The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019).
Structure, Governance & Management
Governing document
The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry (UK) is a company limited by guarantee, incorporated in the UK. In the event of the company being wound up, members are each required to contribute an amount not exceeding £10.
The company is governed under the Articles of Association of The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry (UK). These articles cover the following elements: Name; Definitions; Liability of Members, Membership; Classes of Membership; Object; Powers; Benefit to Members & Trustees; General Meetings; The Trustees; Obligations of Trustees; Proceedings of Trustees; Powers of Trustees; Trustees’ Interests; Records & Accounts; Indemnity; Rules; Notices; Dissolution.
Trustees
The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:
Management of the charity
The day-to-day management of the FOI -UK is the responsibility of Dr. Michael Stallard, President of the Charity.
Public interest
The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry, Inc. (FOI-US) was established in the 1930’s as a Christian evangelical organization but with a particular focus on serving the Jewish community in the wake of the Holocaust (see history https://www.foi.org/vision/history/). Since its inception in 1938, the ministry continues to stand against every form of anti-Semitism and support the right of the Jewish people to live in their ancient homeland, Israel (although the organization is not political in nature).
As a worldwide evangelical ministry, FOI is focused on proclaiming biblical truth about Israel and the Messiah, while bringing physical and spiritual comfort to the Jewish people.
FOI achieves this through teaching how scripture reveals God’s love and passion for Jewish people and the biblical significance of the land of Israel. The organization does this at conferences and events, by means of a bi-monthly magazine (https://israelmyglory.org/), and a radio program (https://radio.foi.org/).
FOI-US is registered as 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation based in the USA. The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry (UK) is registered as a company limited by guarantee with the Charities Commission.
The organization currently has one representative based in the UK who is tasked with growing the mission of FOI in the UK.
The FOI (UK) representative will:
1. Attend evangelical church meetings as a guest speaker to tell people about the work of FOI
2. Coordinate and run Honor Israel nights at local synagogues and other venues
3. Hold meetings and distribute literature about FOI
4. Maintain a bookshop for the sale of resources, literature and books published by FOI and other related authors
Missionary, evangelical mission
FOI produces literature, videos, radio programs and magazines which are distributed worldwide. It will be the work of the organization to promote this in the UK. The organization, as an independent organization will monitor what literature is produced to ensure that this is purely charitable and only promote material which is purely charitable. However, it should be said that this material will be from the US entity in the first instance. As the ministry in the UK grows, the organization will look to produce its own literature to evangelize. Any proselytizing is done sensitively and without coercion. In carrying out the above activities, the Trustees will ensure that the organization and its representatives do not exert any improper pressure on people in distress or need when promoting the works of the organization.
This information is provided in the following venues: Churches, synagogues, meeting halls and other venues. All resources in the form of printed or web-based material will initially be provided by the US parent organization, The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry, Inc., and promoted/distributed by FOI representatives in the UK. As the UK ministry grows, additional resource material will be produced and provided by FOI (UK).
The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.
Program/Ministry Report 2024
Jewish Community news:
In January we attended Holocaust Memorial services at the Jewish Cultural Centre (JW3) in London and Richmond Synagogue.
In March, at the invitation of the Rabbi, I gave a presentation at Richmond United Synagogue of the work of FOI at a Saturday morning Shabbat service which was warmly received and further helped strengthen our relationship with the Community. In April, we attended a Passover Seder meal at the invitation of the Rabbi. In September we met with the Rabbi to offer support to the Community from a European grant fund held in the USA. We subsequently received a number of options and finally agreed on a grant to enable the less well-off members of the Community to attend festival meals at little or no cost to themselves and a smaller amount to assist with Synagogue youth clubs. In November we joined the Community for their annual service of Remembrance, and in early December we delivered 30 Hannukah gift boxes for those in need within the Community.
We also attended a Passover meal celebration at Wimbledon Synagogue.
In May and November we received personal invitations to receptions held by the National Jewish Assembly (NJA) in London. We sponsored the May event and were given space for an information table where we distributed leaflets describing some of the main areas of support for the Jewish community worldwide. This led to many interesting conversations. At the November event were introduced to 2 Israeli mayors and again Give details of the support FOI gives. We received an open invitation to visit the township of one mayor which we plan to do in 2025.
