Nothing But Nets

What if you could save a child's life just by skipping lunch for one day?

April 25 is Africa Malaria Day and for the first time, President Bush has also declared it Malaria Awareness Day in the U.S. in order to educate the public about a disease that kills one child in Africa every 30 seconds.

On April 25 th , United Methodists are encouraged to skip lunch and donate the money saved to the
Nothing But Nets Campaign  to purchase mosquito bed nets for children in Africa . A $10 contribution will pay for an insecticide-treated bed net, getting it to a family in Africa and teaching them how to use it properly. A challenge grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is matching contributions dollar for dollar, so your gift will have twice the impact.

Sleeping under an insecticide-treated bed net can protect a child from mosquitoes at night - the time when most transmissions occur. Providing a bed net is a simple and inexpensive way to prevent malaria.

To support Malaria Awareness Day, churches are encouraged to have a noon worship service with a focus on malaria on April 25 as an alternative to lunch; to hold a Wednesday evening service; or to host another activity such as a fundraiser.

To learn more about how you and your church can get involved in the fight against malaria on Malaria Awareness Day, visit our website at www.UMC.org/nets . There you will find downloadable resources, including a bulletin cover, door hanger, web banner, worship graphic, poster, e-mail postcard, sample news release and other materials.

It's easy to help. Skip a lunch. Send a net. Save a life. That's all it takes.

Nothing But Nets will be featured during a two-night American Idol special on April 24 and 25.  "Idol Gives Back" seeks to increase awareness and raise funds for organizations that provide assistance to children living in poverty in the U.S. and Africa . American Idol sponsors will make a donation for each vote viewers cast on April 24.  Don't miss the opportunity to see the campaign featured on this national television event. Tune in!

You can make your Malaria Awareness Day donation at www.NothingButNets.net or www.UMC.org/nets .

Read the letter from Bishop Janice Riggle Huie, president of the Council of Bishops, asking United Methodists to join in this effort.