E91 Foundation Mid-Year 2022 Update: Our Mission is God’s Mission
Mission. A word that has several different dictionary definitions. For this E91 Foundation update, however, we’ll use one of Merriam-Webster’s dictionary definitions: “a ministry commissioned by a religious organization to propagate its faith or carry on humanitarian work.”
Since its founding in 1994, the East 91st Street Christian Church Foundation’s mission has been – and continues to be – to fulfill Christ’s directive: going into the world, teaching, making disciples (Matthew 28:18-20), and meeting the physical needs of hurting people (Matthew 25:35-40).
“If you are a fan of any sport, you’ve heard the deafening noise of adoring fans speaking as one. While watching on the couch might give you a better view of the game, it’s never as exhilarating as cheering on your team from the stands. A special energy comes from being part of a shared mission, whether that mission is to win a game or to bring heaven to earth…. Rather than fielding a select few, Jesus sends all of His people out to share the good news that He has set us free and He will set things right forever. We might seem like a rag-tag bunch. But when it comes to this mission, no one is too old or too young. Wherever we’ve come from and whatever we’ve done, we all have a place on this team.” (Excerpted from Newspring Church’s online devotional, The Power of One Team with One Mind)
During the first six months of 2022, E91 Foundation awarded grants totaling $76,197. Following are just some of the organizations that have received grants so far this year:
Polish Christian Ministries (PCM) — $9,536 to assist Polish Christian congregations to become healthy and growing. On its website, PCM states: “Thus far (as of 5/4/2022), we have sent $466,857 to Ostroda Camp and 24 of our Polish churches to help with refugee relief efforts. For more than two months, our Polish ministry partners have worked continuously on behalf of those displaced from Ukraine. We are so inspired by their devotion and pray daily for God to give them the wisdom and strength they need.”
E91 Church/Camp Allendale — $7,025 for summer-camp scholarships. “We just wanted to write and say thank you for providing much-needed scholarships to kids of all ages here at E91,” wrote Tammy Smith, E91 Kids Ministry Director, in a thoughtful note to our Foundation board. “Many families will be blessed by your generous hearts, and many kids will grow and take next steps with Jesus due to your leadership. Thank you for helping change lives for Jesus!”
Scott Read Memorial Grants: Alexander Christian Foundation and Vision Nicaragua — $5,000 memorial grant in honor of Scott Read to Alexander Christian Foundation for college scholarships to Indiana students entering the ministry, and a $5,000 memorial grant in honor of Scott Read to Vision Nicaragua, a small non-profit out of Asheville, North Carolina. “We meet people right where they are and bring hope where they need it most,” writes Vision Nicaragua. “By partnering with us, you are helping families in Nicaragua experience compassion and care through your prayers and financial support.”
Since its founding, E91 Foundation has granted more than $1.7 million to evangelical nonprofit ministries in Indianapolis and throughout the world. The generosity of our donors makes it all possible!
East 91st Street Christian Church started the E91 Foundation as a long-term Christian charitable entity separate from the church’s day-to-day business and budget. The Foundation was formed to provide members and friends with an opportunity to leave a long-lasting legacy of Christian service and missions through bequests, memorials, and gifts. The Foundation adheres to Christian beliefs and principles and provides a vehicle for the broader Christian community to remember Christ and give a portion of their family’s final assets or unexpected proceeds back to God.
We invite you to prayerfully consider partnering with us by donating to the E91 Foundation. While a board maintains the endowment and grants funds to qualifying entities, donors can make contributions for specific purposes or create an endowed fund. The board then uses the interest each year within the donor’s guidelines to fund missions and ministries.
If you’re interested in making a donation or memorial gift to the E91 Foundation, we can accept cash, check, or an on-line donation via the Foundation’s website. If a check, please make it payable to “East 91st Street Christian Church Foundation” and mail it to: East 91st Street Christian Church Foundation, 6049 E. 91st Street, Indianapolis, IN 46250. Any Foundation board member is also able to accept donations, answer questions, and help you through the process, or you can visit www.e91foundation.org to get more information or to contact us to help expand God’s kingdom. Please consider – if you haven’t already– leaving a lasting legacy for the support of Christian service.
“I like to summarize our responsibilities as stewards in God’s kingdom with three words: gifts, goods, and gospel,” writes Gary G. Hoag, Ph.D., Kairos Project Teaching Team (kairos.edu), adding, “Every Christ-follower is a steward of spiritual gifts and material goods to make known the eternal gospel.
“Few NT (New Testament) passages,” continues Dr. Hoag, “provide more clear instructions on this topic than one profound statement of Peter that was directed to Christ-followers exiled throughout the Roman Empire. ‘Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms’ (1 Peter 4:10).”
Indeed, Our Mission is God’s Mission!
Blessings,
Blair and Beth Austin, Co-Presidents
E91 Foundation
“Excel in the Grace of Giving” (2 Corinthians 8:7)
