Founded 1974

~Tom Osbeck, Founder and President of IYFM

"My Journey to Haiti actually began 50 years ago. In 1974, straight out of high school, I started working with kids at the Christian Development Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and I’ve been doing that ever since. By 1995 I had the most perfect life possible, I mean that. I was raising a beautiful little girl, Deanna that I had adopted, I was working for Youth for Christ and life was perfect. I coached basketball - and got paid for it. I was the sports announcer for a local high school at all their home games. Life could not have been better. Then one day, at a Youth for Christ staff meeting, it was announced that all staff must go on at least one short term mission trip to Haiti.
 
WHAT?
 
Where is Haiti? Half way around the world?
I said these exact words: “I am not going to stupid Haiti” and I used some phony excuses and got out of going. Then 1996 came and I was told if I want to continue to work at YFC I must take one missions trip and I would never have to go again. So I went to “stupid Haiti” to get my week in.
 
The first day – yes, the FIRST day - I was walking through a village with 8 kids hanging on to each arm and very clearly God said to me “Tom, this is what I want you to do for the rest of your life.” I never batted an eye. I accepted the call. No ifs, ands, or buts … and I didn’t know why. I got back to the hotel and wept half the night.
 
The week was incredible. I left, went home, resigned from YFC and began raising my initial support. Over the next two years I made 7 additional short-term trips back to Haiti.
 
On October 26,1998, I left for Haiti to stay. My journey was underway. I made a two year commitment, and this fall I’ll" have completed my two year commitment – 13 times over!