In 1984 Clare De Graaf sold his business, Gordon Manufacturing Company and left the business world to pursue full time volunteer ministry. At the same time Word Investments was set up as a 501(c)(3) private operating foundation. Both are clients of Vander Ploeg, Bergakker & Associates.
Word Investments, Inc.
Word is an unusual foundation. Unlike most foundations that simply give gifts and grants to other 501(c)(3) ministries, Word is truly an operating foundation. This means Word has its own employees; several are engaged in full time ministry outside the office. Word also provides administrative support for a wide variety of ministries which have been started by Clare, or those with whom he has had significant involvement.
In the last 27 years, Clare has been deeply involved in church planting, both in the U.S. and internationally, micro-economic development in Haiti and orphanage and hospital reconstruction in Albania. He is also the founding chairman of DOOR International, a ministry committed to translating the Bible in sign language for the Deaf of the world. However, the ministry he’s been involved in the longest is, as a teacher and spiritual mentor to men.Clare’s most recent venture is writing. In September, he will release his first book The 10 Second Rule. The book is an expanded discussion of a rule, or motto Clare has tried to live by for almost ten years, “Just do the next thing
you’re reasonably certain Jesus wants you to do”.
A summary of the book and other teachings by Clare and his blog can be found at www.the10secondrule.com. The book will be available in all Family Christian Bookstores, Baker Books and on Amazon. Clare has his first book signing at Baker Books on East Paris on Friday, September 9, from 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Clare and his wife, Susan, live in Grand Rapids, Michigan and are the parents of six children and proud grandparents of thirteen.
