Tuesday, October 19, 2010

What? and Why?-- The 728b Foundation

A close group of friends had an idea a few years ago: Start a non-profit that meets the fundamental needs of orphans and children wherever they may be.

When you're doing something that is a calling, even the mundane and tedious details become a source of excitement and joy. Coming up with a name that suited us was not difficult, as it had been established long ago, but finding the right words to explain the meaning of the name has taken a little time.

We are the 728b Foundation. We send doctors, engineers, farmers, teachers, and supplies to areas in the world where children, who do not have their basic needs met, can finally have the resources to help them build a future of their own making.

But, the question must be asked: Why 728b?

Because in any old hymnal, found on the backs of solid wood church pues all over America, there is a song titled "There is A God", and every member of our Foundation grew up in such a church. The common numerical reference to this song is 728b.


There is, beyond the azure blue
A God, concealed from human sight
He tinted skies with heav'nly hue
And framed the worlds with His great might


The words are simple, but at the heart of the song, awareness of our own existence is demanded; an authentic recognition that this physical world possesses powers unseen that rule fundamental human truths (regardless of religion or culture) that unite us in a common human spirit; and endowed by a creator.

A resolute duty permeates the praiseful hymn through the chorus:

There is a God (There is a God), He is alive (He is alive)
In Him we live (In Him we live) and we survive (and we survive)
From dust our God (From dust our God) created man (created man)
He is our God (He is our God), the great I Am (the great I Am)


It's one of the great marches of the Christian Church, but is so often mistaken for just another song we sing on Sundays when the song/praise leader is in a particularly chipper mood.

Should we take the charge of the song seriously, and recite our beloved hymn more as a mantra than a melody, a powerful call to action is found in the words.

We are His creation. He defines the world. He designed us and called us for the purpose of service. We are His hands and His feet during our time here. We are to serve Him through serving others.

If we approach life with that attitude, the denominational tradition from which the hymn came is irrelevant. Its words hearken to us all who profess ourselves followers and disciples of Christ.

This organization is striving to be a model for an active faith of genuine discipleship. In our minds and hearts, as they are united in common service, there is no doubt that we will begin to affect positive, sustainable, and lasting progress in this world, one small part at a time.

Although your connection with the 728b Foundation may be through a facebook group or visiting our blog, it provides the very first of abundant opportunities to serve those who need it most; the care for the most basic of human necessity of love and compassion being delivered through medicine, food, clothing, and education.

Come make a difference in the world with us.

Start with our small group of dedicated people-- and never doubt that a small group of dedicated people can change the world....because it's the only thing that ever has.

We hope you'll join us in the journey.

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