Greetings from Derek Martin, ICC Chairman

It gives me so much joy to write a few words in appreciation for the many years that both Helmut and Elisabeth have given to the work of ICC.

They arrived in Eastbourne in the early l97O`s to work in the recording ministry of ECHO. This was a small but growing ministry founded by Don Feltham. I was priveliged to be one of the few Trustees who were committed to the care of and vision of ECHO. Helmut and Elisabeth were recently from Bible School and had been involved in a much appreciated singing ministry which was beginning to be well known in many parts of the UK. As ECHO was a comparitively small ministry, the engagement of Helmut and Elisabeth was a major step of faith for the Board of Trustees. However, even after just a few months it became apparent that the decision to invite Helmut and Elisabeth to come was perhaps one of the best moves that could be made. Very quickly Helmut gave himself unstintingly to the technical development of the work and in consequence the ministry grew.

After about two years of their arrival, Don Feltham moved on from Eastbourne and the board of ECHO had no hesitation in appointing Helmut as the Director. It was at this time that the name was changed to ICC. At that time ICC was engaged in Radio Programming for many ot the major Christian Broadcasters of the time and it was felt necessary to increase the staff numbers as the work of ICC grew. In all of this time I grew to appreciate the spiritual integrity of Helmut and Elisabeth and in addition to my being involved as a Trustee of ICC also became close personal friends.

The sense of integrity that Helmut brought to the growth and ministry of ICC- abley supported by Elisabeth - cannot be over emphasised. When I was appointed Chairman some l3 years ago it only enforced the opinion that I and others had that the decision to invite Helmut and Elisabeth to come to Eastbourne in the early l970`s was not only the right one but more importantly it was part of God`s great plan and purpose for their lives and for the ministry of ICC. The fact that ICC is now known throughout all major sections of the Christian Church in various ways confirms that God has had and always will have, his hand upon not only ICC but also upon those who feel called to serve Him in this specialised Ministry.

Thank you my dear Brother and Sister in Christ for your many years of humble sacrifice and for all that you have done in His name to promote and extend His Kingdom.


Derek NG Martin. -Chairman.