Finances

Carpenters has been financially independent since it was formed 23 years ago. During that time we have supported many different charities as well as providing a regular rental payment to the school where we used to meet until recently, and covering the costs of our children and youth work.

For the last thirteen years we have employed a full time youth worker as we feel that the future of the Church lies in investing in the lives of the young people.

Regarding the help we are able to give to those less fortunate than ourselves, Carpenters is a truly giving Fellowship. The biggest achievement we have made was the drilling of bore holes in Kakamego in Kenya, which enabled each of 46 parishes to have their own supply of clean water. Our aim in 2011 is to repair/update some of the pumps as they begin to wear out and also to raise funds to enable more wells to be built in conjunction with the local community in Kenya.

This link with Kenya through the local Bishop has meant that we have also supplied money for the local clergy to buy bicycles, Bibles for the children and we have supported the orphanage that has been opened in Kakamego. We also assist in the operation of a feeding centre in the rural areas to help feed the 500 or so orphans who at the moment only get food once a week. Another large achievement has been the opening of a health clinic among the Maasai people and providing food at times of famine.

At different times of the year we fundraise for particular charities.We have supported Streetkidsdirect, a locally based charity raising awareness and getting the kids off the streets in Guatemala and Honduras, The Catholic Worker Farm in Maple Cross which provides a home for women and children, Health Visitor needs in Watford as there is a lack of support in this area and raised money to help persecuted Christians, via The Barnabas Fund.