We sincerely appreciate the relationship we have shared with you in 1999. This was an unusual year for us. Hopelessness came knocking at our door, along with its companions – worry, discouragement, and fear. We refused to let them in, but for months they persisted in lurking around, pressing and intimidating. We write this to encourage you as we know these enemies may have visited in your life and work as well.
The 1st quarter led off with the personal loss of our prematurely born twin sons. This was followed by the resignations of our engineering dept. manager, office manager, and a technician - all to family ties in other states - which we encouraged, despite our loss. As 1st quarter rolled into 2nd, we were in a serious financial downward spiral and had to request the resignation of another manager to prevent lay-offs. Then, a major contract terminated abruptly through no fault of our own, followed by the loss of 3 more employees for various reasons. This "loss vortex" was taking its toll on us.
In the midst of loss, WHERE IS THE HOPE?…..
Hope is found in Jesus Christ, alone. The Bible speaks of Jesus in Matthew 21:24 as "The Cornerstone". It is from this reference that we derive our company name and character. In Jeremiah 29:11, He has promised that no matter how bleak things may look to us, "He knows the plans that He has for us; plans to prosper us, and not to harm us; plans to give us a hope and a future"…plans to use us for His glory and honor. He is the owner of our companies and we want His plans.
As His plans worked out, every employee and every creditor was paid in full – on time and without debt accumulation. We had just enough work; no employees were laid off or hours cut; and all contract deadlines were met. These events affirmed, to us and our employees, that Hopelessness and its despairing companions have no place here because "The Cornerstone" never shifted. Matthew 21:24 aptly goes on to say, "The Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes."
Ironically, in the 4th quarter of this year, we traveled extensively through lands ravaged by Hopelessness for 70 years in the former Soviet Union. Though once persecuted, Christianity is now flourishing. Because of Christ, expressionless faces are being replaced with faces of joy and hearts of hope. So, where is your hope? May Christmas remind you that hope, true hope, is found in the Lord Jesus Christ alone.
Cornerstone Surveying & Engineering, Inc.
Cornerstone Information Services, Inc.
David and Jean Branton
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12