On January 3, 2019, the Louisiana District of the United Pentecostal Church (UPC) was struck by tragedy when seven members of its Marksville, Louisiana church were tragically killed in a van crash on the I-75 near Gainesville, Florida while on their way to Disney World. Among those killed were five children age 9 -14. Upon learning of this tragic news, the America’s Christian Credit Union (ACCU) leadership unanimously voted to dedicate a portion of its fourth quarter Visa® Giveback revenue to support the families massively affected by this tragedy. In addition to the actions taken by the Credit Union corporately, ACCU staff members also took time to offer their condolences through handwritten notes and prayers.
“Our love and prayers go out to those affected by this tragic accident. There are no words to convey the sorrow we feel. We extend our heartfelt condolences and pray that God brings comfort to both the Marksville Church and the greater UPC family. We hope that the small token provided by our Visa GiveBack program provides some relief for the grieving families,” said ACCU’s President/CEO Mendell L. Thompson speaking on behalf of the Board of Directors and staff.
Moved by the timely assistance, President of UPC’s Stewardship Group Stephen Drury said, “The GiveBack gift from ACCU shows the spirit that I have consistently seen for over a decade of working together. The love they have for families in times of crisis and need has come through once again for the Marksville Church community.”
Each quarter since 2010, ACCU has donated interchange income garnered from its Visa® credit card products to each of four top-tier ministries. These ministries provide essential services and make a meaningful impact in their communities. Through 2018, the program has donated over $330,000 since its inception a decade ago. In addition to the support given to the Marksville Church, ACCU donated giveback dollars to New Beginnings Adoption & Family Services (Tupelo, MS), The Legacy Center (New York, NY) and The World Mission Broadcast project of the Church of the Nazarene.