It’s not often that you get to celebrate a “75th anniversary.” On November 9th and 10th, The Foundation for Evangelism did so – gathering long-time friends, new acquaintances, donors, grant partners, board and staff in Charlotte, N.C., and online.
In an intimate setting, guests sat with three grant recipients to hear how the Foundation has made a catalytic difference in their ministries. Following this immersive experience, friends, old and new, visited in person and online before enjoying a celebration dinner. During the dinner, the Foundation’s past and present grants and resources were recognized with sharing from board chair, Gaye Nell Heck, past board chair, Mary Brooke Casad, and vice president for grants, Dr. Heather H. Lear. Guest speaker and author, Rev. Dr. Tod Bolsinger, challenged those gathered, saying that “we are at our best when we are on mission.” Rev. Dr. Jack Jackson, Foundation president, concluded the evening by sharing celebrating the catalytic work of the Foundation saying,
“I am so excited to be a part of The Foundation for Evangelism, because the world still needs to hear and encounter and fall in love with this person of Jesus…. we insist on preaching and telling and announcing the full gospel story, a story that includes telling the particulars of Jesus and inviting people into a life that is transformed by love, and grace, and mercy. Any ministry in the church that does only one without the other is incomplete. The Foundation says we want to partner with people who bring both together, because the world still needs to hear that story – I still need to hear that story! And that’s why the world still needs organizations like The Foundation for Evangelism.”
Sunday morning, a time of sharing over breakfast allowed reflection on the prior day’s – and decades’ – experiences . A passionate service of worship and communion, with special music from evangelist, Dr. Otis McMillan, and a message preached by Bishop Darryl Starnes, both from the A.M.E. Zion Church, inspired all to hear and heed Christ’s calling to “go and make disciples.”
Thank you to our board, staff, and sponsors who helped make this celebration possible. We look forward to where the Spirit leads the Foundation in the NEXT 10 years!
