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Contact: Nancy Crist, 319-378-1081, ext. 22
MEDIA ADVISORY, May 15 /Christian
Newswire/ -- Two men from Eastern Iowa have faith that a T-shirt
will unite Christians across the country while raising money for Christian
ministries. Through the project, co-founders Jim Mayhew of Vinton and Rob
Gettemy of Marion plan to sell one million black T-shirts with white type that
proclaim "1M4JC" or "One Million for Jesus Christ." Says Mayhew, "It's a simple
idea that has the potential to have a huge impact." According to Mayhew, the
idea came to him while he was on his way to church one Sunday. "Right then and
there I believed 1M4JC could have a tremendous influence on our world through
something as simple as a T-shirt."
Energized by the inspiration, Mayhew approached a friend, Rob
Gettemy, at Antioch Christian Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where they both are
members. Gettemy, a former executive in the corporate world for many years, was
captivated by the idea of helping to launch a Christian business with the
potential for touching millions of lives. The men soon became co-founders of
1M4JC and began planning the introduction and sale of their signature T-shirt on
their new web site, www.1m4jc.com, when it officially launches May 1. "This is
more than a Christian T-shirt business," says Mayhew. "This is our opportunity
to glorify God by putting our faith into action."
THE T-SHIRT, WHICH SELLS FOR $19.95, will initially be available
through the web site, although Gettemy says it may be available in Christian
stores down the road. Each shirt will also have a unique number between 1 and 1
million stitched on the sleeve. Mayhew is 0000001 and Gettemy is 0000002.
Explains Gettemy, "When people wear the individually numbered shirt they are
saying, 'I'm one of the millions who believe in Jesus.'"
The men are quick to point out that the T-shirt is meant to
stimulate conversation, to unite Christians and give them inspiration for
striking up a conversation no matter where they are. "Hopefully this shirt
provides an opportunity for Christians to share their faith, to open a dialogue
with others whether or not they are Christians," says Mayhew. "I envision 1M4JC
as a way for people to connect with each other."
Another way Mayhew and Gettemy say Christians can communicate is
through their web site. "Our goal is to provide a web community where Christians
can gather, create their own pages, and share faith testimonials," says Mayhew.
"We hope the social networking and testimonial pages will give people reason to
keep coming back."
Mayhew and Gettemy have made the Ministry Partners Program an
important part of their business plan. "1M4JC is committed to donating 10
percent of product revenues to not-for-profit Christian ministries that impact,
change and save lives," says Gettemy. The men have identified several missions
that will benefit from T-shirt sales and plan to add charities in the future.
Updates on the Ministry Partners Program will be posted on their web site.
1M4JC also offers an Affiliate Program that provides for-profit
and not-for-profit Christian organizations the chance to earn money by carrying
1M4JC's link on their web site. For-profit affiliates will receive a 10 percent
commission and not-for-profit affiliates will receive 20 percent from
click-through sales (10 percent commission and 10 percent designated to their
ministry).
"It's exciting to see the web site go up," says Mayhew. "We're
turning a divine idea into reality."
Biographies:
Jim Mayhew and his wife of 15 years, Beth, operate a busy custom
graphics business in their hometown of Vinton, Iowa, where they also live with
their two boys. Jim's professional interests include photography, digital
imaging and desktop publishing. His experience includes more than 10 years as a
professional portrait and commercial photographer and eight-plus years as a
commercial graphic designer.
Jim enjoys landscape photography, basketball, coaching, movies
and relaxing with his family. He also treasures his membership at Antioch
Christian Church, were he enjoys being involved in various ministries.
Rob Gettemy and his wife of 20 years, Tracy, live in Marion,
Iowa, with their two sons. Rob spent the first 16 years of his career in the
corporate world managing major departments while juggling time for quality
family life. After accepting Christ in 2003, he left the hustle and bustle of
large business for a more self-directed career path. Since 2003, Rob has started
a variety of small businesses, which allows greater balance in his life.
Rob serves on the Board of Directors for "Aid to Women," a local pro-life, gospel-based crisis pregnancy center. He is an active member of Daybreak Rotary and recently took his first mission trip to Honduras in 2007 with the Rotary group. Rob is an active member of Antioch Christian Church, where he assists with a variety of ministries, including communion, video and youth. Rob's favorite recreational pastimes include running marathons, hunting and fishing.