News from our President

November 2024

Dear ICC Family,
 
I’m excited to share the highlights from our recent ICC Eurasia Annual Pastors and Families Retreat. This year, we were blessed to gather in the beautiful setting of Málaga, where we spent a few days together to refresh, reconnect, and grow.  It was a joy to hear from our pastors in the field and witness the faithfulness of God in each of their ministries. I left deeply encouraged by the work that the Lord is doing through each one of them along with their wives and families.  I hope that you will be encouraged as you read through this update.

We were blessed to have support from a short-term team from Denton Bible Church.  The dedicated group not only ministered to our children, but also supported those attending in countless practical ways not overlooking any detail.  Their presence and support was a real blessing to all who attended, allowing the pastors and their spouses the freedom to fully engage in the sessions while the children also had meaningful activities.
 

Highlights from the Retreat

During our time together, we focused our discussions on teachings from Paul David Tripp’s book "Dangerous Calling". This book has been a powerful reminder of the unique pressures and challenges that come with pastoral ministry and the need for deep dependence on God’s grace. The sessions were full of honest sharing and heart-searching discussions, leaving us with a renewed sense of calling and a reminder that we are not alone in this journey.

Each of our churches shared unique needs and praises, and I invite you to join us in prayer as we lift up these specific requests for our ICC Eurasia family (see below for the prayer points)

I am filled with hope as I see God’s hand at work across each of our churches. Let's lift up these needs in prayer, trusting in God’s provision, and let’s be encouraged by what He is doing through the faithfulness of our leaders, families, and congregations.

Blessings in Christ Jesus,

James Arnold

President, ICC Eurasia

NEWS FROM MADRID

While in the area, a few of our team went to Madrid to visit our newest church plant.

The Lord is moving in the hearts of people there, drawing them into the fellowship. There is so much to be thankful for and to lift up in prayer as God continues to build His church in Europe and beyond.

Please pray for Steve and Sue Liston as well as Vlad and Inés Panainte with Olivia and their newborn daughter Océane.

PRAYER POINTS FOR OUR CHURCHES

Madrid

• Pray for wisdom, discernment, and boldness as they grow this new church.

• Pray for the upcoming Advent worship service and the hearts it will reach.

• Lift up Vlad and Inés and their family as they adapt to life with their new baby.

Lyon

• Pray for Heidi, our Treasurer, who is battling breast cancer—for healing and strength.

• For a smooth transition as Greg & Donna step down and seek new opportunities.

• Pray for Manosh and his family as they transition to a new season of ministry.

Grenoble

• Praise God for a fruitful church retreat and the growth in small groups and discipleship.

• Out of 35 Sunday attendees, 33 are actively serving—a remarkable commitment!

• Pray for opportunities, connections, and support, as well as the provision of elders and a suitable meeting space.

 Manosque

• Pray for connections through French language classes and the 30-40 Sunday attendees.

• Pray for labourers for the harvest and the three discovery groups.

• Pray for the right leader to step into this ministry.

• Pray for the Chinese community and the challenges that they are facing.

Black Forest

• Pray for Morgan’s visa process to go smoothly.

• For the upcoming Christmas service with a local evangelical church.

• Pray for increased connections with the school, church, and local community.

Marseille

• Pray for workers for the harvest, an elder process, and deepened commitment through membership classes.

Portugal

• Lift up prayers for a co-pastor to join the ministry and for the core group of 15-20 people.

Addis Ababa

• Pray for cultural challenges to be met with grace.

• Pray for friendships for Martin, as well as personal discipline, discernment, and joy in the Lord.

Debrecen

• Pray for wisdom in handling cultural differences and for new disciples.

• Pray for growth in Bible studies and ministry involvement, as well as leadership support for Romain and Deborah.

Stuttgart

• Pray for a new church building, and for interns and pulpit supply.

• Pray for unity within the church and German denominations, and for resilience and Gospel-centredness.

Brno

• Praise for recent baptisms and a new young adults group.

• Pray for the development of leaders during Matt's six-month absence in the U.S.

Athens

• Pray for the new men’s ministry, Bible studies, theology classes, and outreach initiatives.

• Pray for unity among churches and for financial and logistical challenges to be eased.

Budapest

• Pray for Marissa and her children

• Pray for elder and deacon roles, and for discipleship vision.

• Pray for a new building to support the growing ministry.