Board of Directors Report
and Ministry Update • July 2024

Larry recently reminded us of his favorite quote by Hudson Taylor, founder of China Inland Mission:

“Depend on it! God’s work, done in God’s way, will never lack God’s supply.”

The primary role of CULTURELink’s Board of Directors (BOD) is to prayerfully discern God’s work for this ministry, evaluate all processes and practices to ensure God’s work is done God’s way, and review how God’s supply of financial, spiritual, time, and human resources are stewarded.

(You can also download a copy of this report in PDF format here.)

Since 2010, over 3000 people have been trained, equipped, and discipled through our various courses, yielding an impact on 137 countries (see impact map at the end). Additionally, numerous nationals, missionaries, and their teams have been mentored, coached, and counseled.

We never dreamed in 2010 how widespread God’s work would become. God has guided us to different areas of the world in different seasons. Early on, CULTURELink’s international projects were focused on Eastern Europe and Africa. Now, much of the time, energy, and resources flow to the most unreached regions of the world.

The numerous invitations CULTURELink has been receiving to serve in the Middle East and Southeast Asia lead us to believe these are now the primary regions in which God wants the ministry to work. These opportunities do not mean stateside training and relationships in Kenya have ceased, nor do we ignore our invitations to Central America. Rather, because God is supplying open doors to disciple those who make disciples in the most unreached areas, the BOD and staff are seeking Him for the best ways to serve these regions as we trust Him to supply everything we need.

Below is a report of God’s work accomplished during the first six months of 2024:

While the first half of the year has been extremely full, the last six months will be just as busy. Invitations to Thailand, South Korea, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Costa Rica, and El Salvador are ALL on the calendar. In addition, more training conferences are scheduled.

The BOD’s priority is to promote open communication and accountability in every area of CULTURELink’s ministry to ensure God’s work is being done in God’s way. In December 2024, the BOD met to evaluate all facets of CULTURELink, reviewing how God has been working in and through the ministry: finances, legal filings, staff health, and partner relationships.

Finances: Detailed reports for the last three years were reviewed. An overview was provided for all years, 2010–2023, delineating the ministry’s growth. CULTURELink continues to retain an outside bookkeeping firm to provide monthly reviews of every financial transaction. This firm passes the books to a CPA nonprofit specialist to prepare IRS filings. Outside accountability protects the CULTURELink staff and ministry as it adheres to the practices recommended by the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability. The BOD found all finances to be in order.

Legal Documents: CULTURELink again completed the biennial compliance process with the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office, Securities and Charities Division. After financial records and IRS 990 filings from the past three years were submitted, CULTURELink was found to be in 100% compliance and was again issued its Charitable Organization Permit. All IRS 990 filings have been completed and passed without concerns.

Personnel: BOD members meet one-on-one with CULTURELink founder Larry Ragan throughout the year for ongoing accountability. In December, the BOD met with Larry Ragan and Ryan Hurlburt to review their spiritual, ministry, and personal lives. No question is off limits. Laughter and tears are shared as we all open up and pray for each other.

International and Local Partners: During the BOD meeting, Larry and Ryan conveyed the feedback our partners have shared regarding CULTURELink’s work. The overall message was that CULTURELink comes to serve, not to promote an agenda. We seek to serve those who serve all nations. Through serving, God’s work continues to open up as we strive to do it God’s way.

Lastly, this year CULTURELink was reviewed by two outside charity companies, GuideStar and Charity Navigator. The BOD is excited to announce that GuideStar awarded CULTURELink its GOLD rating for financial integrity and the fulfillment of its mission. Charity Navigator scored CULTURELink a rating of 97%. Both organizations recognize CULTURELink as a nonprofit to which donors can give with high confidence.

The BOD is pleased to report that CULTURELink remains financially healthy. God truly supplies our needs! Our greatest challenge lies not in where we are today, but in resourcing the opportunities that lie ahead. As you can see, God is supplying us with many opportunities. We are trusting Him to supply the resources needed to answer His call.

To our ongoing partners: please continue serving with us through your sacrificial investments and consider increasing your monthly commitments. To our alumni and others: we encourage you to join us with a one-time and/or monthly financial support. In addition to CULTURELink’s overall budget, we have approved an annual budget designating $100,000 for international projects, allowing our staff to respond to the global initiatives God provides.

Thank you for being part of the CULTURELink family!

CULTURELink Board of Directors:
Lindsay Baker
Chuck Thompson
Dave Wiggin