Preparing Young People Christian Service and Leadership
Prayer & Praise Newsletter May 2019
Thanks to Icthus Amigos like you…
Training in El Salvador
Thanks to Icthus Amigos like you 13 guides were trained in Utalco, El Salvador in late March. As a result they were able to launch 3 groups for kids ages 4 to 13 on Easter Sunday. What a day to celebrate! There are now 18 groups in 6 churches in El Salvador.
Because of Icthus Amigos like you, these new Icthus guides were trained in Utoca, El Salvador. The National Icthus Promoter, Juan Carlos Chacon (lower rght), did the training
We are excited that two Icthus leaders from Colombia traveled to Cuba the week before Easter to do guide training for 5 churches. There are now 17 guides leading 72 kids in two churches. Three churches will be starting Icthus in the next couple of months. This is very exciting as we’ve wanted to share Icthus there for many years. Thanks to the Lord a way has been found to help kids there. We’ll keep you posted.
Thanks to Icthus Amigos like you, Efrain Martinez (left) and Diana Arco (right) traveled from Colombia to Cuba during Easter week to train guides
Training in Costa Rica
Thanks to Icthus Amigos like you current guides in Costa Rica just completed a workshop. National Leader, Gennyor Chacon said, “The training was very useful to our guides to help them learn strategies for teaching children with behavioral problems.”
April 27th thirty-two current guides in Costa Rica received training on how to help kids with learning and behavioral problems
Andrea Aguilar, from Honduras, has been an Icthus guide for 10 years. She leads 40 kids
A GUIDE SHARES ABOUT TRAINING
“The training I remember the most was last year. It was about teaching techniques. I liked the way the trainer developed the class, how he modeled the teaching style, and the way he taught us the sequence of effective teaching.
The most helpful thing I learned was how to prepare a class, starting with planning. This has helped me be a better guide. I have been able to practice what I learned with very positive results.
The training also helped me on a personal level. It’s helped me to be more organized and to plan better.
I think Icthus guide training is very important. These are critical times. We need new information about how to reach and help kids. In the future I’d like to have training on how to work with kids with special needs.”
GUIDE TRAINING UPDATE
Guide training is essential for extending quality ministry to children. Thanks to the help of Icthus Amigos like you we’re doing guide training in many countries. We’re pleased to report that in April Icthus did 10 training workshops in Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Cuba.
More guide training scholarships are needed. Scholarships average $15 and make it possible for even the poorest guides to get the training they need to help kids.
The goal is to raise $3,000 in scholarships. As of April 30, we’ve received $1,800 - 60% of the goal. If you’d like help more guides get training use the enclosed coupon and envelop.
William Mitchell SHARES HOW ICTHUS HAS IMPACTED his life
William Mitchel, Chair of the International Icthus Board of Directors
“Soon after becoming a believer at the age of 19, God led me to serve Icthus in Guatemala through La Canada Prebyterian Church. I lived there for seven years.
There I was mentored, matured and equipped for a lifetime of service and leadership. Icthus guides and youth inspired me, as they stepped out of their comfort zones and impacted their communities in both tangible and eternal ways. This foundation of service and leadership launched me into what has become 30 years of ministry impact.
I graduated from seminary in Guatemala, and served the church there. Then, God led me to Boston, where I continued my studies and “moonlighted” as a church planter and pastor among Hispanics. Later my family and I moved to Colorado where I now work at Compassion International. I also teach at the Denver Seminary as an adjunct professor. I’ve had the privilege of serving Icthus as a member of the International Board for the past 14 years.
All this impacted me because of God's grace. The Lord called me and Icthus equipped me. And this same story is being repeated throughout Latin America at this very moment, where Icthus disciples youth for a greater calling, bringing transformation to both barrios and boardrooms.”
UPCOMING EVENT
Celebrate the 55th Birthday of Icthus
June 22 & 23 we'll launch the Icthus 55th anniversary celebration in San Diego.
Come join us at First Presbyterian Church in San Diego on Saturday, June 22nd at 4:30 (Jaz Vespers) or Sunday, June 23rd at 8:30am or 11am. Don will share briefly at each service.
The Missions Committee will organize a lunch for Icthus Amigos and others after church on Sunday the 23rd. Don will share more of the exciting things you are helping to make happen. Please RSVP to Kara Watkins Email: karawatkins5119@pointloma.edu
Did you know?
Icthus started as a part of First Presbyterian church’s mission program. This church has supported and encouraged Icthus ever since its beginning – an amazing 55 years. This is not only a celebration of Icthus but also First Presbyterian church’s commitment to share the gospel all over the world.
Volunteer with Icthus
There are many ways you can help more kids have Icthus. Volunteering with us is all about the joy of making a difference in children’s lives while using your talents and skills God granted you. Thanks to the power of technology you do not need to be physically present to carry out some of the work.
Use your time and talent to help kids! Write a note on the enclosed coupon telling us you’d like to help.
- Graphic arts
- Creating and editing video
- Helping stuff newsletters
- Collect inkjet cartridges
- Assist with the website
- Translating from Spanish to English
- Help put on a fiesta for Icthus
- Be an Icthus advocate in your church
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