Stories of your impact in Honduras

During our visit to Honduras, I visited Alcance Misionero (missionary outreach), a church in the middle of a poor barrio in Siguatepeque, Honduras.

The church’s Pastor, Walter, often worried about the children in that community.  If kids coming to church face challenges like domestic abuse and addicted parents, imagine the challenges of the other children!  He realized they lacked a program to help those children.

In early 2022, Yolani, a former Icthus kid, seeing the need for children’s ministry, told Pastor Walter about Icthus.  She explained how Icthus changed her life and help her overcome challenges in her own life.   He decided to try Icthus, and they started in March.

Today, after 6 months with Icthus, the church is helping 120 kids weekly!  Children are giving their lives to Christ, and families are being healed.  The generosity that reached Yolani a few years ago is impacting hundreds today.   When you give Icthus to a child in need, you trigger a chain reaction that impacts entire communities for years to come.    

THANK YOU!  Let’s keep changing the lives of children in need through Icthus!

Having family from Guatemala, I had an idea of what to expect in Honduras. But I was impacted by things I won’t forget.  Children who, instead of being in school, were out selling candy for income.  That’s their reality; they can’t just be children.

There are many experiences I’d like to share with you about this trip, but this story stands out.

      I visited Katharine, a 12-year-old girl from Siguatepeque, Honduras.  Katherine’s mom is an in-home nanny where they live.  Her grandmother Elvia always needs guidance because she is almost blind.  A regular day for Katherine includes helping her

      Grandmother get around and reads her Bible study to her.  Katherine told us that she desires God to heal her grandmother.

      Katherine has taken on a lot of responsibilities early in life. But in Icthus, she can be a child and play with other kids. She said, “I love to learn about God in my Icthus group, especially because I have friends there that are learning with me.”  Her grandma told us that she’s thankful for Katherine’s big love for God; it shows as she devotes her free time to help her. 

     It was a blessing to see how much Katherine loves Icthus and that the lessons she’s learning bring her closer to God.  I’m proud to be part of a ministry that is changing lives, and I’m thankful for Icthus amigos like you, who are transforming lives all over Latin America.

      I happened to be around when Icthus started in Guatemala 58 years ago.  Don Weisbrod asked my dad, missionary John Shackelford, what he could do that was more meaningful than cutting grass and painting cabins.  Daddy asked Don what he had to offer, and Don said, “I’m an Eagle Scout.”  Daddy responded, “Perfect!  We need a program for boys and girls to learn about God and serve others.”  So… Icthus was born!

       Fifty-eight Years later, I was in Honduras at the Icthus Leaders’ Conference.  I was stunned!  The leaders from 8 different Latin American countries were dynamic, strategic, and passionate

       I have been serving on the Icthus International Board as Secretary for 4 years.  It was just a way to help carry on Daddy’s legacy, but my viewpoint changed when I attended this conference.  Job 42:5 says, “My ears had heard of You, but now my eyes have seen You.”  That’s how I felt: I’ve experienced the work God is doing.  Now I see it as an honor, not a responsibility.

       At the conference, we had training sessions, fellowship meetings, and team building.  We also participated in Icthus group meetings, visited families, and witnessed firsthand the way God is changing lives.

Through prayer, we (the Board) set a goal of raising money this year to serve the 9,750 children, their families, and their communities that are being changed by Icthus. Right now, there is a huge gap in our budget.   Please ask God if He would have you help fill that gap by donating and telling others about the need.  Your help is needed!

Thank you for helping change kids’ lives through your prayer and donations!