Ephraim House’ partnership with Pioneers Oceania has seen the arrival of 2 missionaries from Papua New Guinea (Manasa & Rhoda Bogo) and the imminent arrival of the Ahana family from Lagos, Nigeria!

While there are many cross-cultural layers to navigate, one of the layers that is the driving force behind mobilising missionaries from countries with low GDP is the layer of financial support.

Ephraim House is uniquely setup to allow for innovative ways for missionaries from low GDP countries to have their expenses covered so they can continue to serve effectively amongst Australia’s First Nation’s people. How?

Ministry Accommodation
Thanks to Melos Education Ltd, Ephraim House rents 3 houses on our ministry site, so missionaries are able to live on site without having private rental agreements and expenses. We are able to offer accommodation to missionary families at a reduced board rate, and use money that is donated to further reduce these expenses. We are also able to reduce this rate if families contribute voluntary hours towards the maintenance of the properties.

For example:

Real costs to run 1 House:

Rent to Melos: $350 per week
Electricity: $100 per week
Basic Maintenance: $50 per week

Expense Reductions:

GST Feedin: $41.66
Donations: $100
Voluntary Hours of Maintenance: $300

= Weekly expense to missionaries
= $58.34

Ministry Transport & Vehicle Expenses

The vehicles that Missionaries use when serving with Ephraim House are owned by Ephraim House, and therefore all of the associated expenses (fuel, maintenance, repair) are paid for by Ephraim House, rather than the missionaries. The ministry work here also involves alot of travelling. Missionary families are invited to put fuel in vehicles for personal or individual travel that is not part of a specific ministry programme. Money that is donated into this Missionary Expenses support account can be used to reduce the costs to missionaries but still cover essential maintenance and repair costs.

For example:

If the Bogos travel from Moree to Goodooga (330km oneway / 660km return) they can opt to request that support funds raised cover that trip at the EHM travel rate $0.60c / km. = 660 x 0.60 = $396. They will pay to refuel the vehicle using the EHM fuel card, and the $396 will be transferred from the EHM Missionaries Support account to the MCM Operations account, and this claim recorded accordingly.

Missionary Support Statements

Each missionary family will be given a monthly statement showing how much support has been raised to cover their ministry related expenses. Any support expenses that fall outside their available budget, will need to be covered by their other supports raised through their sending organisation / church.

Bank Account Details for Missionary Expenses

Financial contributions can be made to:
(Please note these are NOT Tax Deductible Donations)

Account Name: Ephraim House Moree
BSB: 012735
Account: 327370353

Reference: Missionary Family wishing to support ie Bogo / Ahana