As so stated in our Letter of Purpose and Mission Statement, Bread Upon the Waters is a non-profit, tax exempt charitable organization, founded by Michael P. Glaesemann and Donna W. Glaesemann on July 12, 2010. Our focus since 2010 has been supporting Christians in poverty living in the Philippine islands. Our main focus there has been the island of Mindanao. The poverty in Mindanao is the poorest of the poor and there are many Christians living there. We have supported many gospel preachers, widows in need, homeless Christians, children with diverse health issues, Christians with cancer, intestinal diseases, spinal injuries, general health issues, and funerals. With the current crisis (2019) where the Philippine island of Mindanao has experienced several devastating earth quakes, many Christians were forced to leave their homes and livelihood permanently due to government order because their property lay on or near the fault line. Many homes were destroyed or badly damaged that belong to other Christians living in other areas nearby. Some Christian deaths were caused by the earthquakes. With the help of faithful Christian messengers (American citizens) who have traveled to Mindanao from the USA, we have an established network of trusted individuals there in the Philippines who assist us on safely sending our financial support to these individuals in need. We intend to assist with food, clothing and shelter for the faithful Christians living there who are not receiving assistance from the Philippine government in this disaster. We intend to continue our work in the future with Filipino Christians, with primary emphasis on the island of Mindanao. Communications consist of email, texting, direct phone to phone calling, paper letters, and Facebook. Our activity for the benefit of the needy Christians in the Philippines will continue to operate daily as long as we are physically able and there is a need to be met.
Since Bread Upon the Waters not a church and Bread Upon the Waters does not operate as an agency within a church, Bread Upon the Waters does not solicit funds, nor does Bread Upon the Waters receive donations from churches. Bread Upon the Waters does not seek to take over or be a substitute for the work which churches have been ordained by Jesus Christ to do. We use this world’s goods to help feed and sustain Christians that we feel most appropriate to assist. Our articles of formation state clearly that no volunteer affiliated with Bread Upon the Waters receives wages or pay for their work. All funding received by Bread Upon the Waters are from donations from other Christian individuals. These funds are sent to the recipients so there is no “middle-man” to support. There may be an unusual circumstance that would require us to use a donation to pay for our website, fees, supplies or equipment, but that would be requested of a donor’s permission in advance. All donors know where their support goes, or what it was used for via email or paper reports. Donors sometimes request that their donation be sent to a special need for persons other than whom we support, but we make all final decisions. When a donor is not agreeable to the persons we intend to send their donation to, we suggest they find another charity that will suit their purpose. The directors of this organization are the sole personnel who determine who and what situation is most appropriate to provide support from Bread Upon the Waters donations.