How an ICM Investor’s Mileage Funded an Entire Church

Cary Jones walked nearly 70 miles to raise awareness for one vision: building healthy churches within walking distance of everyone in the world.

“From the first time Julia and I heard the vision of ICM, we were bought in,” says Cary.

He and his wife Julia began their support of ICM through an outreach called Miles for Missions and later felt called to double down on their investment after going on a vision trip.

Then Cary took things a step further. “I have said frequently that one of the biggest markers of spiritual maturity is how we are transforming into the nature of Christ. Christ was and is a giver. The reason we started a peer-to-peer campaign is to give others the opportunity to share in the mission of ICM and to be formed in the image of Christ.”

Eager to generate excitement about building the global Kingdom of God, Cary committed to a 70-mile fundraising walk for ICM.

“As I walked, I thought about the millions of believers around the world who walk miles to church in their best through the blazing hot sun, or through the frigid dark days of winter,” explains Cary.

“These believers are willing to be uncomfortable to be in a corporate setting worshipping the God who is the only source of eternal comfort, peace, grace, and mercy.”

During the walk, he was also reminded of those who haven’t yet heard or accepted Jesus into their lives.

“I think about how every step I take is another brick in a building that is part of the shining light in a community spreading love and the good news.”

Needless to say, his steps were not wasted.

By the end of his journey, Cary had well exceeded his goal. His efforts funded an entire church and hope center, with funds left over to support another project.

“What I have discovered over the last year is that I am the church — we are the church. That there is a community of believers that truly are Kingdom-minded and serious about the mission that Christ gave the church in the Great Commission,” says Cary.

ICM is encouraged by and has immense gratitude for the generosity and creativity of faithful donors like Cary.