This T-shirt Can Change People's Lives

This T-shirt Can Change People's Lives

MEDIA ADVISORY, April 22 /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 $21.95, 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.

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