A World of Difference

A World of Difference: Real Stories

At MAA, we’re always talking about what sets us apart from other agencies: we strive to serve those in need, we value mutuality, and our number one priority is to do good in the world, whenever we can.

But we also believe that talk isn’t enough—it must be followed by action.

That’s why we established the Brethren Mutual Aid Share Fund more than 25 years ago.

The Share Fund is a nonprofit corporation specifically created to help our Brethren friends and neighbors in times of crisis. We tithe a portion of our profits and premium dollars to this fund, fulfilling our promise to become mutual aid.

By acting out our beliefs, MAA has made a world of difference in the lives of those who are hurting.

Here are just a few of their stories:

Earlier this year, a beloved family in one of our church’s congregations lost their home and belongings in a devastating fire. They had recently started their own business, so money was tight. The Brethren Mutual Aid Share Fund was able to provide a matching grant of $500.00 in partnership with their church.
A couple tragically lost their son, causing unfathomable heartache and unexpected expense. On top of everything else, the father had just been laid off, making a horrible situation worse. The Share Fund partnered with the family’s church, gifting $500.00 to help with burial expenses.
Eric Reamer of Buffalo Valley Church of the Brethren, PA, expressed gratitude on behalf of his entire congregation and one of their members in need. “[One of our members] had been engaged in an ongoing medical crisis caused by complications to routine surgery a few years ago,” he said. “The complications left him in debilitating pain. Recently, the pain management device that was implanted had a malfunction that required surgery. This was in addition to a heart valve problem that had recently been corrected. These surgeries prohibited him from working, and the medical bills that were not paid by insurance had piled up. The gift from Brethren Mutual Aid was a valuable part of the help that the church has been able to offer this man and his family. He is very appreciative of what has been given to him and gives glory to God for helping him in his time of need."

We also believe in supporting the mission of the church, which is why we make the Share Fund process as easy as possible.

Our church had been reluctant to take advantage of the Share Fund as we envisioned burdensome paperwork, requiring detailed and perhaps intrusive inquiries into the financial and social situation of aid recipients. It was refreshing to find that the Board relied on our congregation’s judgment as we decided if and what kind of help was appropriate.

We had made monetary contributions earlier in 2020 in three situations: Property loss, health expenses, and living expenses. In November, after contacting the parties to see if needs still existed, we submitted applications for matching funds. The applications only asked for explanations, in our own words, of the needs and what our responses had been. The Share Fund board responded promptly and we were able to pass the money along.

- Kurt Walker, Geiger Church of the Brethren

When you choose MAA you’re choosing to be part of this legacy. We believe in making a real, tangible difference in the lives of others—can any other agency say the same?

Join us in making a world of difference.
Phone: 800-255-124 | Email: maa@maabrethren.com | Text: 785-576-9464