In the heart of Cebu, Pastor Ricardo’s story exemplifies how ICM’s Thrive Network serves as an effective distribution system that reaches communities otherwise difficult to access.

“It was a great privilege to belong to this group,” Pastor Ricardo shares, reflecting on how ICM’s programs revitalized not just his ministry but an entire community.

Building Local Capacity

Six years ago, Pastor Ricardo joined Thrive Network—ICM’s system of partnering with local pastors to reach ultra-poor communities. Like many of the 18,371 active Thrive pastors across the Philippines, he was deeply committed to serving his community but lacked resources and support.

When the COVID pandemic created setbacks for his small fellowship, the Thrive Network provided crucial support. Two years after the pandemic, Pastor Ricardo was able to restart his community work with renewed purpose. Through his Thrive membership, he accessed ICM’s Transform program, bringing valuable resources directly to families in need.

Multiplication Effect

In 2023, Pastor Ricardo joined ICM’s GO Viral Program, gaining skills to develop local leaders who could extend the network’s impact. The results speak to the effectiveness of this distribution model:

• He has successfully trained four new community leaders
• Each leader now runs their own small group
• Five additional leaders are currently in development
• The community has secured a larger meeting space to accommodate growth

This multiplication effect demonstrates why ICM’s distribution network is so powerful. As CEO David Sutherland explains, “We believe that pastors are better positioned to inject hope into people’s lives… God has already pre-positioned these people all around.”

Efficient and Scalable

The Thrive Network exemplifies ICM’s commitment to being focused, effective, efficient, and scalable. By leveraging existing community structures and leaders, ICM can deliver programs at a fraction of the cost of traditional models.

“When we’re dealing with ultra-poor communities, we need to make sure we’re maximizing impact while minimizing cost,” Sutherland notes. The partnership with Pastor Ricardo demonstrates this efficiency—transforming an entire community while equipping local leaders to sustain and expand that transformation.

Pastor Ricardo expresses his appreciation for the support, stating, “Thank you so much for the overwhelming support extended to us.” His gratitude is spoken both in Cebuano and English, reflecting the deep local connections that make ICM’s distribution network so effective.

With 18,371 active Thrive pastors in the network across the Philippines, stories like Pastor Ricardo’s demonstrate how ICM’s strategic partnerships multiply impact in communities most in need of transformation.

Based on original reporting by Keziah Regine Amistoso