The Reverend Tracey L. Goodner,
Chairman Board of Directors/Founder:
As III Cord Foundation enters its 9th year,
I would be remiss if I did not seize the
opportunity to personally thank all of
those who have contributed their time,
talent and treasures to this noble endeavor.
It is because of the support of former
board members, as well as that of our
donors that we were not only able to survive,
but thrive during a time when many non-profit
organizations closed their doors.
Next, I also want to thank our current board, our Executive
Director and staff, Community Empowerment Partners, business
and church sponsors, as well as our faithful donors, many of
whom you will hear from in the following pages. Lastly, I want
to thank my wife Christine, for her love and support from the
beginning; and our Lord Jesus who through the Holy Spirit has
called and anointed us into this worldwide ministry of
“Bridging the GAP, planting SEEDS and overflowing into the
lives of others.”
On our sixth mission to Africa in 2006, each member of our
team came to a place of surrender. With cancelled flights
(because of terrorist threats), lost luggage, no toiletries,
and automobile breakdowns, even I began to ask God, “Why is
doing good so hard for my team, while others who act selfish,
self-absorbed, and self-serving make life seem so easy?”
In the midst of our many trials with no answers, the message
came through loud and clear. To find our lives we must be
willing to lose them literally and repeatedly for the sake of
the kingdom message. Therefore, the Lord gave me this message
“… be not weary in well-doing, for you shall reap a harvest of
plenty, if you faint not.” (Gal 6:9)
These words must become the mantra of every person who serves
God with everything, for how can any person not grow weary
when they love and serve with all of their heart, with all of
their mind, and with all of their strength? To discover our
purpose and our destinies we must embrace a purpose higher
than ourselves for which we are willing to die. We have this
confidence, that though we may grow weary on the battlefield
of doing good, our trust must be in God who leads us through
every battle and shepherds us through every valley experience,
and who has the power to restore our souls as we rest in Him.
As we enter our fifth year, I am energized with the knowledge
that an organization, like an individual, has a life cycle,
and that we are on our way up, not out. Each year III Cord
Foundation has grown in its funding by more than 25% while
holding its operating expenses to less than 25% of income
received. We have expanded our programs and support of our
partner organizations each year, which can only happen if God
has blessed our endeavors.
So, armed with the knowledge that we are
fighting a just cause (one that is expanding
in 2010), I ask you to continue to stand
with us in prayer and in your support.
Help us, as we expand our programs and
our giving to minister to those who need
a hand up, both here in the United States
and around the world. |
