ITMI History

After 30 years of ministry in Europe, Bill and Harriett Bathman founded ITMI in 1981. Beginning in England as an evangelist, Bill was later called during the Communist years to minister to Christians behind the Iron Curtain. Bill and Harriett did so from a mission base in Salzburg, Austria which provided convenient entry into the mission field of Eastern Europe. In 1981, the Bathmans further expanded their ministry to include restricted access areas in Africa by founding In Touch Mission International (ITMI) in Tempe, Arizona.

The Bathmans realized the value of national workers through their previous contacts with pastors and Christians in Eastern Europe. They began to work to assist these ministries in any way possible. Some of the assistance provided to pastors in Eastern Europe included the purchase of vehicles, delivery of Bibles, medical equipment, supplies and services, raising awareness through radio programs, and by field visits of prayer, support and encouragement.

In 2006, In Touch Mission International celebrated 25 years of serving the persecuted and suffering Church in restricted access countries. Founder and President of ITMI Bill Bathman briefly highlights achievements of each year to the present time:

1981

ITMI born in prayer, entrusted to God. Bibles to China, crusades in India, Europe and South Africa.

1982

Mission Conference in Canada. Bill’s heart-attack, ITMI organized by Harriett into a viable mission.

1983

Revival begins in Romania. Car purchased for pastor. Outreach to Poland. Mexican pastor’s support.

1984

Medical & mission ministry in Poland. Lenora Bathman commissioned and sent by ITMI to Austria.

1985

Harriett organized ITMI medical teams for Poland & Romania. ITMI sent 350-seater tent to Polish ministry.

1986

Delivery of hi-tech medical equipment for Romania (presented to local hospital by Christians).

1987

Pastor Support Program (PSP) for South Africa. Car purchased for Yugoslav pastor. ITMI ministry in Asia.

1988

PSP expanded in areas of Africa, Mexico & India. Added support for ministerial students & national missionaries.

1989

ITMI helped provide a new Baptist Church building in Yugoslavia. Provided cars for Mexico.

1990

Raised $20,000 USD for Romanian church building project. Took medical equipment for Bethesda Medical Clinic in Romania.

1991

Harriett organized ITMI’s first medical/surgical team to operate in Romanian hospitals.

1992

More Bibles and medical aid to Bulgaria. PSP fund increased for Romania. Purchased field vehicle for Frontline Fellowship.

1993

Harriett organized 26-member medical team for Romania. Began orphanage project in Prilipet called “Casa Dorca.”

1994

ITMI sent an 18-wheeler truck of medical equipment for Bethesda Medical Clinic & $26,000 USD for Casa Dorca in Romania.

1995

1st book published by ITMI - Angola By The Back Door. Worked with JAF in “Wheels for Poland.”

1996

$1,000 USD for Bibles & Bikes in Malawi. 2nd Baptist Church in Poznan reclaimed (stolen by communists).

1997

ITMI purchased an ambulance for village in Yecora, Mexico. Refurbishing of Poznan 2nd Baptist Church continued.

1998

Polish Bible Translation project began under the direction of ITMI’s Dr. Piotr Zaremba.

1999

2nd book published by ITMI - Going Through…Even If The Door Is Closed. 20′ long shipping container full of medical supplies sent for Sudan relief.

2000

Blue Nile Project in Sudan. Hospital and churches bombed by Muslims in Western Equatoria.

2001

Bill made two missions trips into Sudan. Bill & Harriett moved to Cape Town, South Africa in October.

2002

5th Anniversary of Excellence Christian Academy (ECA) in Kabwe, ITMI’s first school project in Zambia.

2003

New 3-story wing on Casa Dorca Orphanage in Prilipet, Romania. Bibles sent for ex-terrorists in South Africa.

2004

New Life Center & Bread of Life Ministries thrive under ITMI’s Richard & Brooke Nungesser.

2005

New classrooms for ECA in Zambia. International College of Missions launched in Uganda.

2006

3rd book published by ITMI - How’d You Hurt Your Hand?

2007 - present 

New projects: Moreson Children’s Haven in Cape Town, South Africa; Samaritan Children’s Home and Lusaka Bible College in Zambia.