Our story of ICCM schools for Fulani children first began in Elaite, a small town in Kogi State overlooking Emiworo Village more than 10 years ago! I’ll never forget these words from the first Fulani man we met, a true ‘man of peace’, Chief Bature. “My grandfather cheated my father when he gave him cows … Read more
For several years I have been looking for an opportunity to visit Cantinho da Vovó Naná (Grandma Nana’s Corner – named after the woman who donated the original house and land), in Ibirité, Minas Gerais, Brazil. My opportunity came in August. This child development center is also located in an area plagued by drug trafficking. … Read more
I spent two days at Todo Mundo Feliz (Everyone’s Happy) in late August. This top-notch child development center was started by the Mirandopolis Free Methodist Church in São Paulo, Brazil. It was deliberately established right on the edge of a slum area where drug traffickers are the law. Todo Mundo Feliz (TMF) was begun in … Read more
Valquiria was among a group of adolescent girls peppering me with questions just before classes began one morning. Valquiria suffers the effects of Albinism – the absence of the pigment melanin in her skin. This condition is especially challenging in the dry, hot climate, 10 degrees south of the Equator, where the sun shines in … Read more
I met Andrei when I visited our ICCM school in Monte Santo, Bahia, Brazil, in September. I asked if I could get a picture with him because I knew his sponsors. After we had our picture taken together and he had returned to class, Sirlene, the school’s assistant director, told me more about him. Andrei’s … Read more
God gave school director Jonathan Da Cunha a vision for the city of Encarnación. There was only one Christian school in town at the time. Jonathan felt led of God to start Light and Life Free Methodist School with the vision of reaching families for Christ and providing the opportunity for academic excellence in a … Read more
ICCM sponsorship has truly brought light and life to 14-year-old María in Paraguay! Today her beautiful smile and outgoing spirit give testimony to the marvelous ministry of our Free Methodist Light and Life Children’s Home and Light and Life Christian School in the city of Encarnación. Abandoned by their father at an early age, María … Read more
At long last, the dream is a reality! Phase 1 of the Dr. Buconyori Free Methodist Boys Boarding School in Kenya is complete. Classrooms, dorms, dining hall, soccer field, and other essentials are ready to go. The first 80 boys are being selected. The keys are being received by the leaders of ICCM and the FMC in Kenya. The leaders are overflowing with … Read more
There was no question, Canadian born Linda Stryker loved living in Congo (Democratic Republic of Congo or DRC). She loved working alongside her Congolese friends and colleagues. For 33 years, Linda served as a Free Methodist missionary wearing several different hats – that of a nurse and ICCM coordinator, teacher, mentor, friend. Her friends describe … Read more
In a few countries, ICCM sponsors children of pastors (PKs). One of our most vibrant, successful programs for PK’s is in the Philippines. Pastors’ families deeply value the encouragement and practical assistance of sponsorship because of the financial hardship and the stigma of being Protestant PKs in a Catholic-dominated culture. For several years, ICCM Philippines … Read more