ICF International Newsletter No. 5/2010

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Heartbeat from Leo & Susanna Bigger

Dear ICF

This year we have invested a lot so that people can listen and watch our messages in various ways. We continually receive emails from people who are thankful and very excited about this. Here is an excerpt from an email:

Thank you for your work and inspiration. I download your messages at ITunes and listen to them on my IPod or my laptop. In the meantime I can even understand you. The Swiss accent has its charm.

I have been in a “church” for 20 years and have already heard a lot of preachings. You do a great job making Biblical topics relevant to life and faith. You do not do this in an over-religious manner, but very relevant to life. I really liked the way you presented the different stages people go through in times of sorrow. I am a male nurse and have already heard about these stages, but it is only rarely talked about in churches. I will continue listening to your podcast so I can be inspired by your messages. Keep on doing this great work – Be Blessed.

We want to thank you so much for all the work you do, your faithfulness and support. Together we are building a church – for Zurich, Switzerland, Europe and the world!

Be blessed!
Your Susanna und Leo

Chez Job’s – the series

Why does God allow suffering? Why do good people experience bad things? This is a question which people have been asking for generations. Looking at the story of Job we will learn that in suffering, we can’t always find the reasons, but we can always find chances.

Sunday, 23^rd May 2010: Chez Job’s – Open topic

New series: Q & A with God

In June we will be looking at the hot topics which are burning issues. We will ask questions and receive answers about God, His nature and His character and by this be changed and come closer to God’s heart.

Sunday, 30^th May 2010: Q & A with God – Does God have feelings?

Sunday, 06^th June 2010: Q & A with God – How can I recognize God’s will?

Sunday, 13^th June 2010: Q & A with God – Why does God favour the people in my surrounding?

Sunday, 20^th June 2010: Q & A with God – What is the trinity?

Changes in the ICF staff

Aaron Meder We are very excited that Aaron Meder is going to support the ICF IT-team. Aaron Meder is going to optimize the work in the Office with Ruben Stutz. On the weekends he is going to take care of the recording of the Podcast. Aaron, we are very happy you are here!

BIG DAY April 2010

On 17^th April 20 participants found their way to Rappi for the Big Day to encounter God, clear up their lives and be prepared for the baptism. The young woman, Savina Näf from Grüningen?, told us what the baptism on Sunday, April 18th, meant to her.

With my decision to be baptized, I wanted to give everything to God! Without him, I was often broken hearted and lost. In his protective hands I feel a never-ending security and safeness. I wanted to make this clear to the seen and unseen world - the whole world should know that my life belongs to Jesus!

On this Big Day Weekend many things touched me; especially the people who accompanied me on “my special day” (thanks Debbie, Mami, Dädi and Sandra!) God also healed my body. Up until this point I had a rash on my stomach that kept getting worse. After my baptism, my rash cleared up completely within a few days!

My baptism was an unforgettable experience for me! After I came up out of the water I felt very light. Now I know for sure, that I am God’s child, and that is an indescribable feeling! I can only say: Thank you, Jesus, for everything you have done in my life; without you I would have never achieved what I have now.

What do I wish for my life with God? I can only say: I am excited to see what He has planned for me!

Ladies’ House celebrate the Ladies’ Special!

All of us from ICF want to spoil you, women, with a special programme on the evening of 9^th June. We will begin with some appetizers; then there will be a magical musical introduction, worship and an input from Susanna. More music and delicious food will round off the evening. This is a good opportunity to bring friends and together with many women celebrate that God loves us and made us wonderful.

You are warmly invited. We look forward to seeing you! So that we have enough food, please sign up for the evening under: www.icf.ch/ladies/ladies-special.html!

So that we really have a “special” evening on the 9^th you many dress very chicly is you life ;-). Dress code: sportive elegant in pastel colours or black! We look forward to you coming!

Doors open: 7:30pm
Place: Celebratiohall ICF Zurich
Price: Free entrance; you are our guest!

