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There are two variant resurrections that have shaped Brian Anderson's life.
The first is his belief that Jesus Christ rose from the dead. The second is when new life was breathed into the Spring Lake-based International Aid Inc. when its demise appeared certain.
The former resurrection is a done deal. The latter requires Anderson to ensure the 30-year-old Christian relief organization remains financially sound so it can soldier on with its mission of providing health and hygiene products, medical equipment, medicines and nutritional supplements to some of the most troubled spots in the world.
Two years ago, the relief organization announced its intention to close its doors for good, due primarily to a crushing $1.5 million of debt after donations took a nosedive due to a moribund economy. But then last year, former International Aid CEO David Wisen gave an undisclosed donation to keep the organization alive, pumping new life into the once-troubled humanitarian venture.
The now-leaner International Aid already has accomplished some notable feats. Over the past 12 months, it shipped more than $116 million of health products and medical equipment to more than 300 Christian missions and humanitarian organizations in 65 plus countries.
Those provisions include rehydration supplies to the gnarled remains of earthquake-stricken Haiti, medical supplies to clinics in Uganda to fight malaria and equipment to Israeli emergency medical technicians.
The relief organization says the $116 million is a record amount of aid, representing a 123 percent increase from the average amount International Aid shipped over the previous seven years.
The turnaround brings a smile to Anderson's face.
"One of the biggest challenges is to maintain a balance," said Anderson, president and CEO of the relief organization.
"Having gone through a traumatic time, we want to make sure we...