Dear Friends,
As we take a moment to look back over this past year, we remember that our world was turned upside down with the global pandemic, political unrest, and racial tension. But…"God foresaw it all. He was not taken by surprise. He had a plan in mind for His people all along." David Wilkerson
When the lockdown began, we used the "pause" in our regular schedule for more prayer time and drawing closer to the Lord. Many of our international friends were worrying about their loved ones back home and how the global pandemic would impact them. Our staff at IFM knew that we could not stop serving in this time of need. We scrambled to move many of our programs to an online format. We all learned many new things about technology as we became determined to make a way to connect. God honored our efforts and made it possible to reach our local international friends through online Bible studies and ESL classes. However, we did not anticipate that technology would also allow us to reconnect with international friends who had returned back to their countries and even build new friendships!!
God had a plan in mind all along. We are so thankful for His continued guidance and financial provision to sustain the ministry. When we had to cancel our annual fundraising luncheon, several ministry partners gathered to produce a “virtual” event. Through storytelling and testimonials over Zoom, God connected generous hearts. We ended the year with many stories of life transformation. You play a vital role in this ministry with your prayers and financial partnership.
We hope to celebrate with you in-person this year in the new ministry center! We are over the halfway mark to making an official offer on a building we believe will suit our growing needs and allow us to serve many more international families in the years to come. We are particularly excited about expanding our growing arts programs to touch and disciple international youth and adults from many nations. Please keep our “Home Away From Home” campaign in your ongoing prayers. We are waiting with expectation!
We are praying for you and your families. Thank you for being a friend to IFM.
In His Love,
Ron and Carole Collins
