I C F Pillars

I C F Pillars:
ICF AND ITS BIBLICAL CONNECTIONS

There is a parallel between the “ICF VISION” and two historic biblical passages recorded in Psalm 137 and Jeremiah 29: 1- 14. The Psalmist captures the mood of a people held in exile in Babylon.. a strange land. The question asked by the captives who sat by the rivers weeping in Psalm 137, was “how can we sing the Lord’s son in this strange land?” An answer of hope came to the oppressed people from God through the prophet Jeremiah as recorded in Jeremiah 29: 1-7. They were instructed to: 1) Build houses (verse 5), 2) Settle down (verse 5), 3) Plant gardens (verse 5), 4) Marry and have children (verse 6), 5) Work for the good of all (verse 7), and 6) Pray to God (verse 7).

It is within this context that the vision was given to Rev. Harris by God in 1986 known as the “ICF VISION.” This vision stands on four (4) pillars, which are based on the message of Jeremiah as recorded in chapter 29.

1.Spiritual Pillar (v.7 Pray to God)
To meet the spiritual needs of individuals and afford them an opportunity to worship God in context of their cultural experience using the Holy Bible as the “Word of God”; to preach the Word, fast and pray without ceasing as well as worship regularly, give generously, serve eagerly and live worthily in demonstration of their faith.
Examples: worship services, cluster meetings, Sunday school, fasting, general prayers.

2.Cultural Pillar (v. 7 Seek Peace)
To expose the larger community and in particular expose the youth to their rich African culture and heritage; meeting the cultural needs by focusing on the positive aspects of the African culture (morals, values and heritage).
Examples: Order of worship services, incorporate songs / music of African descent, wear African attire, cultural performances, teaching values and history of culture.

3.Social Pillar (v. 6 Take wives. marry…v.7 Seek peace)
To provide a forum for formal and informal socialization, fellowship and caring; formal education, fellowshipping and serving as a support system for one another.
Examples: Friendships, Fellowships after services and events, marriages, relationships, caring, sharing.

4.Economic Pillar (v. 5 build houses…plant gardens)
To establish economic opportunities so that individuals and families in a strange land can enjoy the fullness of what life has to offer and prepare them for restoration; to affirm that Jesus Christ desires that we have life more abundantly. It is important that immigrants do not return home worse off than they were when they left.
Examples: Tithing, Job Referrals, Business Ventures & Support, and ICF Susu.