Christ For Our City Reconstruction Fund

The devastation brought by hurricane Katrina has prompted generous people from around the world to give their time and money to the relief effort. In recent days several people of significant means have indicated a desire to contribute to the reconstruction of the City of Bogalusa and the surrounding area. Surely there are many others ready to do the same. While many will give to the Red Cross and other national organizations, there are some who desire to give specifically to this area and only through a faith based program. In order to receive these generous gifts and use them appropriately the Christ For Our City Reconstruction Fund has been created. This fund was created on September 13, 2005 by the Board of Trustees of First Baptist Church of Bogalusa.
This fund is created for the sole purpose of receiving and disbursing contributions of funds, materials and labor for the restoration of permanent structures damaged by hurricane Katrina in August, 2005. The structures may be homes, businesses, churches, schools or civic buildings.
While First Baptist Church of Bogalusa has created this fund under its tax-free status as a nonprofit organization, the fund will be administered by a multi-denominational, multi-church group known as the “Christ For Our City Reconstruction Group.” While this Group will have authority to manage the receipt and disbursement of all funds, materials and labor they must do so within the following guidelines. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in First Baptist Church Board of Trustees closing the specially designated account.

1. The Group shall be composed of 9 members: three of which are members of First Baptist Church of Bogalusa, six must be from at least four different denominations and six different churches, other than First Baptist church of Bogalusa. The Group is encouraged to have ex-officio representation from the Fund for Bogalusa.
2. The Group shall elect its own officers and determine its schedule of work within these stated guidelines.
3. No member of the Group shall receive assistance from the Christ For Our City Reconstruction Fund
for either home or business. This shall also apply to immediate family members.
4. No active pastor or staff member, whether full time or part time, shall receive assistance from the Christ For Our City Reconstruction Fund.
5. The Group shall be responsible for the preparation of a monthly financial statement and shall communicate this financial statement to all participating churches on at least a quarterly basis.
6. A participating church shall be defined as one that has completed the “Participating Church” form and filed it with the Group. There is no expectation that a participating church will remit funds to the Christ For Our City Reconstruction Fund. Financial contributions to the fund are not a prerequisite for membership.
7. First Baptist Church Board of Trustees will reserve the right to close this account if they deem that necessary.
8. This specially designated account will be closed if a) there are no funds in this account for a period of six months, and/or b) persons cannot be secured to fill the positions in the Group, and/or c) the Group votes to close the fund, and/or d) The Board of Trustees of First Baptist Church votes to close the fund due to concerns about its work or status.
9. Upon closing the fund no remaining funds shall be considered the property of First Baptist Church nor remitted to any person that is part of the Group nor any participating church. All remaining funds shall be remitted to the Fund For Bogalusa. If the Fund for Bogalusa is not functioning, then all remaining funds shall be remitted to The United Way.
10. The Group shall not employ any more than one person to help conduct its work. All remaining work shall be done by volunteers.
Persons or groups desiring to help may contact First Baptist Church, 541 Avenue F, Bogalusa, La. 70427 or call Pastor Adams at 1-985-516-2105. Donations can be made to First Baptist Church - Reconstruction Fund. All contributions will go to the rebuilding of our city and no funds shall be used by First Baptist Church.