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July 2, 2009

Christian Aid Group Announces Closing

40 US employees and 32 overseas workers idled by International Aid.

David Neff

International%20Aid.JPG

Today, the Michigan-based ministry International Aid announced its decision to cease operations. The news release (posted today, but dated yesterday) reads as follows:

SPRING LAKE, Mich., July 1, 2009 – Spring Lake, Mich. - based International Aid (IA) said today it is ceasing operations effective immediately. Board Chair Roger Spoelman said the board voted this morning to shut down the agency.

"While this was a tough decision for all of us who believe in the mission of the organization, we simply do not have the resources to continue even another day," said Spoelman. IA acting CEO Dr. Gordon D. Loux informed the agency's 40 U.S. employees this afternoon. The shutdown also immediately affects 32 employees in Honduras and the Philippines.

Founded in 1980, International Aid provided health care services, technology, training and supplies to the poor in developing countries around the globe in addition to emergency aid for those affected by natural disasters.

Loux said the agency will continue shipments of medical equipment and supplies. He said he will be working with vendors and creditors affected by today's shut down as well as notifying the agency's corporate and other partners.

posted by David Neff | Comments (2)

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This is a sad day for many of us missionaries around the world, as we remember gratefully all the wonderful warehouse workers and free goods donated by many businesses to International Aid for our use. For example, we are still using the Amway pots and pans we picked up there one furlough, as well as many other helpful things. The volunteers who worked in IA were wonderful Christians. We are sad that things have turned around for IA, and will miss them.

Posted By: Susan De Vries | July 7, 2009 12:06 AM

Ditto to Susan's comment. We too have received so many useful tools to take back with us to the field to use for ourselves, as well as to help the brethren there. We have been grateful for this ministry and are grieved for those who have worked there and dedicated their lives for this ministry. I'm sorry for the way this has effected them.

Posted By: Jo Ann Davis | July 7, 2009 5:23 AM