In our video-saturated world the images of natural disasters have never been more vivid. The earth shakes, the waters overwhelm, the winds howl, the fires consume… homes, towers, bridges, and roads crumble… lives are lost. Add to these images those of war, famine, poverty, and the other cruelties we humans inflict on one another and life can feel quite tenuous.
In the midst of the storm stands the living Christ – the rock of our faith, the cornerstone – encouraging faith, admonishing doubt, and holding fast to the power and transcendence of love to make the world whole. Fear not!
Your Missouri United Methodist Foundation – as the name suggests – shares that faith-filled mission to hold fast, to endure, to build up the Beloved Community. We hope that this Annual Review will offer some sense of how God’s faithful disciples are at work in the world and making a positive difference through this shared ministry as we enter our 58th year of service.
Not only are these pages filled with facts and figures celebrating growth, activity and progress, but you will also meet some wonderful people – students, church members, generous and visionary givers, pastors – all endeavoring to love God and neighbor. All are a part of our connection – the Friends of the Foundation!
On behalf of the Board of Trustees and staff, we are truly blessed to be a blessing in this Easter season and throughout the year.
Grace and peace,
David Atkins
President/CEO
Missouri United Methodist Foundation
