When Gary passed away unexpectedly while continuing the mission in Peru in 1996 at the age of only 46, all his family, friends and supporters were bewildered of course about this turn of events. At his funeral in London we decided that the mission would go on, and since he had already expanded the vision to at-risk-youth, juvenile delinquents and street people in Brazil, a charity called “CORNERSTONE MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL” was incorporated in London in 1998 to include all those activities. Gary’s mother Lee (whom you can see to the far left on the photos above) and Robert Smyth (to the far right), one of the main supporters and volunteers from the pioneer days in Peru in 1986 are the principle trustees to this day (2020). George Bereza originally from South Africa, a former fellow inmate of Ron and Gary (fourth from the right, with sunglasses), has also been involved since the very beginning, although he was only released in 1991.

Hence the legal charity base is with CMI in London, UK and any financial or other support goes through there.

The background of why we chose the name “Cornerstone” is a profound spiritual concept which runs through the entire Bible, both in the Old and New Testaments and ultimately refers to the Lord Jesus Christ. It is best summed up in the verses of 1 Peter 2: 4-10:

“The Living Stone and a Chosen People”

4 As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house11 Peter 2:5 Or into a temple of the Spirit to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For in Scripture it says:
“See, I lay a stone in Zion,
     a chosen and precious cornerstone,
and the one who trusts in him
     will never be put to shame.”21 Peter 2:6, Isaiah 28:16
7 Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe,
“The stone the builders rejected
     has become the cornerstone,”31 Peter 2:7, Psalm 118:22
8 and, 
“A stone that causes people to stumble
     and a rock that makes them fall.” 41 Peter 2:8, Isaiah 8:14 
They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for.
9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.