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Conduct of this project as laid out should help enhance the number of members with a’ feeling of oneness with seminaries. All LCMS members have a stake in the outcome. The challenge is H-U-G-E !!.It is a local equivalent of the mountain in Matthew 17.20 “I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to the mountain, ‘Move from here to there and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you”.
The early analytical and related activities in what became the nucleus of Gabriel Messengers, INC. were conducted by the person who took the lead in conceptualizing the endeavor. Other individuals were invited to participate depending upon skill needs and their availabilities. On February 13, 2006 a not-for-profit corporation was established in the State of Michigan. The entity is organized and is being operated exclusively for religious, charitable, and educational purposes. Therefore, Gabriel Messengers, INC. (GMI) is eligible to file Form 1023 to obtain recognition of exemption from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Code also provides that certain organizations may be considered tax exempt under 501(c)(3)even if they do not file Form 1023. These are:
Gabriel Messengers, INC. is managed by volunteers who also perform operational tasks. However, we anticipate that work will need to be done that requires expertise beyond the volunteers’ time/capabilities. Contributions to help cover such outlays would be greatly appreciated. Any receipts above current costs and repaying a loan negotiated to cover start-up costs including the initial website will be given to seminaries for student support.
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The main objective of this project is to increase the number of LCMS Pastors in the United States. Steps to achieve this objective, stated elsewhere herein, will be pursued in a frugal manner to enhance financial support for seminarians via seminaries. We shall diligently seek to conduct corporate activities to satisfy IRS stipulations for preserving tax exempt status for the firm and tax deductible possibilities for donors.
Given the foregoing, starting immediately anyone contributing to the support of GMI will be entitled to a tax deduction when filing a Federal income tax return. However, to allow for normal receipts exceeding $5,000 it is intended that Form 1023 will be filed in the near future to obtain the standard IRS “Determination Letter” This recognizes the firm’s 501(c) (3) status and specifies whether contributions to it are tax deductible. 