Greetings Icthus Amigo,

       Because of Amigos like you, children in need in Latin America are receiving consistent ministry from as young as 4 years old to 17 years old. These are the programs you help provide to Icthus children:

       Icthus' youngest program is called Pecesitos, which means "little fish" in Spanish. This is fitting because Pecesitos are children ages 4 to 6.

       Each week they learn about 12 values found in the bible: charity, obedience, support, conservation, responsibility, honesty, dedication, integrity, wisdom, respect, communion, and loyalty.

       Next, in the Heroes program, Icthus kids ages 7 to 9 can grow in their relationship with God, others, and themselves. This program is based on 7 Heroes in the Old Testament: Abraham, Esther, Joseph, Ruth, Noah, Deborah and David.

       There are three sub-sections in the Heroes program: Knowing God, Serving others, and Personal Development.

      Knowing God encourages Icthus kids to use and apply the Word of God in their everyday lives. Love and Serve Others challenges them to awaken their Christian conscience to help those in need; it also includes teaching First Aid knowledge. Lastly, Personal Development helps children cultivate necessary daily habits and appreciate and takes care of the body as a temple of the Spirit of God.

     This was the very first program that was developed in Icthus. The Legionnaires program is based on the Armor of God explained in Ephesians Chapter 6:   

"Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, the breastplate of righteousness in place, and your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."

       Above, a photo of Legionnaires in Táchira, Venezuela wearing the Sandals of the Gospel, spreading the good news. On the far left is Valentina. She is holding a sign that translates to "For a world in confusion, Jesus Christ is the SOLUTION."  She is walking the streets of her community, sharing about Jesus.

       Because you give Icthus, children, like Valentina, learn to show their Christian love, concern, and respect for their neighbors and companions at school.

      This program helps them to remain in church and to strengthen their identity in Christ. As they go through the program, they study the 7 "I am" which Jesus used to describe himself: Bread of Life, Light of the World, Sheep Gate, Good Shepherd, Resurrection and Life, The Way the Truth and the Life, True Vine.

       Icthus Juvenil program focuses on the development of their Christian character, by getting to know Jesus through prayer, bible memorization, and putting leadership principles to practice by serving others.

      Below is an Icthus group in San Carlos, Costa Rica, who recently completed a service project for their community. 

       The Icthus group went to the Department of Development for their city to offer their service. They were not only encouraged by the department, but were given materials for cleaning and painting the park.

      The group cleaned the community park by washing down the playground, and painting various garden beds. They also picked up the garbage around the park. As the youth were cleaning and painting, they talked to the kids in the
community about God and spread His word through little cards they made and handed out.

       Icthus kids and youth all around Latin America are spreading the love of Jesus with others through acts of service, and word of mouth.  Thank you for being an Icthus amigo, and helping children in need to become passionate Christian leaders that transform their communities!