59 Years Preparing Young People for Christian Service and Leadership
Stories of your impact in 2021
Meet Atalya Tellez, Venezuela
By Luis Yon, Associate Director
Atalya Tellez is an Icthus Alumnae, with a powerful testimony. Today, She pastors a church in Venezuela
A few years ago, pancreatic cancer almost defeated her, but after a long and painful process, God healed her. She needs a special diet, medications, and routine but in spite of that, she’s devoted to helping others.
She has a special calling to help children in Venezuela. It all started when she was a child in Icthus.
“In Icthus, I learned who I am and what I’m made of. Icthus kept me away from bad habits, shaped my character, and helped me find my purpose” - Atalya
After many years she still loves Icthus. Today Atalya leads several Icthus groups. In 2021 she started Icthus in 7 new churches to help more children.
Having an effective ministry in countries like Venezuela would not be possible without the help of Icthus amigos like you. Thank you!
Venezuela: Pastor Atalya with a brand-new group she started in December 2021 with 17 children. This was their promotion ceremony
Compassionate Aid for Families in 2021:
Your compassion reached families in desperate need in Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Colombia, Chile, and Venezuela. Icthus children received your love.
During December, children living in poverty received aid provided by you. Food, Icthus ministry materials, and a little Christmas present.
James and Rony (pictures below) are two of the 960 children whose families received compassion aid from you and other Icthus Amigos
last year
Thank you for helping Yalena, from Colombia!
Yalena is an 8-year-old Icthus girl from Santa Coa, Colombia. She dreams of becoming a schoolteacher.
Her house is located on the shoreline of the Magdalena River. Last year her home was flooded, and her father lost his harvest, leaving them without income. On top of that, they became sick with the flu.
Yalena’s family is one of the 11 who received Emergency aid provided by amigos like you. But there’s a lot more than food aid.
You are helping kids like Yalena to become Christian leaders!
“In Icthus, I’m learning to pray, I understand the Bible stories... I am learning to love God and my neighbors,” Yalena says.
Because of your care, young people in Latin America, like Yalena, are practicing Matthew 22:37 – 39: “Love the Lord your God … and your
Neighbor as Yourself.”
- They learn about God’s love and study the Bible (LOVE GOD)
- They help others in need and learn first aid (… LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR)
- They develop good habits, skills, and physical abilities (… AS YOURSELF)
These are fundamentals for Christian character development. Through Icthus, you also provide loving care, which is key to emotional growth. Thank you!
A Word From Don
Director and Co-founder
Like you, I appreciated all the recent Christmas cards and pictures. Many came with letters that shared how difficult the year has been. But all gave thanks to the Lord for his mercies.
That’s our story too. It was hard providing Icthus to kids in 2021. The pandemic and related difficulties made everything in Latin America so much more difficult.
But the Lord blessed us with friends like you and resources. Without Icthus Amigos, this ministry would have been practically impossible.
You helped overcome obstacles to provide ministry to 8,000 young people and through 1,000 trained volunteer leaders in 560 groups in 14 countries. You also helped provide compassionate aid to 960 families of Icthus kids.
Thank you for your generosity. Your help is significant to us and fills a vital need. Luis Yon and I are grateful and praise the Lord for you. The need for ministry to guide young people is greater than ever. We hope you’ll continue with us to help more kids.
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