ICCM and International Disaster Emergency Service (IDES) School Supply Distribution 2009

ICCM along with International Disaster Emergency Service provided school supplies to needy children from Thomas Abraham’s church and the surrounding area.

In the hill, tribal and slum areas there are several hundred unmarried mothers below age 20 who have several children. These mothers work in the tea and coffee plantations and the rice fields. However, the small wages they earn only pays for the day-to-day needs of the children. In some situations, there are aging parents who are also dependent on these mothers. They do not have the income to educate their children. Education of these poor children is not a big concern to the rich people of India, so other than Christian organizations and churches, nobody cares for them.

If the children do not get a proper education, they leave home at a very early age to find jobs which results in the children being exploited. Child labor is a big problem in India. There is also a problem with these young children having a criminal nature and that is causing problems in India’s society. Distribution was made to over 350 children who received a uniform, school bag, umbrella, pens, pencils, and other school supplies.

Dengue Fever 2007

In the summer of 2007, millions of people were victims of a deadly sickness caused by mosquitoes. It was called the Dengue Fever. The effects of this illness caused a high temperature, severe headache, swelling in muscles and joints and boils on the face and inside the mouth. Those affected by the disease found it hard to walk or stand. Doctors prescribed complete bed rest as the only treatment. In most families the sickness affected all family members. People were not able to go to work. Many experienced repeated bouts of the Dengue Fever. This caused terrible starvation among the people. ICCM received a grant from International Disaster Emergency Services (IDES) and purchased a week’s supply of food for 400 needy families. When the supplies were distributed people came forward with shivering hands and tears in their eyes. The people thanked God for the help. We were very blessed to be a part of this relief effort as we provided food in the name of Jesus Christ.

Tsunami relief raises over $22,000 in U.S. - February 05

The Tsunami relief effort has raised over $22,000 allowing us to help 300 families in need after the tsunami destroyed their lives. We started our work by visiting the affected areas to make a list of families we could help and what they needed the most.

Thomas Abraham said "It was a very hard job, because every time we visit that area, every one, including people who were not at all affected, but just because they live in the tsunami affected area, they also need some kind of help. But God has helped us to find about 300 families. We have decided to invite them all...to a particular area for a special meeting. Our aim is to share the love of Christ and the great salvation we have through Him. We will be distributing a copy of the New Testament with Psalms to each family."

Purchases for Tsunami Relief

More photos here

The items we purchased are fishing nets, sewing machines, bicycles, cooking stoves, kitchen instruments, bed sheets and clothes to distribute. A few families also received cash to help with the repair of ther damaged houses. The fishing nets and sewing machines are meant to help the families regain their way of life, as many of the residents fish or sew to earn money. Some of the donations will be used to purchase school supplies and school uniforms for chidren when the schools reopen in May or June.

Thomas Abraham is grateful for all the support with tsunami relief. "I want to thank God and every one of you for your great work in making this relief work a great success. Thanks for all those who supported both financially and by prayer."