Bridges for Peace, Inc./ BFPUSA 
The information in this column was provided to MinistryWatch by the ministry itself. It was last updated 7/22/2020. To update the information in this column, please email: info@ministrywatch.com
Summary
Bridges for Peace is working to build relationships between Christians and Jews and encouraging the church about its rich Biblical history and heritage. They assist Jewish immigrants and the poor in Israel by providing food baskets, blankets, medical assistance, etc. In addition, they provide education and ministry through various means such as YouTube, Facebook, other social media, website, prayer, teaching letters, on site speakers, and a bi-monthly magazine - Dispatch from Jerusalem. Bridges for Peace is a 501c3 organization and contributions are tax deductible. In addition, it has been a member in good standing of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) for over 20 years.
Contact information
Mailing address:
PO Box 410037
Melbourne, FL 32941-0037
Website: www.bridgesforpeace.com
Phone: (800) 566-1998
Email: postmaser@bfpusa.org
Organization details
EIN: 411334042
CEO/President: Rev. James B. Solberg
Chairman: Rev. Rebecca J. Brimmer
Board size: 11
Founder: Dr. G. Douglas Young
Year founded: 1976
Tax deductible: Yes
Fiscal year end: 12/31
Member of ECFA: Yes
Member of ECFA since: 1996
Purpose
It is our desire to see Christians and Jews working side by side for better understanding and a more secure Israel. Founded in 1976, Bridges for Peace seeks to be a ministry of hope and reconciliation. Through programs both in Israel and worldwide, we are giving Christians the opportunity to actively express their biblical responsibility before God to be faithful to Israel and the Jewish community.
For too long, Christians have been silent. For too long, the Jewish community has had to fight its battles alone. It is time Christian individuals and congregations speak up for the people who gave us the Bible.
We are committed to the following goals:
- To encourage meaningful and supportive relationships between Christians and Jews in Israel and around the world.
- To educate and equip Christians to identify with Israel, the Jewish people and the biblical/Hebraic foundations of our Christian faith.
- To bless Israel and the Jewish people in Israel and worldwide, through practical assistance, volunteer service and prayer.
- To communicate Christian perspectives to the attention of Israeli leaders and the Jewish community-at-large.
- To counter anti-Semitism worldwide and support Israel's divine God-given right to exist in her God-given land.
Mission statement
Bridges for Peace: Christians supporting Israel and building relationships between Christians and Jews in Israel and around the world.
Statement of faith
Bridges for Peace communicates its statement of faith as follows:
The Bible:
The Bible is the inspired Word of God (II Timothy 3:16).
God:
God is one (Deuteronomy 6:4; I Corinthians 8:6);
The Father, Son and Holy Spirit exist in Unity (Matthew 28:19);
Jesus Christ is God's only begotten Son (Matthew 16:16; John 3:16);
Jesus Christ is the only mediator between God and Man (Timothy 2:5).
Man:
All men have sinned and come short of the Glory of God (Romans 3:23);
The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23, John 3:16, 36).
Salvation:
Salvation is by grace through faith as a gift of God (Ephesians 2:8);
Repentance and Baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are outward signs of an inward faith; Faith is also exhibited by a consecrated and holy life; faith without works is dead (James 2:18).
The Future:
The return of Jesus Christ is imminent (Acts 1:11);
There will be a literal resurrection of the dead (John 5:28);
Those in Christ shall be immortalized (I Corinthians 15:53, 54);
Those wicked shall be destroyed (Revelation 21:8);
Israel will be restored as the Kingdom of God under the kingship of Messiah Jesus (Luke 1:32);
All believers shall be joint heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17).
Transparency grade
C
To understand our transparency grade, click here.
