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ICDM: End of Year Letter

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Dear friends of ICDM,
 
I am writing to you from Haiti, where Myriam, our daughter Jenny, and I are celebrating the birth of our Savior in Bayonnais. I want to thank all of you for helping to make their celebration so special this year.
 
As I begin this year-end letter, I want to begin by praising God for the recent escape of the 17 American and Canadian missionaries who had been kidnapped by a gang back in October. I want to assure you that this was a fairly unique incident involving a criminal gang. Most Haitians love the support and encouragement they receive from people outside their country and do not want to harm them.
 
The kidnapping incident capped off a most difficult year for Haiti. Our President was assassinated in July. Then in August a devastating earthquake hit the southern portion of Haiti. Both events created some instability which made the kidnapping even possible.
 
I am proud to say that even in the midst of these difficulties, ICDM was able to shine as a beacon of hope. Together with you, we were able to provide significant relief to the earthquake victims. Through our school, we continue to build the next generation of leaders who will make Haiti a more stable, prosperous country. Most of all, we continue to provide the hope of Jesus Christ to a people living in uncertain times. All this has been made possible through our continued partnership with people like you. Your faithfulness has helped us remain faithful to the calling Christ has given us for Haiti.
As we near the end of 2021, I want to thank each of you for standing with us. I also want to offer you the opportunity to make one final gift towards our work. Each person, no matter what their financial situation can make a significant impact on ICDM’s work in Haiti. Gifts can range from $12 to help a family get established in raising chickens to $10,000 to help a family build a new home. Visit our newly-revised website at www.icdm.us to explore how you might be involved in meeting the needs of the Haitian people.
 
As I ask you to consider giving, I want to remind you that this year the IRS is offering a charitable contribution deduction of $300 per individual, $600 per couple over and above the standard deduction. This means that your gift to ICDM will actually reduce your tax burden.
 
For those of you over 72 years of age who are required to take an RMD (Required Minimum Distribution) from your retirement accounts, if you gift ICDM straight from your account, it relieves you of any tax burden for the amount you give. You can work out these details with your financial advisor, but please remember to do it by December 31 to count for 2021. Alternatively, you can do it in early January for 2022 and still receive the tax credit for that year.
 
However you decide to give, please know that your gift, no matter the amount, makes a huge difference to the people of Haiti. You are a part of shaping the future of this country Jesus loves and I thank you for standing with ICDM in 2021 and on into 2022.
 
In the Precious Name of Jesus,
Yvan Pierre
Director ICDM