International Aid

Dear Friends,

Many of us were disheartened by the news last July that West Michigan-based International Aid had closed its international operations. Sadly, though well intentioned, the organization had expanded too quickly with too many initiatives, forcing it to the brink of bankruptcy.

“…but God had a different plan”

Through the faithful service of the remaining employees, International Aid continued to operate throughout the fall, maintaining relationships with medical and product suppliers as well as partners around the world despite limited financial contributions. By December, plans were put in place and funds were invested to restructure International Aid, providing it the stability needed to move forward on sure footing.

We are pleased to announce that last week, the board of International Aid approved a restructure plan that leaves International Aid debt-free and able to look to the future. Be assured this plan was set in motion well before the Haiti earthquake. David Wisen, a Grand Haven resident and President of the Van Kampen Group, will become CEO at International Aid. With new leadership in place, we are committed to:

• restoring the confidence of our partners and family of supporters by re-focusing the organization on the principles upon which it was founded
• working with donors of equipment and supplies, and help pair their contributions with evangelical in-country partners
• striving to fulfill the great commission by sharing the good news of Jesus Christ at every opportunity and partnering with like-minded organizations
• responding in times of crisis by extending the love of Jesus Christ to the sick, wounded, and hurting

We are extremely proud and thankful for the heritage of those who founded International Aid and are determined to carry on that legacy through good stewardship. We will commit to re-establish our relationship with you by working hard, praying often, and seeking to honor God in all that we do.

We ask for your prayers. We are reminded that God often brings a season of testing before He blesses. Abraham had to be willing to sacrifice Isaac, the child of promise, before God made him the father of many nations. Moses spent forty years in the wilderness while God prepared Him to lead His people. David found himself alone in a cave before God made him king. Please pray that God will bless International Aid as we emerge from this difficult season.

David Wisen (left) IA CEO and Mark Driscoll (right) Preaching Pastor, Mars Hill Church

We are excited as International Aid looks to a future of being used by God to further His kingdom. We already believe God is blessing our efforts. Just last week we were in Port-au-Prince, delivering critical medical equipment and supplies through our partners in Haiti. This trip was a small but crucial part of the genesis of ChurchesHelpingChuches.com, an organization that has already raised more than a million dollars to help rebuild the church in Haiti. We will continue to seek strategic alliances like this to assist hurting people everywhere.

We thank you for partnering with us. There is nothing more fulfilling than helping the helpless and watching God transform lives. We will be good stewards, and we look forward to helping you make a difference in the name of Jesus Christ.

In His Service
David G. Wisen
On behalf of the Board and Staff of International Aid