Financial efficiency ratings
Sector: Advocacy
| Category | Rating | Overall rank | Sector rank |
| Overall efficiency rating | | 137 of 817 | 4 of 34 |
| Fund acquisition rating | | 521 of 817 | 21 of 34 |
| Resource allocation rating | | 103 of 817 | 6 of 34 |
| Asset utilization rating | | 102 of 817 | 3 of 34 |
Financial ratios
| Funding ratios | Sector median | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
Return on fundraising efforts Return on fundraising efforts = Fundraising expense / Total contributions | 8% | 13% | 16% | 17% | 18% | 19% |
Fundraising cost ratio Fundraising cost ratio = Fundraising expense / Total revenue | 7% | 6% | 7% | 8% | 8% | 7% |
Contributions reliance Contributions reliance = Total contributions / Total revenue | 95% | 44% | 45% | 45% | 45% | 40% |
Fundraising expense ratio Fundraising expense ratio = Fundraising expense / Total expenses | 7% | 6% | 7% | 8% | 8% | 7% |
Other revenue reliance Other revenue reliance = Total other revenue / Total revenue | 5% | 56% | 55% | 55% | 55% | 60% |
| Operating ratios | Sector median | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
Program expense ratio Program expense ratio = Program services / Total expenses | 82% | 88% | 87% | 86% | 86% | 87% |
Spending ratio Spending ratio = Total expenses / Total revenue | 99% | 97% | 102% | 100% | 100% | 104% |
Program output ratio Program output ratio = Program services / Total revenue | 78% | 85% | 89% | 86% | 85% | 90% |
Savings ratio Savings ratio = Surplus (deficit) / Total revenue | 1% | 3% | -2% | 0% | 0% | -4% |
Reserve accumulation rate Reserve accumulation rate = Surplus (deficit) / Net assets | 6% | 17% | -17% | -1% | 2% | -27% |
General and admin ratio General and admin ratio = Management and general expense / Total expenses | 10% | 7% | 6% | 6% | 6% | 6% |
| Investing ratios | Sector median | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
Total asset turnover Total asset turnover = Total expenses / Total assets | 1.40 | 3.97 | 4.17 | 4.12 | 4.05 | 5.15 |
Degree of long-term investment Degree of long-term investment = Total assets / Total current assets | 1.15 | 1.73 | 1.78 | 1.73 | 1.70 | 2.00 |
Current asset turnover Current asset turnover = Total expenses / Total current assets | 2.55 | 6.88 | 7.43 | 7.14 | 6.88 | 10.28 |
| Liquidity ratios | Sector median | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
Current ratio Current ratio = Total current assets / Total current liabilities | 9.06 | 3.80 | 1.94 | 2.54 | 1.96 | 2.48 |
Current liabilities ratio Current liabilities ratio = Total current liabilities / Total current assets | 0.11 | 0.26 | 0.52 | 0.39 | 0.51 | 0.40 |
Liquid reserve level Liquid reserve level = (Total current assets - Total current liabilities) / (Total expenses / 12) | 3.93 | 1.29 | 0.78 | 1.02 | 0.85 | 0.70 |
| Solvency ratios | Sector median | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
Liabilities ratio Liabilities ratio = Total liabilities / Total assets | 17% | 34% | 46% | 39% | 41% | 30% |
Debt ratio Debt ratio = Debt / Total assets | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
Reserve coverage ratio Reserve coverage ratio = Net assets / Total expenses | 63% | 17% | 13% | 15% | 15% | 14% |
Financials
| Balance sheet | |||||
| Assets | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
| Cash | $299,960 | $329,139 | $326,011 | $343,318 | $293,281 |
| Receivables, inventories, prepaids | $124,339 | $119,097 | $164,310 | $147,472 | $161,598 |
| Short-term investments | $190,938 | $159,450 | $160,568 | $201,164 | $35,302 |
| Other current assets | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total current assets | $615,237 | $607,686 | $650,889 | $691,954 | $490,181 |
| Long-term investments | $384,334 | $394,582 | $376,399 | $346,594 | $347,680 |
| Fixed assets | $66,413 | $79,949 | $98,842 | $134,926 | $139,929 |
| Other long-term assets | $1,000 | $740 | $640 | $2,703 | $1,500 |
| Total long-term assets | $451,747 | $475,271 | $475,881 | $484,223 | $489,109 |
| Total assets | $1,066,984 | $1,082,957 | $1,126,770 | $1,176,177 | $979,290 |
| Liabilities | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
| Payables and accrued expenses | $141,283 | $292,840 | $239,020 | $339,439 | $183,799 |
| Other current liabilities | $20,469 | $20,469 | $17,269 | $13,819 | $13,952 |
| Total current liabilities | $161,752 | $313,309 | $256,289 | $353,258 | $197,751 |
| Debt | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Due to (from) affiliates | $49,673 | $29,046 | $49,153 | $22,959 | $0 |
| Other long-term liabilities | $149,523 | $154,772 | $134,789 | $103,434 | $100,800 |
| Total long-term liabilities | $199,196 | $183,818 | $183,942 | $126,393 | $100,800 |
| Total liabilities | $360,948 | $497,127 | $440,231 | $479,651 | $298,551 |
| Net assets | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
| Unrestricted | $478,671 | $341,675 | $375,946 | $433,221 | $379,592 |
| Temporarily restricted | $227,365 | $244,155 | $310,593 | $263,305 | $301,147 |
| Permanently restricted | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Net assets | $706,036 | $585,830 | $686,539 | $696,526 | $680,739 |
