59 Years Preparing Young People for Christian Service and Leadership
September 2020 Icthus Prayer & Praise
HELLO, MY NAME IS LUIS YON
At age 15, during a camp, I had an encounter with Jesus. That day God started a fire in me that still burns today.
I was born and raised in Guatemala City. I learned from my parents that true leaders are servants; I grew up serving others. I studied civil administrative engineering in the university. In 2012 my wife, Rachael, and I moved to the USA. We were part of a church planting team for the Spanish speaking community in the Chicagoland area. We also worked to serve destitute families of Latin America.
When I first heard about Icthus, I felt certain that God had been preparing me to be a part of it. I am excited that thousands of kids are experiencing Jesus through Icthus.
I have faith that we can help many more children and their families come to Jesus and that God will start a fire in their hearts enabling them to live for Him and to serve others. Just like me.
My sons, Thiago and Lukas, helped to paint a mural as part of a campaign to lift the spirits of Kenosha.
LOVE IS THE ANSWER - by LUIS YON
Our town has made global news! We live in Kenosha, Wisconsin. We’ve been here 8 years. Over the last several weeks we’ve had protests in the streets. We also faced a darkness when there was looting and the destruction of buildings just 10 blocks from our home. It’s had a negative impact in our community.
Last week, because I’m an artist, I received an invitation to participate in an initiative to lift the spirit of our community. My family and I spent a few hours painting a mural, along with other artists in downtown Kenosha. “Love is the answer,” is the name of the campaign.
I agree, love is the answer, and we can find it in John 3:16
Dear Icthus Amigo, September 2020
I hope you and your family are doing well and staying safe.
I am deeply appreciative of Icthus Amigos and churches who have helped over these months to extend ministry to young people and provide aid to families during the pandemic:
Thousands of children received a new type of ministry called Icthus en Casa (at home).
Families of many poor Icthus children received gifts of emergency food and aid.
Young Leaders received virtual training to help kids at a distance.
Thank you to all who helped reach the 56th anniversary match. The match was surpassed providing funds to help many children. Also, during July, the anniversary month, hundreds of kids, parents, and leaders gathered virtually to share testimonies, sing, pray, and thank God for Icthus.
Finally, in August, after extensive search, we filled a key position on the International Team. I’m happy to introduce you to Luis Yon, the new International Associate Director. Luis is a delightful guy with a wonderful family. He has a compassionate heart and experience in a Christian nonprofit. He’ll join me to help expand the ministry to reach more children and youth. (See his bio below.)
Please, join me in praying for Luis in his new work and for the Icthus kids and families shared in this newsletter.
May the Lord bless you and keep you safe,
Don
Don Weisbrod
International Director & Co-founder
Amigos like you provided help to Emma and her family in Chile.
COMPASSION PROJECT – EMMA OF CHILE
Gifts from Icthus Amigos like you have provided ministry to children and emergency food aid to many families in Latin America impacted by Covid19. One of them is Emma’s family in Chile.
Meet Emma, she’s 7 years old. She has been in Icthus for over a year. A few months ago, the pandemic crushed their lives when her dad lost his job. Emma’s mom works selling food out of her home, but the quarantine has prevented her from selling enough to make ends meet. Many children, like Emma, are experiencing tremendous hardship. They need your help.
Gifts like yours made it possible for Emma’s family to receive food and made it possible for her and other children to receive the Icthus en Casa program materials, videos, and outreach from Icthus guides.
THANK YOU
Thanks to Icthus Amigos like you, emergency gifts of compassion have been provided to families of Icthus children. To date, 569 families have received food.
Here are three of the Icthus kids with their families who have received help. (click on the pictures to see captions)
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