Several weeks ago we received an email from the friend of some faithful supporters of IYT.   Her daughter was starting a new ministry in Haiti, and it was suggested that we might want to connect and possibly work together on some business ideas.

First of all, this is EXACTLY the kind of connection that we hope to make!  Friends who are familiar with the work we do, telling their friends, seeing an opportunity, and playing the most important role:  CONNECTOR.  God uses people.  He lets us be a part of the work He is doing.  And when we ACT on opportunities, we become the instruments of His hands!  Amazing!

We met with Jenn and Amy over bagels and coffee and immediately saw a spark in them.  Their plan to open a healthcare facility in Cap Haiten, Haiti was not only ambitious but inspiring.  They were in the beginning stages of forming their ministry and we were honored to be able to counsel them and offer some assistance with their formation.

Second Mile Ministries will build the "House of Hope", a facility where they will minister to sick and malnourished children and empower their families through healthcare education and small business opportunities. 

At IYT we plan to provide consulting during the building phase of "House of Hope" and possibly hosting a short term trip to help with the construction.  We are also working closely with Second Mile Ministries in developing business opportunities for the people of Haiti.
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This video about the church in Mizoram, India is a beautiful example of giving from what you have.  It's not about going without or huge sacrifices.  It's about giving everyday - in your home - with no one watching except your children.   

Whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward - Mark 9:41
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Recommended reading:
Business as Mission:  The Power of Business in the Kingdom of God by Michael Baer
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We were blessed to be introduced to members of the organization Feeding God's Children  based in Knoxville, Tennessee.  They have worked with the church in Guatemala providing much of the funds that support the children feeding programs.  They also are involved with feeding children in the nearby Appalachian mountains.   Check out this great organization at their website:  www.feedinggodschildren.org

Investing Your Talents is interested in forming relationships with other ministries so that we can work together to get the right projects and needs to the right organizations.
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Joe recently attended MTW's 2010 Global Missions Conference in Chattanooga, Tennessee.   The weekend provided many opportunities to meet others who are engaging in business as missions around the world.
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Brian Fikkert of the Chalmers Center, co-authored 
When Helping Hurts - How to Alleviate Poverty without Hurting the Poor.   In addition to attending Brian's seminar, we enjoyed getting to know him and learning more about the Chalmers Center for Economic Development at Covenant College.
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Thanks to W. Ashley Maddox with Missionary Films, this short video tells a little bit more about Investing Your Talents and our mission.

Click HERE to view video

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Joe shares his heart for the ministry of IYT and how he became involved in the ministry.
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Missionary Films helps missionaries, churches and organizations share their story.  Ashley is doing great work for the Kingdom.
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We (the Atkinsons) just arrived in Waxhaw, North Carolina at the JAARS Center to attend a Business As Missions training conference.   We'll be in the Charlotte area for the next few weeks.  More updates to come!
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Pastor David Alvarez (pastor of the church in Guatemala City) and his wife, Fabiola, were recently in a severe car accident while returning from the villages near Rio Dulce.  Fabiola had to undergo major surgery as a result and is still in the hospital recovering.   Please pray for their family and all of the church family in Guatemala.
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Joe and Pastor David
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I (Joe) went on my first trip to Guatemala on June 10.  What a blessing to meet Pastor David Alvarez and to see the work that the Centro Cristiano Cultural de Guatemala (the church) is doing in their country.
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We joined Jeff Whittle and the team from Ecclessia Construction, who were on a short term trip.
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We traveled to Rio Dolce, about 6 hours by car from the City.  Over 600 children were fed by the feeding ministry that day, after being given a hygiene lesson and having a Bible lesson.
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A man from my home church, Catalina Foothills Church in Tucson, Arizona, traveled with me on the trip.  Jaime Gibbons was born in Guatemala, and had not been back for a visit in nearly 10 years.  God made it possible for Jaime to join me, and as we shared with the as great as we shared with the church about IYT. 

Jaime, me, and Otoniel (one of the pastors at CCCG) in front of a fountain in Central Park, Guatemala City.
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Earlier this year the Board of Directors invited Joe Atkinson to be IYT's first Executive Director.  Joe and his family  (wife Tina, Emily (13) and Max (10) ) currently live in Tucson, Arizona, where they have owned and managed a custom cabinetry manufacturing and contracting business that has been in the Atkinson family for 38 years.  Joe serves the local church in many capacities, and supports several para-church organizations with fund-raising and mentoring.  He is looking forward to working full time with IYT, using his business experience and skills to further kingdom work across the globe. 
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