Young people, make up almost ½ the population of Latin America.  This presents a huge need, challenge, and opportunities to communities, schools, churches, and parents because there are so many social,  economic, spiritual problems and decisions young people must face. 

Young people are the largest and most significant mission field.  To find this mission field it is not necessary to go to a distant country they are all around every church wanting something to do, waiting to be reached.

Churches need more ways of reaching young people.  They need tools and assistance to increase their efforts and make a more meaningful impact in this age group. 

Parents face challenges in raising their children.  It is much more difficult being a parent today.  Many are seeking help but don't know where to look.

Icthus is striving to help in Latin America with these needs and challenges by providing ministry tools that churches can use to help children and youth grow.  Find out how to Become a Partner and Make a donation online.

Icthus International wants to help churches reach children and young people because we believe what the Bible says: "Bring up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."  (Proverbs 22:6) 

Our mission is to evangelize and disciple young people with Biblical truth and to prepare them for service and leadership by providing churches with training, materials, and programs.

We help churches and organizations of all denominations in 15 countries in Latin America increase their ministry to children and youth.    We provide materials, training, encouragement and organize camps so churches can be more effective in their most important mission - reaching and training of young people.

 

 

 

 

ICTHUS takes its name from the Greek word for "fish".

This word was used as an acronym by early Christians and a secret identification:

All together, this acronym spells out the core of the Gospel: Jesus Christ is God's Son and our Savior.  This is one of the first "secrets" that young people learn when they join an Icthus group.   John Shackelford, a former missionary in Guatemala was the person who not only gave the inspiration for the starting of this program, but also suggested that we use the name "Icthus" in 1964.  John felt that children and youth would be attracted to the word because it was originally a secret.  More importantly though, he liked how it stated the essence of the Gospel in a way that was easy to remember.