BLC IMF Fund Awardees
2026 Award, Shurugwi Lutheran Church, Zimbabwe (ELCZ)
Vision: To be a spiritually vibrant, self-sustaining & fruitful church that preaches reconciliation of all men to God in Jesus
Mission: To heal broken relationships with God by teaching & preaching the message of justification through faith in Jesus
2026 Award, Rochester Refugee Resettlement Services provides services and opportunities that promote assimilation of refugees into our society by providing assistance as they strive to be self-sustaining neighbors while still maintaining their own cultural heritage.
Housing – Education – Career Advancement
“In 2025, His Branches Community Health Center was selected as the third ministry and received an award of $2,400 from the BLC Investment in Ministry Fund. His Branches, Inc. is a community health center for all ages with neighborhood-based clinics that have been operating for more than 45 years in Rochester’s 19th Ward and Beechwood neighborhoods providing primary medical care and community development. To learn more visit www.hisbranches.org.
In September 2024, Hope585 was chosen as the second ministry and received $1400 from the IMF fund. Hope585 supports children and families – and aligns with BLC’s congregational priorities identified in the Missions & Social Concerns recent survey. HOPE585 reimagines a community where children are safe, with their families, by focusing on two things: 1) Providing excellent hope-centered programs and services to system-impacted youth and families and 2) Championing/Leading advocacy efforts that empower collaborative, community-driven change. For more information, go to https://hope585.org/
In December 2023, Keeping Our Promise (KOP) was chosen as the inaugural ministry for support through the BLC IMF Fund. KOP is a comprehensive resettlement program in Rochester for endangered wartime allies who aided the United States. Since 2014, over 1,000 refugees have relocated to the area. Through the Fund, a contribution of $1,288 was given to KOP. For more information on KOP, visit
https://www.keepingourpromise.org .