 |
Our Passion, Our Vision, Our History |
Our passion as an organization comes from the thrill of seeing lives changed right before our eyes. It's an addiction of the very best kind to step outside our self-imposed limitations, the barriers of self-doubt, sloth, and selfishness, and travel across the world to meet the needs of others. We are forever changed by our service, and we likewise stand in witness to the transformation of those whom are blessed to serve. We are committed to meeting the holistic needs of individuals and communities, most especially using education and training to enhance their emotional, psychological, and spiritual well being. Having been so profoundly changed by our service through such outreach projects, it is also our passion to invite others to be similarly changed, given a global vision, and be forever marked by the relationships made in such an atmosphere.
Our vision is to serve as a sort of educational clearinghouse, to mobilize servants who desire to make a difference in communities around the world, but who may not know where or how. We desire to connect and equip those who can serve with those who need help. Communities in Asia, Africa, Europe, South America and elsewhere lack access to training and educational programs, which severely limits their ability to lead, to care for others, or even to achieve emotional and spiritual health. Often, individuals and groups do not lack motivation or desire or intellect, but merely the right knowledge or training. These groups do not need a handout, nor do they profit from our pity, but they do need someone who cares, someone to love them without condition, and someone to give them the intellectual tools and skill development they so desperately lack. We foresee a time when these needs are met by those who feel called a week or two a time, or a month in the summer, or even as part of an internship or longer term commitment. Our vision is to be a sending and support organization for those who will make a difference in our world one person and one community at a time.
Our history really is rooted in educational outreach programs in East Asia. All of our board members have been actively involved in these programs either as supporters or leaders in the field. From 2000 until the present, our board has collectively made over two dozen such month-long trips and helped to rewrite curriculum, recruit fellow team members, and provide needed leadership and administration for this unique and rewarding outreach. In an effort to help perpetuate this experience for future teams, and likewise to provide support and leadership to other communities worldwide, Transcend International was incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia on November 2, 2006 as a non-profit educational organization. Early in 2007, we also were recognized as a 501-c-3 non-profit organization by the Internal Revenue Service.
Our values reflect our passion to see lives changed as barriers are crossed. We believe in absolute truth, that truth is knowable, verifiable, and applies to all persons, at all times, in all places. We have found and celebrate that as we yield our lives to absolute, eternal truths that our lives find meaning and our hearts peace. We also believe in the power and importance of living lives committed to unconditional love. We acknowledge that we do not deserve, nor do we earn, the love of others by our imperfect actions, and thus, must show others the grace and love we desire for ourselves. Finally, we believe that service to others is not only good, but that it is necessary. We acknowledge that we are in debt to the grace and love we have been shown, and so we seek to joyfully serve others, humbly accepting not only the rewards that such service often entails, but the sacrifice required as well. Many of these beliefs reflect that our organization is based on a Judeo-Christian ethos, but we show the utmost respect to the laws and customs of the countries wherein we operate and serve individuals and communities, regardless of their religious affiliation or lack thereof.
|
