Why attend ICCM?
Name: Mick Leggett Organisation: Works at HCJB Global - UK since - 2002 Country: Based in Bradford, UK
My first experience of ICCM was in 2002 when I attended in the US just a few weeks after joining HCJB Global in Bradford. For me it was like a light being switched on! I have attended ICCM somewhere in the world every year since. The benefits to my work are enormous as it means during the conference I can talk to people about my technical issues and get answers, I can find out what others are doing with technology to aid mission and I can also spend time really getting to know people I might not otherwise meet. Despite its technical name, the conference also provides spiritual input, we worship together, pray together and even have fun doing it. I would recommend that anyone who is involved with technology for the Kingdom of God (or would like to be involved) attends ICCM - you will come away wondering why you haven't been before!
Organisation: Open Doors Country: World wide
ICT staff of Open Doors International is attending the ICCM since 2002.
First of all it has been a wonderful experience for our IT people over the years. ICCM stands for meeting other, like-minded, people working in missions, sharing your faith with others, share knowledge with others, learn
from each other and pray with others.
Now, as ICCM-Europe is organized for the first time, we look forward to meet new people that will participate in this conference. We encourage workers in ICT to attend this unique conference and share your passions with other, wonderful, people.
Name: Lars Gunnersson Organisation: Works at Trans World Radio for 18 years: 9 in Africa and 9 in Europe Country: Based in Vienna, Austria
Some colleagues from our office in the USA told me about how much they appreciated going to the ICCM conference. Often times the networking between various Christian organisations is through the leaders and not through the people working with technology. Since I live and work in Europe I thought that this conference is unfortunately not for me, but in 2008 I felt that the networking with others who are using technology for Gods kingdom is so important for my work that I have to go. I did not regret the effort it took to travel back and forth over the Atlantic. It was well worth it! Now that ICCM is coming to Europe it is even more important to use this opportunity. You don't want to miss it!
Name: David Miller Organisation: Works at Global Recordings Network since 2008 and previously with Crosscape Technology Ltd as Mission IT consultant Country: Based in Australia
I first attended ICCM in the USA in 1997. I was encouraged to fellowship with around 200 Mission IT folk with the same interests and needs as myself. Not only could I find people who knew the answers to some of my questions, but I was able to help them answer theirs. ICCM is so much more than speakers and workshops, it is community and fellowship with people of like mind. I've found it so valuable I've flown to the USA at least 8 times to participate, and I've coordinated similar conferences in Australia and Asia. I heartily encourage workers in Missions ICT to attend an ICCM conference, where ever it is!
Name: Libby Wasserbeck Organisation: Works at Cross Link Group as Network Systems Manager Country: Based in Colorado, USA
June 2008 was my first ICCM-USA conference. It was such a blessing to meet with other technologists working in ministry. I benefited greatly from the training as well as the times spent over a soda talking about current challenges in ministry and technology. Several ideas I took back with me helped move the ministries I work with forward in their technology. The times of fellowship, worship and prayer were awesome. I left feeling I had a caring support group of people who understand the struggles I face each day as a missions technologist and are there for me when I need it. I plan to attend again this coming year.
Name: Vijay Burton Organisation: Works at Olive Technology since 2003 Country: Based in Hyderbad, India
My first experience of ICCM was attending the ICCM-Asia in Chiang Mai in October 2006 when I was invited to be one of the speakers. It was a great event mainly to network with a lot of like minded people and also getting to know much on the technology needs of these various organizations. I was also at the ICCM in May 2008 @ the Taylor University and here it was great to meet with a lot of Tech guys from around the US and other parts of the globe. I like the ICCM as this gets me wired to the Tech and missions world together and it's a great learning experience. I wish and pray that ICCM-Europe is a great success. My prayers and best wishes are with the organizers.
Name: Jeff Hazard Organisation: Works at Rift Valley Academy with AIM International since 2001 Country: Based in Kijabe, Kenya
I am a missionary serving as the IT Manager for Rift Valley Academy, a boarding school for MK’s in Kenya. I was introduced to ICCM in 2004 and attended my first conference in 2006. It was through networking and relationships at ICCM that I was able to coordinate several Tech Teams through LightSys and Missionary Tech Support to visit Kenya during our mission’s annual spiritual life conference. The teams were able to serve over 200 missionaries with their tech needs in a week’s time. This past year at ICCM I had the privilege of getting to know Paul Zonnenberg and learning of the ministry of Hands to Serve. Long story short, as a result of ICCM, Moffat Bible College here in Kijabe will be receiving an entire lab of computers through the help of Paul Z and Hands to Serve. ICCM is an extraordinary time and excellent way for missionary techs to come together, collaborate, share ideas, encourage one another and lift each other up in prayer. What blessing is ICCM.
