Millard Fuller Kicks off James D. Cockman Distinguished Lecture Series
April 28th, 2008On April 16, 2008, ALM hosted the first installment in the James D. Cockman Distinguished Lecture Series. Millard Fuller, founder and former president of Habitat for Humanity, and founder and current president of The Fuller Center for Housing spoke on the importance of Persevering in the Mission. Approximately 60 people attended the event at ALM headquarters in Greenville, SC. People from all walks of life came together for this uplifting time of fellowship and encouragement. Mr. Fuller exhorted attendees to press forward in their work despite obstacles and hardships.
Persevering for over a century, ALM, its project partners and generous donors have changed, and continue to change the lives of thousands. Years of stalwart faithfulness by so many dedicated servants have yielded tremendous progress in the fight to restore hope, health and humanity to people affected by leprosy. Even so, there is still so much work to do in ALM’s mission to free the world of this horrific disease. Continued commitment and sacrifice are needed to receive the priceless honor of being used as the hands of Jesus to touch a hurting world.
This same spirit embodied the life of James “Jim” Cockman, for whom the lecture series was named. As the chairman of the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, Jim Cockman worked tirelessly to bring the international headquarters of American Leprosy Missions to Greenville, SC. He joined the ALM board in 1996 and served as chairman for three years. Under his leadership, ALM expanded its programs to include the treatment of Buruli ulcer and fearlessly dared to dream of a world without leprosy through vaccine research. As a successful leader in business, Mr. Cockman used his influence and resources to advocate for those whose voices could not be heard. He and his wife, Cathy, raised six children and cared for many foster children. Although his life was tragically cut short in 2004, his heart and legacy continue on through the vision and mission of American Leprosy Missions. His life is a testimony to what the power of one life selflessly given in the service of others can accomplish.
The next lecture will be on Wednesday, May, 28, 2008. Mr. Kenneth Behr, president and CEO of The Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) will present The Integrity Crisis in America.