Electronic Funds Transfers

(Jackson, TN) Regular donors to IOI now have the opportunity to give on a regular basis through EFTs (Electronic Funds Transfers). This new way of giving reduces paperwork, postage costs and occational ommissions due to a busy life.

Donors simply request a copy of the form (sample below, which you may print from the internet) to be issued by fax or post, fill out the information, sign the form, attach a void check and mail the information to IOI. Within six weeks regular monthly withdrawls are transfered directly from the donor's savings or checking account into IOI's account. When circumstances make it necissary to cancel the service the donor simply gives notice to IOI and the transfer stop within six weeks.

Donors have the opportunity to specify on the forms the designation of their gifts, the amount to be given and the frequency of the withdrawals.

Missionaries to Receive Increase in Support

(Jackson, TN) Inflation has been a problem in Ethiopia and food prices have risen as much as 100% in the past couple of years. Ethiopian missionaries supported through IOI have been receiving $50 per month, but it no longer goes as far as it did in 1999. The Board of Directors has agreed to ask supporters to prayerfully consider increasing missionary support to $60 per month. This change is to be implemented by the end of 2007.
Thanks to support for the General Fund IOI has been able to send 100% of all designated money directly to the missionaries. The General Fund is also in need and regular donations are needed very much.
There are currently 34 indigenous missionaries receiving support in Ethiopia through IOI.

Receipts for 2007

(Jackson, TN) In an effort to be good stewards of time and resources we will no longer send quarterly receipts for donations, unless requested by the donor. We will continue to send out semi-annual receipts in July (January-June giving) and Janaury (yearly total).

2008 Bible Conference Plans

Each year IOI has hosted a Bible conference in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia for the indigenous missionaries that we work with.

This year's conference ('07) is a one day conference, but next year ('08) we would like to have a four day conference that involves all the family members of the missionaries. We would like to have Bible teaching and preaching, VBS for the children and various seminars for families and individuals. For this to be possible we have started planning now.

The departure from Memphis is planned for January 17, 2008. There is a planned stopover in Europe (most likely Amsterdam) for rest and some brief sight seeing (such as the Corrie Ten Boom House and Museum).

Arrival in Addis will be on Saturday evening, January 19 (Ethiopian Epiphany). The next morning the team will split-up and attend various church services around the city of Addis. Some team members will depart in the afternoon for the countryside for one-day Bible seminars in village churches.

Monday, January 21 would be a day of rest for many of the team members that remain in Addis. Those who have gone out-country will be engaged in one-day Bible conferences. The Ethiopian missionaries would begin arriving in the evening for the conference.

Tuesday, January 22 the Bible conference begins after breakfast with morning worship and prayer. The opening sermon would follow a tea break and be delivered on the theme of the conference, "Holiness - The Fruit of the Spirit". After lunch the missionaries would be have the opportunity to attend elective seminars (based on the giftings of the various team members) and conclude with an afternoon tea break. Late afternoon free-time would be followed with supper, followed by evening worship. (VBS begins after worship time)

Wednesday, January 23 the Bible conference continues after breakfast with morning worship and prayer. The opening sermon would follow a tea break and be delivered on the theme of the conference, "Holiness - The Fruit of the Spirit". After lunch the missionaries would be have the opportunity to attend elective seminars (based on the giftings of the various team members) and conclude with an afternoon tea break. Late afternoon free-time would be followed with supper, followed by evening worship. (VBS continues)

Thursday, January 24 the Bible conference continues after breakfast with morning worship and prayer. The opening sermon would follow a tea break and be delivered on the theme of the conference, "Holiness - The Fruit of the Spirit". After lunch the missionaries would be have the opportunity to attend elective seminars (based on the giftings of the various team members) and conclude with an afternoon tea break. Late afternoon free-time would be followed with supper, followed by evening worship. (VBS continues)

Friday, January 25 the Bible conference continues after breakfast with morning worship and prayer. The Closing sermon would follow a tea break and be delivered on the theme of the conference, "Holiness - The Fruit of the Spirit". After lunch the missionaries would depart for home. (VBS concludes at lunch)

Saturday, January 26 - Sight seeing in Addis Abeba and late evening departure for home.

Arrive in Memphis at about 6:00 PM on Sunday evening, January 27. (There is an option of spending an extra night in Europe in route).

Approximate cost for the trip would be $2,600.00 (depending on airfare and other variables, not including passport, visa and immunizations)

Supporters interested in traveling with us and helping present this conference are encouraged to contact Patrick before September 1, 2007.

Additional funds for this event would be greatly appreciated!