Director's Corner
By Keith Davis, Executive Director
Summer, 2008
Reflections on the People of IAP
"God works through men. I see nowhere in the World where God picks an organization."
-Dawson Trotman
As I linked Dawson Trotman's thought to IAP I begin reflecting on the people that God has used over the years to touch a world. Fred Fleming, a tall lanky farmer, with a heart for God started us in the direction of Romania. As we visited with a Romanian pastor in Fred's living room Joseph turned to Fred and said, "Would you come to Romania and help us?" With tears in his eyes Fred replied, "Yes I will." It was a person to person encounter and as they say the rest is history.
Hundreds of people both from the US and Romania were involved in the various projects that impacted people in the southern part of that country. People who had skills to set up a farm, a medical clinic, a children's home, greenhouses, a Bible school and a business that Fred and his group started that now helps support Romanian missionaries.
My reflections also linked to the board and advisors that continue to be a blessing as they not only support the ministry financially, but give their time and talent to impact the world. Some of them have become champions of the projects in Romania, Mexico, Ecuador, Ethiopia and Ghana. Leaders from these countries have come to us and asked as Joseph did, "Will you come over and help us?" Through partnering with these dear nationals some of our board along with their teams have stepped out on faith's edge, trusted God and have taken on responsibility for the projects.
I think of the many godly people we have developed a relationship with as we travel, men and women who have impacted us far more than they realize. I think of all the volunteers who have helped in the office, gone on trips, given advice and prayed for us and our partners. I think of Charlee Brewer, our office manager, who has worked diligently for the past 10 years to do her part in impacting people around the world. I think of my dear wife who has given her time and husband so that we could be part of this great band of people. I think of those who have faithfully been a part of the team, but have left this world and entered into His presence. In July one of our supporters, Irene Spliid went to be with the Lord. She and her husband Art had been faithful to the ministry for over 30 years. God has worked through them to impact many.
"Therefore since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." And as Charles Spurgeon said, " By perseverance the snail reached the ark."
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