| Revenues and expenses | |||||
| Revenue | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
| Total contributions | $1,901,766 | $1,970,414 | $2,091,469 | $2,166,305 | $1,938,449 |
| Program service revenue | $2,397,233 | $2,456,567 | $2,505,228 | $2,588,309 | $2,938,446 |
| Membership dues | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Investment income | $46,330 | ($17,853) | $31,959 | $17,652 | ($26,870) |
| Other revenue | $5,878 | $7,177 | $6,155 | $7,392 | $7,545 |
| Total other revenue | $2,449,441 | $2,445,891 | $2,543,342 | $2,613,353 | $2,919,121 |
| Total revenue | $4,351,207 | $4,416,305 | $4,634,811 | $4,779,658 | $4,857,570 |
| Expenses | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
| Program services | $3,705,419 | $3,941,442 | $4,008,257 | $4,082,100 | $4,368,113 |
| Management and general | $278,613 | $255,262 | $282,213 | $291,685 | $307,482 |
| Fundraising | $246,969 | $320,310 | $354,328 | $390,086 | $363,451 |
| Total expenses | $4,231,001 | $4,517,014 | $4,644,798 | $4,763,871 | $5,039,046 |
| Change in net assets | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
| Surplus (deficit) | $120,206 | ($100,709) | ($9,987) | $15,787 | ($181,476) |
| Other changes in net assets | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total change in net assets | $120,206 | ($100,709) | ($9,987) | $15,787 | ($181,476) |
Compensation
| Name | Title | Compensation |
| Rev James B Solberg | CEO | $85,000 |
| Rev Edwin J Smelser | Regional Dir | $80,000 |
| Rev William P Adams | Director | $80,000 |
| Wilford R Deweese | CFO | $80,000 |
| Rev Gregory L Allen | Regional Dir | $75,000 |
| Rev John F Anthony | Regional Dir | $75,000 |
| Richard J Laplante | COO | $70,000 |
| Ms Lora Singer | Stewardship Mgr | $41,600 |
| Rev Victoria Boeseman | Exec. Assist. | $40,000 |
Compensation data as of: 12/31/2010
Response from ministry
No response has been provided by this ministry.
The information below was provided to MinistryWatch by the ministry itself. It was last updated 7/22/2020. To update the information below, please email: info@ministrywatch.com
History
Bridges for Peace was founded in 1976, built on the work of Dr. G. Douglas Young, who first came to Israel in 1957. Today Bridges for Peace is an international organization with 10 offices serving 6 continents. Bridges for Peace is a ministry of hope and reconciliation. Through programs both in Israel and worldwide, BFP gives Christians the opportunity to actively express their Biblical responsibility to be faithful to Israel and the Jewish people.
Program accomplishments
- Dispatch from Jerusalem: A bi-monthly publication with pertinent and positive news from Israel and informative insights into the hopes and aspirations of the Israeli people, all in a prophetic context
- Israel Teaching Letter: Monthly in-depth studies bringing to light the fuller meanings of biblical concepts from the Hebraic roots of the Scriptures.
- Israel Prayer Update: Weekly e-mail update with prayer focus.
- Chai Night Prayer and Study Groups: A monthly intercessory prayer program sponsored by individuals and churches around the world who desire to "pray for the peace of Jerusalem".
- Bridge-Building Projects: Promote better Christian-Jewish understanding and support for Israel on the local and regional level around the world. Projects such as Hebrew classes, film series, Israel Awareness Programs, speakers bureau and study seminars are offered.
- Operation Ezra: A vital social assistance program providing a channel of practical help to a variety of worthy projects in Israel utilizing cash contributions and gifts-in-kind from Christians to bless Israel. Through our Food Bank, food gifts are channeled to help Israel's needy. Currently we are assisting Jewish immigrants to Israel, Israel's elderly and poor from many communities.
- Project Rescue/Project Tikvah (Hope): These programs help the poorest Jews, from the countries of the Diaspora. Project Rescue helps prepare many to immigrate to Israel. Without our help, most would find the cost of passports, visas, ground transportation, lodging, etc., out of their reach. Project Tikvah helps sustain the elderly and the sick who cannot make aliyah (immigrate to Israel).
- Short Term and Long Term Service: This is a wonderful opportunity for Christians to serve Israel's poor and new immigrants through our Jerusalem and Karmiel Assistance Centers and our International Headquarters in Jerusalem. Volunteers use their skills in the Land of the Bible and help to build sincere relationship through practical expressions of love and support.
- Bible Study Tours in Israel: Bridges for Peace provides a variety of travel opportunities and lectures to help you or your tour group gain a deeper understanding of Israel, the Jewish people and the Jewish roots of our Christian faith in light of the Bible, history, archaeology, and current events. An extensive pre-travel study manual is a part of all BFP tours and is also available to individuals or tour groups coming to Israel.
Needs
Bridges For Peace has communicated the following needs:
- Prayer
- Financial Partners
- Volunteers