On May 18, St. Mark’s Church in Foxboro and its Outreach Ministry presented a check for $642 to Tinka Perry, Diocesan Coordinator for Episcopal Relief & Development, towards the purchase of malaria nets for the Nets for Life Program. The program partners with Episcopal and Anglican churches around the world to determine areas with the greatest need and locate resources.
When Perry visited St. Mark’s for the first time last year to speak about the Nets For Life Program, nine-year-old parishioner Meghan Lamb contributed $5 of her own money toward the cost of a malaria net. Meghan’s act of generosity inspired the St. Mark’s outreach team to coordinate a mite box fundraising effort during Lent.
During her May 18 visit, Perry spoke to the congregation about her trip to Ghana to better understand the work she was involved in through Episcopal Relief & Development. The Nets For Life program, adopted by 17 countries around the world, is saving lives by educating communities about clean water, how to feed their families and become self-reliant, she said.
“Malaria strikes the most vulnerable: pregnant women and children under age five. A child dies every 60 seconds in sub-Saharan Africa,” Perry said. “Prevention is key as there is often no access to medical care.” Since the Nets For Life program began 2006, 6.3 million nets have been distributed.
“One net costs $12, protecting three people; two nets can save a family of six, and a parish can save a village. St. Mark’s has done just that," Perry said.
As the Rev. Kim Hardy and the outreach team presented a check to Perry, Hardy offered a prayer of thanksgiving saying, “We thank God for the abundance we have, for connecting us with others around our world and for the inspiration of Meghan and all children who often lead the way in being compassionate people of faith.”