Every Child: Loved, Safe, and Developing
Connected Communities are groups of people, organizations, clubs, churches, or businesses that "connect" with a group of children or with a project. The sponsoring team supports their partner through any number of opportunities. Some Connected Communities sponsor several children or the whole community, others might support our global staff, while some facilitate capital projects like clean water or other needs. ICCM even helps empower some Connected Communities to visit their global partner regularly.
Connected Communities can build strong relationships with one another. Frequent communication strengthens friendships and deepens fellowship. Communities learn about each other; furthering trust, support, and feedback.
While the sponsored group can easily see the tangible benefits of the relationship, the sponsoring group often finds they also benefit greatly. Knowing and relating to a group of children at-the-margins, outside of a Western context, can shape an organization's worldview, promote empathy, and exponentially accelerate a team's compassion, philanthropy, and justice-awareness!
Northgate FMC, of Rochester, NY, is a Connected Community with our entire project across Rwanda. Northgate members have sponsored hundreds of children, to date. The organization has also fundraised and provided for several clean water initiatives, a community park, and more. With annual trips, many of the Northgate team have visited our Rwandan children and leaders.
The greatest expression of our hope is to love God, which includes loving others; to be part of the healing of brokenness in all its forms, for all people. We are thrilled to serve children and communities regardless of race, nationality, gender, or religion. We love because of Jesus. ICCM is a department of The Free Methodist Church, USA, a registered 501(c)3 non-profit.