ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT
Fiscal 2007
“For a wide door for effective service has opened to me…”
I Cor. 16:9a, NASB
I am amazed how God has opened and closed many doors for Clearer Vision Ministries, Inc. over the past 29 years. There have been times that we thought we had finally arrived, that we had walked through that final door and were doing the complete ministry God had in mind for us. Then, surprise! God would open yet another door, which we would walk through and see still another dimension added to the ministry.
As I think about all of the doors God has led Clearer Vision Ministries, Inc. through, I find that what we encountered behind each of them has led us to the door placed before us now. He has introduced those involved in CVM, particularly me, afresh to the people this ministry was originally founded to assist, the blind. While we will continue to minister to all with print impairments, and provide disability awareness and education to the public, I strongly feel that God is leading us back to our roots.
Entering this new door will bring new dimensions to Clearer Vision Ministries, Inc. As we add the ministry to the blind community in St. Augustine, there will be more strain on the finances, which is coming at a time when we are facing a reduction in our annual budget. Frankly, it would be easier to not enter this door, to stay within our comfort zone, using the excuse that we just do not have the money. I have learned through many past experiences, though, that two things would happen if we took that course: 1) We would miss the incredible blessing of the Lord; and, 2) God would not be pleased. Since God is leading us forward, I propose the three-year plan below. The objectives presented will demonstrate how, with God’s miraculous help, we can make great strides, not only through this new door, but a great distance into this phase of our ministry.
FIRST YEAR
1. Develop a positive relationship with staff and students at the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind. This process has already begun by our involvement with the Young Life club. We are also taking steps to develop relationships outside of Young Life.
2. Promote and conduct Disability Awareness and Education Programs throughout the community. This will result in the development of quality relationships with local churches and businesses. With this objective in mind, we should consider joining the local Chamber of Commerce.
3. Develop a plan for long-term financial stability for the ministry. This plan will include increasing individual donor support, and seeking local and national grants.
4. Determine preferred location for our own facility. This does not mean that we will have purchased this facility, only that we have determined the ideal location and begun dialogue with the owner, if already built, to determine what it would take for us to move in.
5. Add two new Christian periodicals (one each for teenage girls and boys) to our recording schedule. These would be offered to the students at FSDB, as well as to our regular subscribers.
SECOND YEAR
1. To move into our own facility. This facility will not only house the office and studio, it will also house the residence for our family as well as weekend rooms for students. Since we hope to be located near the campus, we also plan to have a place for students and staff to gather. This snack bar/cafe setting will also be open to the public, which will assist in its support.
2. To convert the recording studio from analog to digital. While the initial investment will be somewhat steep, the investment will offset the cost in a short time. This step is also necessary since the National Library Service is converting to a digital recording process. In a short time, the special cassette players currently made available to people with disabilities will not be produced, therefore, parts will not be available for repair or replacement.
3. To plan a proper celebration of our 30th Anniversary.
THIRD YEAR
1. Produce and circulate a syndicated weekly 30 minute radio program. Whether this program is presented on traditional radio or the internet, it will serve as both an informative tool for educating the public concerning disability issues and generating support for the ministry.
2. To assist at least one blind student with a Bible college education. This objective could take on several dimensions, which include, but are not limited to, providing some financial assistance, the recording or location of textbooks, and the education of students and staff of the college concerning common courtesies and the best way of being of assistance.
3. To have a program in place for mainstreaming students from FSDB into local churches.
These objectives may seem lofty, but, with God's help, we can break them into bite-sized pieces and conquer them. Without God's help, they are impossible to accomplish. I am filled with a sense of anticipation about the great things God is going to do with and for this ministry. It is my hope that you will come to share that anticipation. As we move toward the celebration of 30 years of ministry next year, may we do so by taking steps to ensure that, if Christ tarries, there will be a Clearer Vision Ministries, Inc. in the future.
Rev. Sam Thompson
Founder & PresidentBe sure to read Sam's personal testimony: "Once I Was Blind..."