The year 2007 was one of the best in the history of the Grace Brethren Investment Foundation, according to a statement released in late December by Dr. Larry N. Chamberlain, president.
“We are very pleased that we are able to respond positively to new loan requests from churches that are eager to reach their communities for Christ,” he said in a letter to investors. “Your investments in GBIF make that possible, and we are very grateful for your strategic partnership in the work of the Great Commission!”
He noted that a recent standard review of the Foundation by the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA), was positive. ECFA is an accreditation agency which calls its members to high standards of financial integrity and fiduciary responsibility.
He said that the EFCA found the Foundation in full compliance with ECFA’s standards. “‘You are to be commended for your continuing commitment to these standards,'” he quoted the report’s summary.
He added that the annual audit by Capin Crouse, Certified Public Accountants, also found the organization to be in full compliance with the high standards of the accounting profession for a financial institution.
“We are grateful for a strong, independent board of directors that provides excellent governance of our ministry,” he noted. “We are grateful, as well, for a quality staff of professionals (pictured) dedicated to integrity and high standards of excellence.
“We are most grateful, however, for the faithful partnership of our investors across the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches,” Dr. Chamberlain concluded. “They make it possible for us to continue to be a viable and strategic ministry in the building of His Church.”
The Grace Brethren Investment Foundation, located in Winona Lake, Ind., provides low-cost financing for local church projects while providing a favorable rate of return on investors’ funds.