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December 31, 2008 marked the end of the second full year of operations
at Eternal Vision. After several months of administrative process
development, EV began its ministry to churches, Christian schools and
other ministries in May of 2007. As we reflect on the goodness and
grace of God it is incredible to us to see what the Lord has done with
this ministry in such a short period of time.
Read more and rejoice with us about what God is doing through Eternal Vision.
Christian Education Vision Endowments (CEVE)
During 2008 we began our CEVE process in 18 new ministries in 10 states, bringing our total to 30 in 17 states. Most of these have actively moved forward in our process of creating, introducing, and promoting a new endowment. We already have a significant prospect list for ministries we hope to add in 2009.
Eternal Vision’s Wisconsin Church Planting Endowment
A million dollar gift was received by EV to establish this new fund. It will be used to provide financial assistance to churches who are planting new churches in Wisconsin. We have built into the fund an exciting continuing-education component to assist Wisconsin Pastors in furthering their ministry training at the post-graduate level.
Tax-exempt Status Recognized
It was a blessing to receive in 2008 our determination letter from the IRS officially recognizing Eternal Vision as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt ministry with public charity status (retro-active to the ministry’s beginning!) All gifts given to the endowments we maintain and all gifts given to the ministry of Eternal Vision for its operations are officially recognized as tax-exempt. There are other benefits that we hope to realize from this status as well, i.e. non-profit postal rates, property tax exemption, etc. While we were confident the ministry would qualify, if you have ever been through the IRS exemption process, you know what a stressful time it can be waiting for word on your application!
Benevolent and Scholarship Funds Established
Eternal Vision established several new funds that assist donors in realizing the full impact of their gifts while achieving maximum tax deductibility. These funds have the net effect of increasing a donor’s capacity to give to ministry because of the tax efficiencies they create. (These funds are only available to benefit the non-family members of the donor.)
Financial Planning for Churches and Ministries
While this is a difficult area to accurately measure because of the ever-changing value of a person’s estate, we do attempt to make a “current value” determination of the planning work we do for Christians. During 2008 our estimates of new planned giving that will eventually reach ministries, including the donor’s local church, have exceeded twenty million dollars!
Preaching, Teaching and Training
2008 brought many opportunities to minister God’s Word regarding financial stewardship in many venues including, churches, colleges, camps, and conferences. In addition to the opportunities to introduce the CEVE in churches on Eternal Vision Sundays we were able to conduct Stewardship Planning Weekend seminars, Financial Foundations seminars and several other single-day events in many churches. We also had the opportunity to conduct workshops in several regional Christian School Educators Conferences.
 2008 VISION SUMMIT
During the summer we hosted our first VISION SUMMIT. We hope to make this an annual event. Since our full Board of Directors and our Educational Advisory Committees are in town for our annual meeting, we decided to take advantage of the collective wisdom of these ministry leaders and brainstorm on several critical issues of ministry importance. This two-day event has already proven to be quite valuable to our ministry, and we trust it will be a great benefit to the ministries we serve.
Publications
Much of what we have published in our first two years is closely related to our CEVE programs. Our Treasure Builders bi-monthly publication however, is also a benefit to churches that are not part of a CEVE program. These lessons are intended to teach Biblical principle and develop conviction about financial stewardship. They are available by subscription to churches (in bulk) or individuals. Dr. Duffy is also wrapping up the last few chapters on a book that will be published early in 2009. This book focuses on the foundations of Biblical stewardship and will be suitable for personal study, for new-convert studies, or for Sunday school classes. We are praying it will have a significant life-strengthening impact on individuals so that it has a powerful impact on local church ministries.
Staff
We consider ourselves blessed and privileged to be serving at Eternal Vision. We have enjoyed the broadening influence the Lord is bringing our way. Attorney Matt Davis continues to teach as an adjunct professor at Maranatha Baptist Bible College in Watertown, WI. Dr. Mike Duffy traveled extensively for the ministry throughout the year. He literally has been coast-to-coast, border-to-border, and even beyond! On December 1st he had a full-hip replacement and has recovered well from the surgery. Thank you so much for praying for Dr. Duffy during his surgery and continued recovery. He has already resumed an extensive travel schedule for the ministry! Maggie Meylor continues to serve as an excellent administrative assistant and has proven to be a wonderful asset to our ministry. If you have ever contacted our ministry, you know what an encouragement she is to work with.
God’s Financial Provision
As a fledgling ministry we often wonder where the support is going to come from. And it is always amazing to us to see how the Lord provides the funds we need to operate. He is a gracious and generous provider. We are grateful for the friends who have allowed God to use them to meet our financial needs. I believe that the same promise the Philippians received for supporting the Apostle Paul applies to those who are supporting us, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)
Please Pray for Us
As the Lord tarries, we ask that as you pray for Eternal Vision you ask God for:
- Wisdom – We need the wisdom of God to conduct every part of this ministry
- Grace – We must have God’s enablement of us to minister to churches and individuals
- Faithfulness –May God help us in our practice of stewardship of this ministry, and our teaching in ministries to be faithful to His Word.
- Provision – Pray that our needs will be met in 2009.
Please consider your part in assisting the work of Eternal Vision as we seek to advance the ministry so that our impact will reach many more churches, schools, mission agencies and Christian camps.
Thank you again for your friendship to the ministry of Eternal Vision.
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