Icthus Amigos bringing hope for Sujey and Dayanna:
In the heart of Nagarote, Nicaragua, lies Barrio Sonrisa de Dios (God’s Smile), a community of single mothers who bravely navigate the challenges of poverty. The unpaved roads of Sonrisa de Dios bear witness to the struggles these women face daily, as they strive to provide for their families amidst scarce employment opportunities.
Sujey, a kind-hearted six-year-old girl, brings joy to her community with her infectious love for singing and playing. However, her epilepsy casts a shadow over her childhood, limiting her playtime due to her medication. Her older sister, Dayanna, a compassionate 14-year-old, dreams of becoming a doctor, a dream that seems impossible living in a community grappling with extreme poverty.
Sujey and Dayanna find solace and encouragement each week at their Icthus group. Sujey cherishes the opportunity to play with other children in a safe and nurturing environment, while Dayanna draws strength from her role as a helper to her guides. Through the Icthus program, Dayanna has discovered the love of God. She understands that her dream of becoming a doctor is not just a wish, but a possibility within reach because God is with her.
During a recent visit, Sujey and Dayanna received the support of Icthus Amigos. Prayers were offered, their pastor encouraged them, and a generous bag of groceries relieved their family. Their mother’s tears of gratitude spoke volumes about the impact of this simple act of kindness. Thanks to the compassion of Icthus Amigos, Sujey and Dayanna experienced tangible proof of God’s unwavering care.
Dear Icthus Amigo, In this newsletter, you’ll find a story of a service project and another of compassionate aid. Icthus kids develop leadership through these projects by practicing “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Serving and honoring elders:
Icthus kids learn the importance of loving their neighbor through Matthew 22: 37-39, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” This is the core verse of the Icthus program.
An Icthus group from village, El Banco, Colombia, practiced “loving their neighbor” last month. They visited a Senior Citizen Center to give them food, personal hygiene supplies, and friendly company.
Icthus kids of all ages attended this service project, and each age group had a special part in it. A young Icthus Pecesito named Tiffany is seen below reading a greeting card for the elders that she made herself. The greeting card has Proverbs 16:31, “Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness.”
Thanks to your support to Icthus, Icthus kids are learning that serving our community is a way to live out our faith in a practical way. When we serve others, we are making a difference in their lives and we transform our families, churches, and communities.
Their time spent with the elders was a profound reminder to the Icthus kids that even in the twilight of their lives, our neighbors don’t lose their worth and deserve to be treated with love, compassion, and attention.
These type of service projects instill in young people, the importance of honoring their Elders, and cherishing their wisdom and experience.
