In the tranquil surroundings of the Cloisters Resort on Sea Island, Georgia, the second annual Founders Forum, organized by FOCUS and the FOCUS Mission Foundation, took place earlier this month. This event was a meeting of staff and supporters, all drawn together for a weekend of spiritual nourishment, fellowship, and mission.

Lift Up Your Eyes

Each day began with mass, followed by breakfast, and then presentations by leadership and missionaries. During these mornings, the theme of the weekend, "Lift Up Your Eyes,"  took shape. The concept was simple yet profound — a reminder that what we perceive is but a fraction of reality -  illustrated by the fact that when you look up at a clear night sky, the thousands of stars you see are only a minuscule part of the entire universe.

This theme was an antidote to the often overwhelming tide of bad news that seems to dominate headlines and conversations. It was an invitation to acknowledge that, despite the apparent darkness, God is ceaselessly at work through His people, crafting wonders and sewing hope in ways we might not immediately see.

Fellowship and Entertainment

In the afternoons, participants had free time to enjoy the resort, relax, or connect with others. Evening dinners came alive with a diverse array of entertainers and keynote speakers, including actor Jonathan Roumie, Harvard professor and author Arthur Brooks, culinary artist Emeril Lagasse, soul-stirring musician Matt Maher, and mentalist Oz Pearlman. Nights were a celebration of talent and wisdom, providing nourishment for both the mind and the spirit.

A Celebration of Faith, Community, and Generosity

But beyond the impressiveness of the location and the event proceedings, the Founders Forum was, at its core, a celebration of faith and community. It was a reminder that we who place our trust in Jesus Christ can make a meaningful difference in the world. The generosity extended to FOCUS by those who attended the Forum demonstrates their confidence in the power of evangelization to transform the lives of college students and parishioners here in the USA and abroad.

Join Us Next Time

The plans for our third annual Founders Forum are already taking shape, so stay tuned for future updates. To those who came to Sea Island, the memories of the Forum will stand as a testament to the power of looking upward and beyond. To those who missed it, the next Founders Forum awaits, ready to welcome you into a space where faith meets action, and the visible stars are just the beginning.

‍