From the Director’s Desk

A Thank You to ICOM’s Missionaries!

Greetings Friends, 
                As Walter Birney used to say “It’s crunch time!”  The fur is flying, the phones are ringing, we are tying down all the details we can, and everyone is done vacationing, back in school and catching up with stuff!   We are really looking forward to seeing you in Columbus this fall, November 13-16.  Actually, I am hoping that you are planning on coming on the 12th to ICOM’s Pre-Con: For Missionaries Only.  Thanks to the Kairos Benevolence Fund, your Wednesday night stay in a hotel is reimbursable for up to $120.  Kairos sponsors the Wednesday night dinner as well as provides a Thursday morning snack for those who attend Pre-Con! Of course, all this is contingent that you register and come to the this Pre-Con at ICOM! Register Here for Pre-Con: For Missionaries Only! The schedule of events is also available at that link!
 
                Kairos Benevolence Fund is a division of Provision that is purposed to help retired ministers and missionaries who were part of an era where they were not able to financially plan for retirement or have fallen on difficult times.  We are partnering with them again for our offering this year at ICOM.  Our churches and missions have been long overdue to have a group or ministry that would help cover these kinds of needs for those  servants of the kingdom who have given their lives and then need help after they have given the best years in service to God’s kingdom.  If you would like to learn more about KBF click here to visit their website.
 
                I would like to tell you one more thing.  Please try to read the September 7th issue of the Lookout magazine.  There are four articles about ICOM!  Sam Gill, David Butts, Laura McKillip Wood, and Karen Wingate all have something great to say.  It’s the 3rd article that is part of the reason why I am writing you:

You are an important part of ICOM!

Just because we changed our name to the International Conference On Missions does not mean our mission and focus has not changed. The story told in that article is so important for you to know that your role, your example, your testimony, your service in the kingdom is very important to lots of people all over the world.  Every generation has a large number of people who respectfully admire your sacrifice and dedication.  And they are asking themselves, “I wonder if I could do that?”  Or, “How would I measure up to the challenge of missionary service?”  And that is why I am asking you to really consider coming to ICOM, any year you can.  Please take the time to read the article by Laura McKillip Wood.  It is living proof of what I say.  
 
                Our purpose at ICOM has not changed, even though our name has.  We still exist to encourage and equip everyone to complete the mission you have been called to fulfill, and to recruit new missionaries.  That will never change.  We will continue to keep our prices low, keep our focus laser sharp on the Great Commission, and pursue ways to serve our Lord Jesus.  We hope to see you in November!  
 
In Christ,
David Empson
Executive Director, ICOM