As you seek the Lord’s guidance in helping, let me share a bit of the passion that Icthus leaders have for reaching the children and the struggles they deal with.

A letter from a Costa Rican Icthus Guide

My name is Carlos Calderon. I am a part of the Christian Harmony Church in a poor neighborhood on the south side of San Jose, Costa Rica. Our poverty-stricken neighborhood has been greatly affected by social problems like drugs, alcoholism, gangs, and violence. This makes a rough environment for the children.

Five enthusiastic kids in Carlos' Icthus group in Costa Rica

A few months ago, our church made a commitment to rescue young people from this type of environment. We began looking for ways to attract the children to our church and show them the love of God.

However, after trying various strategies, very few children continued to come back. In fact, we were left with an even lower attendance. This worried us a lot. We realized that we didn’t have a strong program in place.

Kevin: “Icthus is fun. I have learned many things like how to treat others with respect. I like everything about Icthus. I especially enjoy the games. I am there every Saturday, because I don’t like to miss it.”

Then, a youth leader from our church met Eduardo and Sandra Ramirez, national leaders for Icthus Costa Rica. They suggested starting Icthus.

We quickly decided to get the Icthus training, and we met with parents and promoted it in the neighborhood. On April 5th, an Icthus legion group began in our church. Now we have a faithful group of 34 children.

We are very satisfied with the fruit of this program. In our neighborhood, where children are so often drawn into drugs and the trash that the world has to offer, we are able to give them a better, more worthwhile alternative. They are learning how to share, have healthy friendships, and -- most importantly -- how to direct their lives toward God by putting on the armor that He provides us to face life with courage (Eph. 6:10-18).

During our fourth meeting in May, the Icthus kids took a vote to decide the name of our legion. They are proud of their name: “The Warrior Legion: Vigorous and Valiant” (which goes with the idea of the armor of God in Eph: 6:10-18 that they are learning about).		This is the time during our Icthus meetings called “the Fish Circle,” when a biblical story is shared that relates to the lesson they are learning.

Friend, to date we have received $2,500 towards the matching grant of $3,000 to help extend Icthus to groups like this one in Costa Rica. Now with only fifteen days left we need to raise the last $500. I’m trusting in the Lord that we can do that and even more … so that the blessing can be extended to many more children.

Your partnership is appreciated. Whether you share an encouraging word, pray for us, provide resources, or volunteer, you help to bring this ministry to children.

Thank you,
Don Weisbrod, President

PS: Would you please pray about helping to double the resources to reach children by the 15th? Those who decide to give monthly will have their whole pledge of four months doubled through December by the match.

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