Issue No 3 - Fall 2024
Why Humility?
As ICT engages students all over the world, many appreciate our emphasis on humility. Everyone, including staff, goes through Andrew Murray’s devotional on “Humility.” It is foundational to everything we do as followers of Jesus Christ. But why does humility matter?
We follow the example of Christ, “who, being in very nature God... humbled himself and became obedient to death” (Phil. 2:6, 8). We recognize the tie between humility and abiding, for “apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Ultimately, humility recognizes that God is God, and we are not. God sees all, knows all, loves all of us perfectly, and is perfectly just and merciful and good. We are not, and cannot walk with Him without the humility that puts ourselves in proper relationship both to Him and to others. Read about the impact of humility on an Ethiopian learner below.
Flourishing
During our second year of ICT in 2021, we dreamt of developing ICT hubs in the three main countries in which we began: Nigeria, Uganda, and Ethiopia. The groundwork for hubs is now being established in both Uganda and Ethiopia, and the translation of foundational ICT materials into the Amharic language of Ethiopia is nearing completion!
In addition, partnerships with City Vision University and Kairos University allow us to serve our students through providing for-credit opportunities. Partnership with Cross Net Global, an organization for retired missionaries not yet done with ministry, brings us a cluster of new, wise mentors and experienced practitioner-trainers to help facilitate this year’s classes. Two interns from California also join ICT this year to take formational classes and assist with administrative and service needs.
Perspectives 50th Celebration, In-Person Meetings
ICT Co-Director Todd Pokrifka attended the Perspectives on the World Christian Movement’s 50th Anniversary celebration in July in Chicago, where he networked with other missions practitioners and educators. In recent months, Ugandan ICT staff, students, and potential students met face-to-face to develop relationships, further hub development, and pray. Ethiopian ICT work-study students also gathered for prayer and discussion over ICT’s future in their nation.
ICT Uganda Gathering
The Transformation of Humility
Asferachew Paulos, Ethiopia
Over the past three years, my understanding of humility has undergone a profound transformation at ICT. The insights I have gained surpass anything I have encountered in my lifetime.
Psalm 22:6, which resonated deeply with me, states, "I am a worm, and not a man." In the Middle East, a worm is a defenseless creature, easily trampled upon and moved from place to place. A snake, however, presents a stark contrast—a resilient creature that cannot be easily manipulated and can even bite if someone attempts to move it. What struck me most was the question: am I like a worm or a snake in the hands of God? Embracing God's will in my life is the foundational principle of humility.
Humility involves lowering oneself and maintaining silence to allow God to speak. When Jesus suffered on the cross, he humbled himself and remained silent. Yet, the Father did not remain silent; the earth shook, the sun darkened, and the veil of the sanctuary was torn. This was the Father's way of speaking, made possible by Jesus' silence. Above all, Christ's life stands as a testament that the Father honors those who humble themselves. He raised Jesus from the dead and seated him at his right hand. Therefore, humility means receiving glory from God by lowering oneself.
If I desire the Spirit of God to work in me, I must be humble. The Holy Spirit is symbolized by water and a dove. (See Roy Hession, Calvary Road.) Water naturally flows from high to low, just as the Holy Spirit is poured out on those who humble themselves. Rain falls in many places, but it accumulates in valleys, not on hills. Similarly, a dove seeks a quiet place, not a noisy one. Self-exaltation and arrogance hinder the work of the Holy Spirit.
The Bible clearly instructs us: "He who humbles himself will be exalted, and he who exalts himself will be humbled." Often, Christians neglect to humble themselves and instead pray for God to elevate them. This is incorrect. I should never pray for God to honor me; instead, I should humble myself. Yet if I trust in my own abilities, God remains faithful in reaching me.
This idea is a profound lesson I learned at ICT that has been forever imprinted on my heart. It has transformed my service and my prayer. My immense gratitude goes to Dr. Todd and Dr. Junia for allowing me to be a part of this institution.
Another Year Complete
We finished our fourth year of ICT and awarded our second graduating class of Certificate students on September 21, 2024. God has faithfully provided strength, wisdom, and finances and done His deep, lasting work among our student-learners. Almost all are already experiencing transformation, in their own lives, their families, or their communities! May they go forth to bear much fruit!
Prayer requests!
Pray for humility and grace for all students, faculty, and staff. May we rely on God’s power, not our own.
Pray for the development of hubs in Uganda and Ethiopia and the forging of blessed partnerships.
Pray for the new academic year and for students’ involvement in academics, ministry, and outreach, for protection, fruit, and great joy!
Pray for God's presence, protection, provision, and peace for all in ICT.
Join Us in What God Is Doing
As so many students are from the developing world, ICT's Scholarship Fund provides scholarships for students who are serving among the unreached in the frontiers of mission. Contributions to ICT’s General Fund aid in covering general operational costs and wages for our faculty and staff.
If God would have you invest in students' lives and kingdom work, you may use this link:
All gifts go to Frontier Ventures (a 501c3 organization), which is our mother missions organization.
““Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.””
