DAKOTA MARKETPLACE Adds an Additional Ministry Partner – Imagine No Malaria

Preparations are well underway by the Sioux Falls Area Mission Group for this year’s DAKOTA MARKETPLACE, formerly the Mitchell Ingathering, to be held on Saturday, September 21, 9 AM – 2 PM at Sioux Falls First. While collecting disaster aid kits to be sent to UMCOR is the primary goal, fundraising for other hunger and poverty projects is also at the heart of DAKOTA MARKETPLACE.  Dakotas hunger projects will receive 1/2 of all undesignated funds, an increase from last year, due to the need in our communities and our desire to keep more dollars in our Conference to feed our friends and neighbors. UMCOR hunger and poverty initiatives will receive 1/4 of undesignated funds and our new ministry partner, Imagine No Malaria, will receive the remaining 1/4.

Imagine No Malaria is a United Methodist initiative with the goal of ridding Africa of malaria. Every 60 seconds a life is claimed by malaria in Africa. This is millions of lives each year—devastating families and communities. Imagine No Malaria supports Nothing But Nets, but also has its own comprehensive plan to wipe out malaria. The focus is on prevention, treatment, education and communication.

Imagine No Malaria successes –what your dollars can do:

• A few years ago there was a malaria death every 30 seconds, now it’s every 60 seconds.

• 1.2 million insecticide-treated bed nets have been distributed.

• 5,400 community health workers have been trained to educate people on using bed nets.

• Radio messages are being broadcast throughout Africa about malaria prevention and awareness.

• 300 hospitals, clinics and health posts are being operated to serve the people of Africa.

If your church is interested in doing a special offering for Imagine No Malaria either to be presented at DAKOTA MARKETPLACE or given directly to the organization, you may find more information on how Imagine No Malaria is working in God’s world by visiting Imagine No Malaria online.

DAKOTA MARKETPLACE will continue to accept designated donations to Heifer International and to Church World Service Blankets. 

If you or your church would like to learn more and get involved in DAKOTA MARKETPLACE, please contact event co-chairs, Cindy Nelson  or Kira Kimball. Get up-to-date information by liking DAKOTA MARKETPLACE on facebook .