March 4, 2024
I purchased the domain "gramazin.com" sometime around 2011. Since then, the name "Gramazin" has functioned as an umbrella name for my ministry passions headquartered on the website. There has never been a legal organization by that name.
I thought that eventually I would incorporate Gramazin as a for-profit. Like a business that sold chairs for a church sanctuary, my ministry services would be purchased by churches at a profit. My thought was that I didn't want to compete for donations with other non-profit ministries. I also believed that I needed to put aside money for retirement and that a for-profit was the best way to go for that.
However, my thoughts have changed.
- Gramazin looks and acts like a non-profit Christian ministry. It makes sense that it should be one. Pastors will be less suspicious of a non-profit ministry than a for-profit business.
- We have a mission that resonates with
many people. While many of these believers aren't likely to purchase our products and services, they are more likely to give tax-deductible donations to help offset our expenses.
- I want to have a Board of Directors who will hold me accountable to the Word of God. Though I seek to honor and glorify Jesus Christ, I do still battle a sinful nature. A godly board of men and women will make sure that I lead Gramazin in accordance with Biblical principles. If
I don't, I can be removed from leadership.
- Gramazin will survive my demise. A legal organization, managed by the Board of Directors, will continue the Gramazin mission in the event of my death.
- Lord willing, the earnings I need for my future will come from royalties from my books. My books will not be under the Gramazin umbrella.
Therefore, I have begun to take the steps toward the creation of a non-profit organization called "Gramazin." I have an attorney who is prepared to setup our organization as a non-profit in both Massachusetts and with the IRS. The following individuals have agreed to serve on the Board of Directors of Gramazin.
- Charles Wagner (Interim Board President,
Executive Director)
- Dan Kraftson (Virginia)
- Dave Hayes (Pennsylvania)
- Teresa Olsen (Pennsylvania)
- Gregg Stiansen (Pennsylvania)
- Marion Clark (South Carolina)
In addition, it is anticipated that Holly Young of Ohio will join the board at a later date and serve as the Board President. Holly was the former Executive Director of New Life Furniture Bank of Cincinnati, OH. Mike Mtika, of Pamoza International, has offered to serve as a board member but exclusively in an advisory capacity.
Please pray for me for this major life decision. After making the decisions to get married and have children, I can't think of a more significant action for me to take in my lifetime than to setup Gramazin as a non-profit. I don't want to get this wrong!
Thank you for your prayers!
Blessings,
Charles Wagner
