A Message from Pastor John Carter

Dear Visionary,

Vision changes everything. What you choose to see in your heart will determine the direction of your life. That’s why several years ago I founded Mercy Works as a partner organization to Abundant Life. Mercy Works exists to transform young lives in our community through vision-based projects, programs and partnerships.  Our partnership with Mercy Works has given birth to the Clarence Jordan Vision Center located at 1221 S. Salina St. in Syracuse, NY. 

In this innovative space, we provide vision-based programs that are enabling hundreds of at-risk youth in our city to transform their lives and achieve their goals.  We offer programs that develop a mindset of personal responsibility, self-respect and focused action in order to achieve extraordinary personal progress. Our students gain the skills, tools, and support necessary to build a future they want to live in. I want to share with you a very special program that is happening right now. 

Synergy is a professional paid internship program that develops emerging young leaders with the character, skills, and vision necessary for a lifetime of extraordinary achievement. Over the course of 10 weeks each summer our students are immersed in the language and culture of vision. They are taught to become men and women who take responsibility for their lives and effect the change they want to see in the world through positive action. 

The results are astounding. Most of our graduates go on to thrive personally and professionally, both in Syracuse and across the country. Thanks to the support of Abundant Life members and friends like you, the Clarence Jordan Vision Center has seen 365 young people successfully complete our Synergy Program over the last 7 years. There are many stories of incredible impact. You can hear about a few of them on the Mercy Works YouTube Channel.

So how do we support such impactful program? The cost for each student’s internship experience is only $4,300. This investment provides our students 32 hours of paid work experience and professional development. Our goal this year is $150,000 to fully fund this year’s 35 students. This is where I need your help.  Would you consider helping our students by participating in our annual Synergy “Golfless” Tournament” fundraiser (https://www.vcsyracuse.com/golfless)?  We’re excited to share that your donation can go even further. An anonymous donor will match up to $50,000 in sponsorships!

Your gift in any amount will be enormously impactful in the lives of these amazing young people. Register online to sponsor one student’s internship experience today. Your gift can be securely processed online at https://www.vcsyracuse.com/golfless. You can also send a check to 1221 South Salina Street Syracuse, NY 13202. 

Did you notice that I called you a visionary at the opening of this letter? It’s because I recognize that it is a grateful heart that gives back again and again. A visionary sees the seemingly impossible and makes it a reality.  Thank you for helping these young men and women achieve God’s vision for their lives.

With faith, 

Pastor John Carter