By way of introduction, my name is Mark Baker.  I grew up in Quincy, Massachusetts and currently reside on the south shore of Boston.  During my professional life I started a business that was centered in London.  My business venture required regular visits to the Central African Republic (CAR).  During my many visits there, my eyes were opened to what real poverty, destitution and deprivation are all about.  

 

Living conditions in this country are in a word, “appalling.”  Words fail to capture the extraordinary challenges that vast numbers of the indigenous population are confronted with daily. Frankly, challenges involving government instability, rebellion, war, indiscriminate violence, food shortages, lack of education, and basic health care that would overwhelm many with a less sturdy character.  

 

The Central African Republic is one of the mineral-enriched countries among the Central African States.  Despite its rich mineral deposits (diamonds, gold, uranium, timber, etc.) the vast majority of the population lives in abject poverty.  Since I left the CAR and closed my business, conditions have become even more dire. A public report from the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency reveals that in late 2020-armed groups now operate “openly and control large swaths – as much as 80% … of the country’s territory.”

 

Whenever there is serious lack of government stability in a country, the children, who are the least able to care for themselves, suffer the most.  This has been true over the centuries worldwide and the CAR is certainly no exception.  The CIA reported in June 2021 that approximately 40% of the CAR population is comprised of children 14 and younger.  

 

 The violence generated between the government of the CAR and various rebel factions has resulted in a tremendous displacement of children in the country.  A United Nations report from April 2021 disclosed that approximately 370,000 children have been displaced across the country.  The U.N. report indicated that these children are now at risk of “exposure to sexual and physical violence, recruitment to armed forces and groups, increasing rates of malnutrition and limited access to essential services.”  The bottom line here is simple, the people of the CAR and particularly the children, need financial help.

 

When I left the CAR, I recognized this need but I also recognized that there was no real way to contribute because so many of the country’s officials were corrupt and couldn’t be trusted.  Recently, my interest in trying to help was renewed through what I believe was a God directed meeting that I had with a Catholic Bishop from the CAR.  

 

I met Bishop Dennis during one of his several visits to St. Mary’s parish in Hanover, Massachusettes. I informed him of my experience in the CAR and the deep love that I developed for its people.  I asked him how I could assist, and he told me that financial aid was the best way to help.  Bishop Dennis volunteered to be the point man for receiving and distributing contributions.  God directed me to a person we can all trust to do the right thing for the children.

 

Now my mission is clear.  I need to try to gather financial assistance for these very needy children.  I cannot do it without the help of good people like you.  Will you help me help these people with a financial contribution?  Your contribution will help them with education, health and living conditions.  Please prayerfully consider a donation to a very worthy cause.  May God Bless you all and thank you for any sacrifice you can make.  God loves cheerful givers.

 

The name of the nonprofit is; Growing Edge of Faith, inc. The company has been formed in Massachusetts, and exempt from federal income tax under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 501(c)(3). We are also qualified to receive tax deductible bequests, devises, transfers or gifts under Section 2055, 2106, or 2522.

 

Contributions for the children can be made by check, payable to Growing Edge of Faith, Inc., and mailed to P.O. Box 2108, Hanover, MA 02339 or donate using Venmo at @growingedgeoffaith, or just hit the Donate tab below.