ICCM Update 2019

The apostle Paul, in , expresses what we desire to see the Lord do for churches through our work at ICCM.

The apostle Paul, in , expresses what we desire to see the Lord do for churches through our work at ICCM.

We who are strong have an obligation to bear the weaknesses of the weak and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for good, to build him up. For even Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you have fallen on me.” Everything written beforehand was written for our instruction so that through the endurance and encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that you may, together with one voice, glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, welcome one another, just as Christ welcomed you into the glory of God.

So, our aim is to equip churches with the confidence and competence to welcome others the way Christ welcomes us. And this is especially across lines of difference.

Here is what we have found over the past year. The need is great and this message resonates. We’ve engaged with over 25 churches and ministries since beginning our work and we are grateful to God that he has launched this ministry at a time when so many churches are striving to figure out how they can faithfully pursue unity in diversity.

I’m personally thankful for the two wonderful ladies I get to work with; Anna Rozzo, our instructional manager; Melissa Littlepage, our operations coordinator...

We give thanks to the Lord as we are launching our first three year cohort a month from now. Four churches, two from DC, one from Kentucky, and one from Boston are excited to take this journey with us.

We give thanks to the Lord for so many of you in this church family, who are praying for us, have opened their homes to promote our work, who’ve provided additional financial support, and who are serving us as instructors, facilitators and mentors.

Lastly, keep praying for us. God is a god of endurance and encouragement. Your prayers help us endure and remain encouraged in this work. We’ll be sharing with you in the weeks and months to come ways for you to become more involved in our work if you so desire, and ways we’ll be seeking to serve you as well.

FY2020 Budget ($321,735 - $178,281 + $143,454)

About $50k in giving from churches and individuals outside of GDC. We need to double that amount in FY2020.

We’re in the process of attaining 501c3 non-profit status for ICCM. It will still have GDC oversight and be a ministry of this church.

Receiving tuition would have tax implications for GDC if we remained under GDC’s non-profit status.

Ability to apply for grants from foundations that would prefer to give to us directly and not through GDC.