December 19, 2009

Dear Friends,

Last September I submitted my letter of resignation to the board of the Network of International Congregations effective as of December 31, 2009. As of the end of the year please direct any correspondence to the web master of the NIC, Jim Dwyer, at the address on the website: www.internationalcongregations.net.

I appreciate the efforts of the NIC’s two main personal sources of support in the last two years. The Advisory Board, Greg Anderson, Jodi Fondell, Jeff Powell, Steve Larson, and especially the Chair, Larry Kalajainen, have been a joy to work with. Jim Dwyer’s faithfulness in maintaining the website has made a real contribution.

The two main reasons for my resignation are: (1) The use of the NIC in the last two years doesn’t necessitate a director for the organization. Should the NIC wish to expand its services in the future, the position could be reinstated. (2) The functions and size of the NIC in my opinion does not warrant the NIC having its own 501c3 status. To meet that need conversations regarding affiliation with organizations with whom the NIC may have mutually benefitted have not been successful. I appreciate those congregations and individuals who have made contributions. However, at this point there is not sufficient financial support to maintain anything but a voluntary organization.

The lack of a director need not signal the demise of the NIC’s service. The main need that the NIC meets, leadership succession, is easily met by maintaining the NIC’s website. International congregations can publish their needs there, and interested candidates can go to that site to locate vacancies. If that service is maintained, there is little need for a director.

Thank you to you who have made contributions of energy and funds during my association with the NIC as director in the last two years. I pray that the choice of options for the NIC’s future best serve God’s mission through international congregations.

A blessed holiday season.

Karl

Rev. Karl Reko
1020 N. Harlem, 5F
River Forest, IL 60305
U.S.A.