Name: Robert Hodge Organisation: Works at Robert D. Hodge & Associates, LTD Co-founder of ICCM 1987 Country: Based in Indiana, USA
I had the privilege of being a prayer buddy with Paul at the 2008 ICCM in Indiana. We prayed about this step to host an ICCM in Europe, recognizing that it is a huge job to pull off, yet knowing that it was the right and necessary thing to do. I prayed for God's blessing upon this effort as it could assist so many missionaries in Europe that haven't been to the US or can't afford the time or money to attend in Indiana. Indeed, ICCMs outside of America will take the whole idea of ICCM to its original vision. I continue to pray for Paul as he steps out to nurture an ICCM in Europe. I pray that others will join together to make it special and unique for the needs of missionaries in Europe and beyond. After all, it's all for the missionaries, and by the missionaries.
Name: Roy Campbell Organisation: Works at International Teams Canada since 1999 Country: Based in Ontario, Canada
At the request of a colleague, I attended my first ICCM in 2001. What I saw was an amazing tapestry of Christians worshiping God, and sharing their experiences with technology. I was struck by the whole "by missionaries, for missionaries" focus coupled with "no one's paid to organize this, it's all done by volunteers". Over the years I've learned about some useful technology, and I've even shared experiences about technology. Mostly I've grown to appreciate my brothers and sisters and the work they do around the world. My single biggest reason for being a fan of ICCM is that EVERY conference I've been to has spoken to me where I was at in my spiritual walk. Sometimes by keynote speakers, sometimes by devotional speakers, sometimes by a chat over a meal, but always a piece of direction I can use and apply in my life.
Name: T.R. Knight Organisation: Works at Taylor University since 1996 Country: Based in Indiana, USA
Since 2002 I have been involved in the hosting of ICCM at Taylor University. I am impressed each year at how this conference comes together through the volunteer efforts of numerous missionaries around the globe. Through the heartfelt spiritual work of the volunteer leadership, a yearly conference flows that offers technical training, spiritual growth, and friendship bonding. ICCM is an amazing experience for missionary information technology staff and non-missionaries interested in technical missions to come together, collaborate, share ideas, and grow spiritually together.
Name: Joel Harrison Organisation: Works with the commercial banking industry Country: Based in Delaware, USA
I've been to two ICCM's now at Taylor U, and have been refreshed and encouraged greatly by those visits. It's not just about the new friends, abundant food and the fellowship of being surrounded by other like minded individuals -- although those things are great! It's about working together to build God's kingdom with what He's given us. I have been privileged to meet many of the others listed here, I look forward to seeing each of them and many others at the next ICCM. To HIM be the glory!
Name: Patrick Bailey Organisation: Works at Calvin College as Assistant Professor Computer Science Country: Based in Michigan, USA
ICCM was suggested to me almost three years ago when I was doing research on the link between the craft of technologists and their faith. Originally, I went to that conference to solicit volunteers, but I was rewarded with a new calling. Once I understood the value of ICCM to information technologists supporting the Lord’s work, I realized that ICCM provided opportunities in many dimensions. First, it has been my privilege to give my time to the conference through presentations on technical and management subjects. Second, ICCM has connected me to the work of others, and sharing their insights benefits my students at Calvin College. In addition to understanding the challenges of information systems for non-profits, my students have had the benefit of visits from ICCM members to discuss career options in this field. Most importantly, the love of Christ permeates throughout the conference, and I have seen relationships on a national and international scale develop in my three years of attending ICCM.
Name: Brian Roberg Organisation: Works at DiscipleMakers since 2001 Country: Based in Pennsylvania, USA
I first attended ICCM in 2005. I'd attended other ministry management/technology conferences before, but ICCM immediately stood out. Here's some reasons why:
- The culture of ICCM recognizes that our technology work is a ministry calling and not just a job.
- Folks at ICCM do a good job of remembering that our work is not fundamentally about computers, but about people.
- ICCM is very practical. After my first time attending I took home knowledge that had an immediate and significant impact on my organization.
I believe that anyone who's seeking to leverage technology to advance the gospel would benefit from attending ICCM.
Name: Marian Douce Organisation: Works at HCJB Global since 1990 Country: Based in Quito, Ecuador
My first ICCM was in 2000. I have always been impressed with the collaboration that happens at the conference and then throughout the year. You meet people who are farther ahead than you are in certain projects. Each one gladly shares their expertise and resources putting your mission's IT work farther ahead. HCJB Global has benefited from tools, training, security help, management help, discounted software, and expert technical advice from our many ICCM friends. The fellowship and prayer times allow you to meet people who share your interests, speak your technical language, and understand your daily challenges. I've gained a precious support group through ICCM - several of us women in mission IT have continued our ICCM prayer group in a monthly prayer phone conference.
Name: Paul Zonnenberg Organisation: Works at Hands To Serve since 1996 Country: Based in the Netherlands
I started visiting the ICCM conferences in 2006 after hearing about them for years. It is great to meet others that are working with technology in Gods Kingdom. I made friends for life and learned about IT subjects that I should have heard about years ago. Even the meal times are a great source of information. I soon learned never to go to a meal without taking some notepaper with me to write down all the internet addresses that contained solutions to my every day problems. It is true what they say: If you ever make it to an ICCM conference, you never want to miss another one!