Yours Susanna and team

ICF Winterthur

ICF Winterthur can look back on a busy month. It began with the musical Chez Job’s, which was a wonderful highlight. All three shows were “sold out”! So many people were moved and changed by Job’s story. On the same weekend we baptized a person from our family of God. The Danny’s Zwänzger-team prepared the baptism and baptised. It was an honour for us to have you with us. As a part of the celebration all the visitors in the courtyard witnessed and celebrated the baptism. In general, we feel that the people are feeling more at home. This can be seen as more life and happiness is radiated in the celebrations and they are a true experience. Welcome home.

Figures for April - ICF Winterthur

Income
Budget: 13‘500.-
Actual: 18‘960.-

Outgoings
Budget: 13‘100.-
Actual: 16‘132.-

ICF Rapperswil

The 9^th of May was not just another event; it was a Celebration to celebrate. This Sunday was based on the motto “Family Festival in the Event House Rapperswil”. We honoured all of our mothers, grandmothers, mothers-in-waiting, potential and spiritual mothers and gave them roses. During the celebration the whole church also celebrated two of our smallest members, Lena Hanselmann and Fynn Wyss, by blessing them and praying for their future path. After a time of worship and a message we set the tables and warmed up the bbq which fit perfectly to continue the celebration of the dedication The atmosphere was very nice and relaxing. Adults enjoyed coffee and cake whilst the kids tumbled around on the “inflatable castle” or had their faces painted.

Figures for April - ICF Rapperswil

Income

Budget: 16‘500.-

Actual: 17‘979.-

Outgoings

Budget: 16‘000.-

Actual: 11‘720.-

ICF Zürich Oberland

On the 2nd of May we had a farewell celebration for Karin and Dan Schmid, who are leaving to build ICF Stuttgart. We looked back on all of the great experiences we had with our founding pastors and leaders. We want to thank you, Karin and Dan, again for your awesome commitment over the last five years. Without you we would not be who we are today. We wish you both a wonderful start with ICF Stuttgart! We love you!

We from ICF Zurich Oberland are looking forward to belonging to ICF Zurich as a further location. The location leader is Jan-Micha Schmitter. He and his wife, Ursula, have belonged to our founding team from the beginning. They live in Wetzikon with their three boys and are excited to give all they can in Oberland. We wish you God’s blessings!

Movement

BIG BANG ICF Vorarlberg

On Sonntag, 25.April, it happened! A milestone in the story of ICF: ICF Zurich has a grandchild! And it was born Austria, or better said, Vorarlberg. A team from ICF St. Gallen founded the first ICF in Austria. The Crew gave all they had for this Big Bang. From far way balloons in the shape if dice inviting to the event could be seen over the roof of the Hohenems. At exactly 6pm the countdown started which lead directly to a dance show. The excitement of the public mounted. Like experienced leaders Rene & Illana Schubert (Pastors ICF Vorarlberg) lead everybody through the celebration. The Worship was powerful und stirring, Rene’s message touched the hearts of the audience. In short: The official opening with 400 people was a huge success!

Figures for April - ICF Zürich

Income

Budget: 323‘000.-

Actual: 352‘035.-

Outgoings

Budget: 298‘000.-

Actual: 323‘183.-

Donations for ICF Zurich

As of now ICF Zurich, Rapperswil and Winterthur, as well as the ACTS foundation have new bank arrangements. Following you will find the appropriate information:

ACTS Foundation
Payment for:
Raiffeisenbank Zürich
8001 Zürich
Clearing-No.: 81487
Account-No.: 96475.41
Postal Bank: 87-71996-7
 
IBAN CH91 8148 7000 0096 4754 1
SWIFT-BIC: RAIFCH22
 
In favour of:
ACTS Foundation
c/o ICF Zürich
Hardstr. 219
8005 Zürich
 
We ask all donators and supporters to only use these accounts from now on. Thank you so much!