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ICDM: Making a Difference...

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Dear friends,
 
June was a busy month for ICDM, especially in the Dominican Republic where we received two different mission teams—one from Wyoming and one from Intercession City, Florida. Travel to Haiti is somewhat limited these days because of the instability much of the country is experiencing, but God has shown favor by allowing us to receive teams in the Dominican Republic to work alongside others in ministering the love of Christ to some of the neediest people on earth.
The Wyoming team had a double focus. Part of the team held Vacation Bible School for about 60 Haitian children living in the DR. There was much fun along the way in learning about the love of Christ and what a difference Jesus makes in life. We were able to feed them well in both body and soul. The other part of the team helped a local doctor, Dr. Robinson, run a medical clinic for people who otherwise would not receive medical care.
Both teams worked among people who live in “Shadow City,” a section of Santiago that is home to many Haitian migrants who must remain hidden. Many have no passports or visas but have fled from Haiti because of the unrest there. Children born in “Shadow City” often have no birth certificates and no real standing as people. Despite the desperate circumstances, our teams were able to witness and join in the distribution of hope amidst the shadows. They joined together with a newly planted church in the heart of “Shadow City.” Thanks to gifts from people like yourself ICDM was able to help Pastor Robinson Jeudy build a church in the heart of “Shadow City.” This church ministers to the spiritual and physical needs of some of the most at-risk people in the Dominican Republic.
 
The team from Intercession City, FL had a slightly different focus. While they produced another VBS, Pastor Don White, a NASA engineer also talked to some college students about the intersection of faith and science.
 
In both cases, the teams brought what God had given them and put them to use for God’s glory. Linda Crocilla, a member of the Wyoming team discovered God bringing something special out of her during the trip:
 
“I began praying that God use me however He would. I prayed that I learn to be an effective evangelist. I especially prayed that God teach me to love people as Jesus loves them… I mentioned to Yvan that I had not been an effective missionary, but he assured me that what I did was just as important. He went on to tell me that I was an answer to prayer and that he wanted me to organize and open a school that would provide quality Christian education for all the children in the city. There was only an instant’s hesitation. But I am fully on board to serve. This is where God wants me to be. I’ve known for many years that I have the gift of teaching but felt helpless in a public school setting where politics dominated over the academic needs of the children. I realize that all the things I’ve done over the past 45 years have qualified me to serve exactly in this capacity.”
 
Mission trips tend to have double value. Not only is the receiving community blessed, the people who go often find new purpose in life. Everyone wins.
Besides the mission trips, an important School of Evangelism graduation took place in Elias Pina, DR, near the border with Haiti. After nine months of intensive work, 30 graduates received their diplomas in front of a crowd of 400 people. I can’t emphasize enough how important the School of Evangelism training is for releasing leaders throughout Haiti and the Dominican Republic is. As in the past, these graduates will return to their home communities to evangelize, educate, equip, and empower people for the sake of their countries and the glory of God.
 
All this is made possible through the generous support of people like you. If you want to know more about the work of ICDM please visit us at www.icdm.us. If you have a team you would like to bring on a mission trip to the DR, please contact me directly at yvan@icdm.us.
 
A little planning can go a long way… If you are 73 or older and are required to take an RMD (Required Minimum Distribution) this year, consider making a direct contribution to ICDM with part of it. When you do, your gift is entirely tax free! Consult your financial advisor for more information on how to do this.
 
Thank you for your partnership in the Gospel!
Yvan Pierre
Founder & Director of ICDM