In March received an invitation from the Chief Rabbi’s office to attend a brunch at the Israeli Ambassador’s residence in London. We were the only Gentiles present and it provided many opportunities to share the work of FOI as well as renewing contact with Israeli Diplomatic staff.
Additionally, we had meetings in September with four Jewish non-profit organisations following the provision of financial grants from FOI UK funds and arranged for future visits in 2025 to meet with staff at their Israel facilities.
Additional funds were received in early 2024 enabling the purchase of a second bomb shelter for $20,000. This was places in a kindergarten ion the northern Galilee town of Tzfat (Safed).
Other UK Ministry news
Throughout January, February and March, we led a 9-week ‘Bridges’ course and an 8-week Common Thread Bible study on Zoom.
Church ministry activity throughout the year included 63 preaching/teaching engagements
Activity in August was minimised due to having cataract surgery in both eyes. Nevertheless.
During October we were in Northern Ireland for a 16-day speaking tour with 10 church engagements where the teaching was focused on the future Salvation of Israel from Isaiah 59-62. This tour included speaking at a previously unknown church.
Blessings,
Trevor Stewart-Sweet
Ministry Representative (UK)
What FOI-UK will do in the following year (2025)
Our plans for next year are similar to those of 2024 where our importance will be continuing to be focused on expansion of the ministry of FOI-UK.
As Honorarium provides much of our personal support, we will endeavor to maintain a high level of speaking engagements. This will include planning for a return visit to Northern Ireland and seeking opportunities to further grow the ministry presence in previously unknown churches.
We will also look to increase our contact within the Jewish community through attending commemorative events at the JCC and in Synagogues.
We will also investigate ways of presenting more teaching sessions via Zoom and holding webinars with invited guest speakers.
Mail and email newsletters together with additional electronic communications will be used appropriately to increase contacts with donors, Christian churches, and Jewish friends.
In preparation for the employment of a part-time bookkeeper and administration assistant, we will look to move the bulk of ministry operations from a home-office to an office facility in the local area. This will allow more focus to be placed on ministry activities and donor recruitment.
Results for the period
Total income in the year was £117,040 (2023: £82,256). Total expenditure for the year was £51,749 (2023: £56,456).
Expenditure on charitable activity for the period was £45,967 (2023: £48,638) being 89% of expenditure. The cost of generating income was £1,473 (2023: £2,566) being 3% of expenditure. Support and governance costs were £4,309 (2023: £5,252) being 8% of expenditure.
Unrestricted reserves of £82,879 (2023: £36,946) are carried over to the following financial year along with restricted reserves of £23,108 (2023: £3,750)
The Trustees gave their time freely to The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry (UK) and received no remuneration. No connected persons received any benefit or remuneration from The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry (UK).
Expectations for 2025
At the present burn rate The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry (UK) has sufficient funding for current activity levels, programs and commitments in the 2025 year. There are no funding shortfalls or material commitments of concern for the coming year. Fundraising remains an issue and a challenge for most if not all non-profit organizations. Expansion of the donor base remains the preferred approach for 2025.
Risk management and reserves policy
The Trustees consider that there are no major risks at this stage of development of The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry (UK) related to the financial sustainability of The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry (UK). Other risks are considered minor and manageable.
The Trustees agreed to defer discussion of financial sustainability until the end of 2024 based on such a time period as a second year of financial measurements can be reviewed. At this stage in the development of The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry (UK), it is not considered necessary or practical to set aside funds as a reserve.
The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry (UK) (the charity) for the year ended 31 December 2024.
Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act). In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
the financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
the financial statements have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry (UK) is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 9 Chess Close, Latimer, Chesham, Buckinghamshire, HP5 1UU, United Kingdom.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.
Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost comprises direct materials and, where applicable, direct labour costs and those overheads that have been incurred in bringing the stocks to their present location and condition. Items held for distribution at no or nominal consideration are measured the lower of replacement cost and cost.
Net realisable value is the estimated selling price less all estimated costs of completion and costs to be incurred in marketing, selling and distribution.
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.
Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.
In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
Travel
Office supplies
Occupancy costs
Ministry expenses
Information technology
Postage
Sundry expenses
None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year (2023 - £4,285).
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects.
The restricted fund is for the purpose of providing a bomb shelter in Israel.
At the reporting end date the charity had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:
There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2023 - none).