers with Chris for CEPAD, Amos Trust and the farmers of Nicaragua.
What happens next?
As this complex situation develops, and in discussion with Amos Trust and CEPAD, we will make a decision on how to use the money we have already raised for this project to ensure it has the biggest possible impact in the region.
We will continue to keep you informed about the situation as it develops.
Thank you for your ongoing support, and please join us in keeping those who work at CEPAD and Amos Trust, and the people of Nicaragua in your prayers.
The Charity of the Year Committee
St Mary's Church, Redbourn 