57th Voluntary Campaign
BRING THE LIGHT
“The people living in darkness have seen a great light; and those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” MATTHEW 4:16 NIV
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.” GENESIS 1:3 NIV
Greetings Sir Knights of the Grand Encampment
In Freemasonry we are seeking light. We are searching for knowledge. We gain knowledge by experience, by study, by listening to the wisdom of others, and by research. As Christian Freemasons we follow the teachings and example of our Savior, the Light of the World, the Son of God, Jesus Christ. We learn in Mark 10:46-52 and Luke 18:35-43 that Jesus healed the blind. Jesus brought with Him, Spiritual Light, but also physical light or sight to the people. The Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc.’s purpose is to help researchers and doctors gain the light or knowledge enabling them to bring physical light to millions of people over countless generations to come. In addition to funding research, the Foundation participates in direct patient care through the Seniors Eye Care Program in partnership with EyeCare America and the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Luke 11:34-35 tells us, “Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy, your whole body is full of light. But when they are unhealthy, your body also is full of darkness. See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness.” NIV. As Knights Templar we spread the news of the Light of the World by the way we live our lives and by spreading the Gospels to anyone in need. We bring physical light by providing funding to improve vision through research, education, and supporting access to care. Somewhere in the world, someone goes blind every 5 seconds. I ask you to continue to support the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc. in its mission. Bring the light to those that sit in darkness. Continue the miracles of Jesus Christ by contributing to the 57th Voluntary Campaign. During your next Christmas Observance, pass the plate to collect for the Foundation. Your dollars provide light.
I am humbled to be selected to serve as your chairman for the 57th Annual Voluntary Campaign for the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc. Why Sir Knight David Kussman, GM chose me for this I will never understand, but I am very grateful to serve and will do my best. We are all in the debt of Sir Knight Paul Friend, PGC for serving in this position for the last two years. His dedication to service and our Lord is second to none. When you see him, shake his hand and express your appreciation. During the 56th Voluntary Campaign you contributed $1,616,534.30. When you add in the Trust and Wills donations the total comes to $8,360,466.32! Wow! That is a remarkable achievement. Congratulations Sir Knight Friend.
In the coming months I will list many of the rewards and honors you can earn by donating to the Voluntary Campaign. I will give you some ideas on how you might raise funds and support this worthy endeavor. I also direct your attention to the website (www.ktef.org) and Facebook pages for the Foundation. On the website, look for the videos that will explain what great work you are performing with your donations. I urge you to watch at least three videos:
https://vimeo.com/282337037 | https://vimeo.com/221618160 | https://vimeo.com/369816982
The first contains information about how important the Foundation is to eye research. The next two show other ways your Foundation is helping Bring the Light to those in need. You are making a difference. These three videos are all less than five minutes long.
May the Lord continue to bless you and keep you.
In His and your service,
Richard R. Jernigan, PGC
Chairman, 57th Annual Voluntary Campaign