Dear Brothers and Sisters,

            “A pessimist is one who makes difficulties of his opportunities and an optimist is one who makes opportunities of his difficulties.”
                      President (and Odd Fellow) Harry S. Truman

                My number one goal this year is to leave the world a better place than when we started, and to do it in a way that can be seen and measured. We will give food, clothing, coats, shoes and otherwise help others in need. We can establish our local Lodges as a place to go when people are in need of help or in need of a good charitable organization in which to donate their time. We have accomplished much over the years, but I’m sure we can do more and be more effective in our local communities and throughout the world.

            Education equals hope for many children longing to break free of the cycle of poverty and ignorance. But affordable schools are few and far between for many families living in poverty-stricken nations like El Salvador in Central America. For about $8,000, the Odd Fellows can help local people build a simple, sturdy school for 200 children. Our gift will allow eager students to learn the one of the greatest lessons of all: Friendship and Love are alive in the world. Through my charity, Samaritan’s Purse, I hope to able to raise enough money to build such a school.     

            Clearly, the more ideas we share the better chance our Order has of thriving and growing. We plan to communicate through at least a quarterly newsletter this year and ask that all Lodges submit the dates of their events and/or articles for publication. We welcome your advice, counsel and suggestions as we attempt to improve and update the way we do things at the Grand Lodge. We need to continue to exchange thoughts on how we can achieve our primary purpose: the diffusion of benevolence and charity.

Past Grand Master Michael O’Connor suggested that “just showing up” is a key to success.  If we just send a card or just show up to visit the sick and just show up at meetings to participate in the free flow of ideas, then I am confident that our endeavors will meet with success. There are so many ways to make meaningful contributions to our communities, but the needs of those in distress in your community must be brought to the attention of the Grand Lodge in order for us to assist you in helping them.

The Odd Fellows is an organization that truly makes me proud to be a member. I know that we can improve the lives of many in need if we continue work together. And I am aware that for the next year “the buck stops here”. With your help, we can look back and know that we have left the world a better place because of our efforts.

In F. L. & T.,

J.R. Powell, GM
J.R. Powell, Grand Master