The James M. Harrell Foundation

Why it exists.

From Pete Ochs and Dr. Bill Beahm,
JMH Foundation Administrators

      We are two old friends of Jim Harrell.  We have been since our days as students and roommates at Kansas University.
      We have had a front-row view of Jim’s courageous struggle with ALS.
      As we have observed his journey, we have been impressed with his resolve that his disease has brought him closer to God. He has actually said, “I praise God for ALS.”  He said the illness brought him back to an understanding of the immediacy and fragility of life and returned him to living in dependence on God. This disease, Jim has said, has given him a chance to live with an eternal perspective in mind.
      In spite of failing health, he has delivered this message of hope to thousands of people in multiple venues. At these speaking engagements it became obvious … lives were being changed. Having seen people’s response to how God has used Jim’s words, we decided to create the James M. Harrell Foundation. Through it, we will continue Jim’s legacy of hope for those who face crisis, and his passion to tell others about Jesus Christ.

Crisis Teaching Tools
      In tangible terms, this Foundation creates tools that will be of practical use to families and individuals in crisis.
      The first of these tools is a video documentary titled, “Jim Harrell: An Eternal Perspective.” DVDs of this inspirational story are provided to churches, schools, television media, counseling organizations, civic organizations, and individuals to encourage and teach how to find hope in a crisis. Copies of the documentary DVD have already found their way into the hands of business and government leaders nationally and internationally. Created by Producer Ron Trimmell of 5ive Stones Creative, “An Eternal Perspective” features insightful interviews with Jim and several close friends, as well as excerpts from two of Jim’s speaking engagements. Along with the DVD, instructions are provided for how to use the documentary as a teaching aid for group settings.

Under development
      A second tool, not yet completed, is a study series centered on teaching people, from an eternal perspective, how to go through a life-shattering crisis. The series will include a study guide and corresponding DVD featuring pertinent insights from Jim and his friends.

The Hard Facts:
      To produce these two teaching tools, it will cost an estimated $20,000. The James M. Harrell Foundation exists to make these materials easily accessible to the people who need them most … free of charge.
      Therefore, we need your help. We are looking to friends of Jim and others who share our two-fold vision to help us fund these unique and powerful tools.
      Will you help us? One hundred percent of donations will be used to make these teaching tools available. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

 

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