| Our Mission |
| SMI Foundation is a faith-based, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) philanthropic organization that is dedicated to helping others through spiritually motivated initiatives. The foundation focuses its funding on committed organizations that make a significant difference in people's lives, locally and around the world. In 2010, at least 90% of the SMI Foundation's expenditures will be for grants to these organizations. Why Help Others? The Bible contains many of Christ's teachings about helping others. The parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25 teaches us to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. In Luke 12:48, we are reminded that that much is required from those to whom much is given. The members of the SMI Foundation family feel that their lives have been blessed with love, faith, and opportunity. Like the overflowing cup in the 23rd Psalm, the Foundation family wants to share those blessings with others who have not been as fortunate. Who Should We Help? Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them." Sadly, children all over the world are hindered by not enough food, clean water, clothing, shelter, education, safety and/or loving care. The children of the world are our future, and ensuring a better future for our children is one of SMI's main objectives. In 1 John 3:17, we are asked: "If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has not pity on him, how can the love of Good be in him?” SMI honors and supports our brothers and sisters, the men and women of the US Armed Forces, who have willingly endangered their own lives to protect us and our constitutionally-mandated freedoms, including the freedom of religious belief. Many of our troops return home badly injured, and need assistance to heal and re-find their way in American society. How Should We help? Matthew 13 tells on the story of the farmer who went out to plant his crop for the coming season. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where there wasn't much soil. The seedlings came up quickly, because the soil was shallow, but when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no roots. Other seed fell among thorns that grew until they choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop many times larger than what had been was sown. SMI's goal for this giving cycle is to scatter seed. The prayer of everyone in the Foundation is that the seed will produce an excellent crop, and that as the results of this year's donations are with others, they will join SMI in future spiritually motivated initiatives to serve others. |
| Our Values |
| To have the compassion of Christ, and freely open our hands to those in need. "If there is a poor man among you, one of your brothers, in any of the towns of the land which the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart, nor close your hand to your poor brother; but you shall freely open your hand to him, and generously lend him sufficient for his need in whatever he lacks." Deuteronomy 15:7 To be prayer-focused in all we do. "Pray without ceasing"..."and pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying..." Thessalonians 5:17 and Ephesians 6:18 |
