Allow us the liberty to share with you for a moment, the history of how IMSI was born. IMSI was conceived out of a broken heart. A heart that saw the great need but very little being done about what we saw. We realized that very little was being accomplished because of the intimidating factors of governmental restrictions, financial constraints, and lack of manpower to aid in the work needed. How does one facilitate such an undertaking? What would be the cost of such a venture? We found that many people from different parts of the world have a similar desire to make a difference. Many others have a heart to help but have no avenue to facilitate such an undertaking. This dream was cultivated 10 years ago when we (Bradley Witbracht and Branden McKinion) were faced with the realization of a need to bridge the gap and meet the need. We found ourselves asking the question that has become the motto of IMSI:
“How Can We Help?”
By asking this simple question we unearthed an entirely different world regarding the real need. The resounding response we found from people all over the world was humbling. The main question posed by those we asked was, “Are you going to come and stay or will you leave us alone after a few days?” Out of this, IMSI International Mission Stations Incorporated was born. Our heart is to make a lasting impact and positive difference in the places open to us. Our mission is to enter into a country where our assistance has been requested. Next, through the power of our Texas-based NGO, we register with the country we have entered and begin the process of setting up a permanent station: a lasting presence that will not be here today and gone tomorrow but will remain for years to come as a lifeline to those in need.
IMSI is currently working in Romania by establishing children’s camps to provide basic care and education. With our teams of doctors and nurses, we endeavor to train others in life skills, health education, as well as medical and first aid training. With these resources, we are also able to offer mental and physical counseling. We have another team available to travel and teach electrical, plumbing, and other building-related skills. Our IMSI–Romania station is an 11-acre facility that provides housing for people in need as well as storage and distribution of food, clothing, and other supplies to distribute to war-torn locations within Ukraine.
IMSI-Ukraine is also locally known as “The Place of Hope”. This 100-acre farm includes operating sunflower fields for oil and a 24,000-square-foot building that runs an alcohol rehabilitation program for men and their families. Since the beginning of the war between Russia and Ukraine, we have used our station to house fleeing Ukrainian refugees. Here they are given medical aid, food, and clothing, along with any supplies needed for their journey. Our teams have delivered life-saving medication here and hope to continue to do so. This is our great honor and pride to provide a warm and safe place for the elderly, women, and children to rest and recover before continuing on their journey while fleeing their homeland.
Another station for which we are grateful is IMSI-Israel. There we work with the Lone Soldiers of the Israeli Defense Force. When battles have taken their toll, we are there to establish connections. We are their friends and confidantes. As funds arise, we also deliver supplies to these soldiers. Our dream is to have a home where battle-worn soldiers can retreat to after battle.
IMSI-Spain is established in the city of Malaga. There we are working with the schools to help and meet the need for school supplies for the children. We’re also working to develop quality after-school programs that would guide and mentor a young generation of school-age children in need.
IMSI is a non-profit/humanitarian organization that is composed of many Christians. Christians united in a common goal to make a lasting and practical difference in countless lives worldwide and to show others the love, care, and compassion so desperately needed in our world today. This is our heart’s desire and true mission! IMSI was born as a dream one day in our living room by simply asking, “How can we help, and what can we give?” Would you be willing to ask yourself these same questions and carefully consider donating toward our cause or making a monthly commitment to supporting IMSI in our ongoing efforts? We thank you for your consideration and look forward to partnering with you in our mission to help meet needs across the world!
Sincerely,
Brad Witbracht & Branden McKinion
Executive Directors of IMSI