Dear Friend of IOCC,

As I write you, the devastation caused by the earthquake in Haiti stands as a stark reminder of the on-going need and importance of the mission of IOCC. Our staff and volunteers have been working tirelessly since the earthquake struck Haiti and will continue to respond to the tremendous needs of the people there. 

As a faithful friend of IOCC, I am contacting you because people's lives are depending on us – not just in Haiti, but in more than 30 countries around the world where IOCC has served. That is why this year's annual Chairman's Challenge is especially important. 

I hope that we can count on you to help – every dollar that you contribute before March 15 to the Chairman's Challenge will be matched by the IOCC Board of Directors up to a total of $250,000. 

With the increased need around the world, your gift could very well impact the number of people we are able to serve – people who are hungry, people who are sick, and people who are depending on us to help them help themselves. With your help, the IOCC Board of Directors is determined to ensure that we can provide life-saving assistance to as many people as possible in 2010.

School children in East Africa, for example, are depending on us to provide the resources to enable them to attend schools run by the Orthodox Church. In Ethiopia, families are relying on us to deliver shoes and simple ointments that can prevent a lifetime of disability from ailments caused by simply walking barefoot. In Jordan and Syria, refugees are holding onto the hope that programs you have been supporting will continue to provide new opportunities for a fresh start in life. In the United States, families of pre-school children in under-served areas lack the resources to feed their curiosity – and their stomachs – leaving many starting school already behind. 

IOCC is blessed to have generous supporters like you. As careful stewards of your gifts, we are doing everything possible to ensure that we are still able to carry out the critical work that we have planned, including an expansion of our efforts in Africa and the Middle East. 

That's why your support is vital during our 2010 Chairman's Challenge if we're to continue our efforts to help families escape the cycle of hunger, poverty and disease, and to rebuild their lives following conflict, emergencies and disasters. 

I know that many of you, like me, receive numerous appeals for funding. But today I write to personally ask for your support in joining with me to ensure that we do everything we can to make sure the crucial work of IOCC can continue in service to our brothers and sisters whose need is great. 

As a faithful contributor to IOCC's mission, you are aware of our steadfast commitment to making every dollar count and have the greatest impact possible. The IOCC Board of Directors and staff remain dedicated to that goal of being efficient and effective – and have earned some of the highest ratings of organizations in our field. 

Please prayerfully consider what you can give to help at this crucial time – especially now when your gifts will double in impact with the Chairman's Challenge.

Your gift can make a life-saving difference. This is why the members of the IOCC Board of Directors have committed themselves to matching your contributions – so that we can respond to these urgent needs quickly and efficiently. 

Know that no matter how much you can give, your gift will be received with deep appreciation – especially by those who benefit from the work we are able to do with your support. And together, we will achieve our vision of responding to those who are suffering and in need, to enable them to continue to improve their own lives and communities and to have means to live with dignity, respect and hope. 

Please join with me and the IOCC Board of Directors in responding to these needs and join with us in praying for all those affected by these difficult times. 

Yours in Christ, 

Alex Machaskee 
IOCC Chairman of the Board 

P.S. Please help us respond to these urgent needs and ensure that the critical work of IOCC continues for as many people as possible. Be sure to give before March 15 to ensure that your gift will double in impact through the Chairman's Challenge. Thank you! 

P.P.S. Consider making a monthly contribution – your monthly pledge made before March 15 will be matched throughout the year.