ICCD History
ICCD Established
In 1992, God led our Founder Ernest P. Clark to establish ICCD as a non-profit (501c3) ministry to reach the Deaf for Christ. Inspired by the work CCCD was doing in Jamaica, Mr. Clark wanted to expand their mission to reach other areas of the world. He gathered a board of directors who shared the vision, and began travels to Cuba and Mexico with the goal of sharing the Good News with the Deaf community.
Expanding to Rio-Bravo
In 1994, God moved ICCD to start a school in Rio-Bravo, Mexico. A government building initially served as the classroom for the Deaf. Then God graciously provided $60,000 to purchase 27 acres and with the help of four missionary families and many American work teams, the campus began to take shape. A two-story school, two residential homes, a multi-purpose building, team dormitories, and much more were developed.
A New Door Opens in Cuba
In 1997, God connected us to 2 pastors with a heart for the Deaf. The ministry quickly grew, spreading across the entire Island with Deaf ministries being established in every province and in hundreds of Christian churches. Thousands of Deaf have come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior and are now reaching out to more Deaf in their communities.
ICCD Appoints a New Director
In 2010, Thomas Turner was appointed as the General Director for ICCD. He had faithfully been serving as a missionary to the Deaf since the inception of ICCD and has a passion for reaching the Deaf for Christ since 1989.
ICCD Expands to the Bahamas
In 2014, ICCD sent two missionaries, Kayla (Rohr) Massie and Tali DiPalma to partner with Abundant Life Bible Church in Nassau, Bahamas. With the support and encouragement of Pastor Cranston Knowles, Kayla, Tali and the ALBC volunteers established a good ministry for the Deaf in Nassau and outreach to the Deaf in the Family Islands.
ICCD heads to Uganda, Africa
In 2018, we were fortunate enough to partner with local churches, organizations, and teachers in Uganda, Africa on the opening of our fourth location! This residential school and ministry provides a safe home, educational, and faith-based environment for countless Deaf children and young adults in the area.
ICCD Equips a Church in Bolivia
In April 2019, an ICCD team traveled to La Paz to train leaders in the Church on beginning a Deaf ministry. The church continues to serve the Deaf community through interpreted services and outreach events.
God Opens Doors in Brazil
In 2020, God opened doors for ICCD Missionaries to begin ministering to the Deaf community in southern Brazil.