News From the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC)
NEWS FROM THE ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN MISSION CENTER (OCMC)
http://www.ocmc.org
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St. Augustine, FL – There are moments of clarity that can irrevocably
alter the course of a human life. Moments when the fog of this world
lifts and the call of our Lord can be heard ringing like a bell on a
crisp Winter’s day. It is in these times that our path is made clear,
illumined by the light of the Holy Spirit, who guides us like the
Nativity Star.
The world’s rural Orthodox Christian faithful have been blessed with
just such a moment of clarity. Earlier this month, an anonymous donor,
established an Individual Retirement Account, of which the Orthodox
Christian Mission Center was made a beneficiary for the construction of
churches abroad. A devout convert to Orthodoxy, this generous
benefactor, was inspired by the words of St. Paul when he wrote to the
Colossians,
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:17
With this gift came a prayer that not one or two churches be built, but
seven churches for those in the greatest need throughout the world. How
many lives will this simple act of kindness effect? How many baptisms
will be performed? How many marriages will be celebrated? How many will
be able to partake of the Holy Eucharist? From one act of mercy, an
infinite number of beginnings are made possible.
This remarkable and blessed gift marks a new trend in charitable
giving. In increasing numbers people are exploring more creative and
effective ways to support the causes that God has set before them. Known
as planned giving, some of these methods include: life insurance
policies, appreciated stock, annuity trusts, unit trusts, and roll-over
IRAs to name but a few. Many of these gifts reap benefits for extended
periods of time. Some preserve a legacy of Christ-like giving well after
one’s repose. And many offer financial advantages, both personally, and
to the receiving organization.
In an interview with Planned Giving Pulse, Malcolm Burrows, a Charities
and Gift Planning Financial Consultant with the Scotia Private Client
Group, states, “There is an increasing expectation of donors to have
greater choice…Donors are seeking more charitable planning support from
professional advisors…As a result, gifts of assets that require major
planning can be made at anytime thus reducing taxes and helping the
donor to actually experience the satisfaction of giving during their
lifetime.”
Planned giving contributions have supported many Mission Center
projects including the construction of churches, schools, and a medical
clinic. This act of generosity helps meet the needs of people in
especially difficult circumstances in economically underdeveloped
countries and in young Churches.
It is through the Body of Christ, whose members give with such love and
self-sacrifice, that many of your prayers for the growth of Orthodoxy
are answered. The Orthodox Christian Mission Center would like to thank
you for these prayers on behalf of those around the world who thirst for
His Truth. We would also like to offer special thanks for those who
seek to glorify God with their humble, and sometimes creative, acts of
charity.
If you would like more information on planned giving that can support
and encourage the Mission Center’s many initiatives including SAMP or
Theological Training, please contact John-Paul Conners or Jack Klees at 1
(877) 463-6784. To find out more about the work of the OCMC please
visit www.ocmc.org.
The Orthodox Christian Mission Center: Helping Orthodox Christians
respond to Christ's call to preach, teach, baptize, minister to the poor
and make disciples of all nations as the official international mission
agency of the Standing Conference of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in
the Americas (SCOBA).
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