Brief History of the ISM-CID

It all started when…

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 necessitated the pivoting of that year’s ACMI Conference to an online format. This move enabled many more ISM practitioners from all over the world to attend. As record numbers of participants gathered, there was a collective recognition that the ISM community was facing a season of unprecedented upheaval. Established ministry models were no longer viable, and new methodologies were needed. There was also an increased willingness to collaborate across organizations, and an eagerness to find new ways of reaching the nations. The world may have changed, but God had not, and neither had His desire to share the blessings of His love with the nations.

In weeks after the ACMI conference, Paula Parker, the Executive Director of ACMI, put out a call to the ISM community for suggestions of next steps following the conference. One of the suggestions, proposed by Daniel Lim of International Students, Inc., was for the formation of the International Student Ministry Center for Innovation and Development (ISM-CID). The ISM-CID was envisioned as a space for multi-organizational, collaborative efforts which focused on creating solutions for issues and problems faced within regular ISM operations, as well as pursuing the development of innovative resources and means to impact the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ through opportunities afforded through ISM. 

After further prayer and discussion, Paula and Daniel set about to gather a team that would form the Core Advisory Group for the ISM-CID. Over the next few months, Ben Allin (InterFACE), Rachel Sjoquist (International Friendships, Inc.), Chris Sneller (Bridges International), and Roy Yabuki (International Students, Inc.) joined as members of the Core Advisory Group. The Core Advisory Group began meeting regularly in October 2020 to craft the founding documents of the ISM-CID and move forward with its formation as an entity under the ACMI umbrella. 

The ISM-CID was officially announced and launched during the 2021 ACMI Conference, which coincided with the organization’s 40th anniversary.