Class Assignments Bolster a Learner’s Journey from Fear to Faith and Freedom!
“I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Portuguese ICT learner L. spent many years with social phobia so great he could not leave the house alone. Throughout adolescence and young adulthood, he desperately sought Truth and God. Finally finding life in Jesus, then coming to ICT in 2023, he is growing into freedom and boldness in Christ, seeing that, “no matter what we’ve been through in the past, when we are faithful to God, He can do wonders and truly compensate us in every way!”
Since ICT learners practice what they learn in their communities, L. came face-to-face with his fears – but also with the power of God to overcome. For the Advanced Learning in Community Development class assignments, many hours in prayer saw God miraculously lead him to hidden mountain villages, where he surveyed inhabitants to discover their needs. L. also sold traditional sausages and honey from mountain producers at markets in larger towns; the Christmas Market especially brought in significant sales that went back to the isolated mountain communities.
Throughout the entire project, L. quietly distributed around 1000 tracts in six mountaintop villages, praying for lasting fruit as God stirs in their hearts. Over the three days of the Christmas Market, he distributed from 200-250 tracts to customers. L. reflected, “the Christmas Market experience [was] so challenging but so fulfilling, in a joyful environment sharing Jesus with so many customers.” Though being in the spotlight was “a true miracle” after “a socially traumatized adolescence [and a] phobia of stage center,” L. was “empowered by the Lord, to represent Him among criticisms and even insults in the market! … Talking about God and Faith in Jesus… [is] very uncommon in these traditional catholic countryside areas.”
“No matter what we’ve been through in the past, when we are faithful to God, He can do wonders and truly compensate us in every way!”
Again overcoming fear, when L. contacted civic leadership after the community survey, God gave blessed conversations and further opportunities to share Jesus. With the local social worker, L. discussed the loneliness and need for social support among the elderly villagers. Praise God, plans were already moving to address these needs! L. wondered how his own prayers may have contributed.
Mingling with the joy of all God did was his love of exploring the countryside. In his initial trip, L. “discovered the most beautiful place in my life, a secret paradisiac cascade” hidden deep in the mountain. Yet amidst the beauty, his joy sings out most when he says, “when we seek God for healing, we develop Love for Him. It then leads us into Love for others, which brings our own healing! …[And] when we move in freedom of the spirit, we have the power to set other people free as well!”
“When we move in freedom of the spirit, we have the power to set other people free as well!”
We invite you to join us in praising God for how He is moving and working in and through our students, answering prayers and unfolding His plans for each one through the prayer gatherings and classes.
Please Continue to Pray!
For lasting spiritual, social, and economic blessing in these mountain communities of Portugal. For wisdom and ability for L. as he engages with them and shares his living faith in Jesus Christ.
For a good end to the academic year, and wisdom and God’s blessing for the future for learners, faculty, and staff. May God give wisdom and grace as we faithfully serve Him.
For peace and stability in the areas where our students live, especially over the recent unrest in Nigeria and Ethiopia’s ongoing civil war. May God bring healing and His shalom.
For healing, wisdom, peace, and deliverance for our multi-national Serve Team (staff), and God’s hand over the way forward. May we end ICT well.
For God’s presence, peace, provision, protection, wisdom, health, strength, joy, and blessing for all in ICT. May God’s power, glory, and grace be over us all.
Thank you for joining us as God builds the Institute for Community Transformation and through us furthers flourishing communities, marked by His shalom, among all peoples!
