The Christian lives a life characterized by CHANGE, which is why Paul says most emphatically “We shall all be changed” (1 Cor 15:51). This is both our future hope, but also our present experience, as we, the children of God are “being transformed into [the image of Jesus] with ever increasing glory” (2 Cor 3:18). NHICF (New Hope Institute of Childcare and Family), as we have been called since 2002, has been known as a school of TRANSFORMATION, or CHANGE.
Why? Because this is the effect the Gospel has on people. As we have sought to equip men and women for the work of ministry through biblically-saturated, heart-confronting, culture-exposing and discipleship oriented material, it has been the power and attractiveness of the GOSPEL which has been the center. Based on these defining marks of NHICF we have decided to change our name to I4GT (Institute for Gospel Transformation). We believe this name change will better encompass who we are and give clarity to our vision as we continue to equip God’s people for greater fruitfulness in both orphan care and church related ministry.
Keith McFarland (principal I4GT) with Jonnes Bakimi.
Our transformation is not only for our good! We believe God’s transformative work in us through the Gospel is, first, for God’s glory and secondly, for others. I4GT has sent out in total over 450 students from 13 different nations. In 2016 we saw 18 students graduate from I4GT, many of whom are part of existing ministries and others who are just beginning. One of these students has already begun his own school in Gulu, Uganda, to better equip pastors to understand the Word and to preach. They already have 21 pastors in training and have gone through the whole book of Genesis.
Dreams for 2017
2017 promises to be an exciting one for us. With an initial gift we have received, we are hoping to break ground very soon on some much needed classrooms. It is our desire to build a permanent library, some offices and more classrooms. We estimate this cost to be approximately $25,000.
Thank you to all who have supported and prayed for us this year. Please continue to pray for our staff as we also need God’s transformation.