The following is taken from my discussion with Ben McClure director of  International Christian Fellowship (ICF) and founder of ICF’s new Bible College.

Pastor Ben started working in Laos 20 years ago. Christianity is limited to three official expressions in Laos, Catholic, a branch of the Evangelical spectrum of Protestantism and the Seventh day Adventists. Any other Christian group was and still is not allowed the rights of assembly. These three groups persisted from an earlier period by virtue of their pre-existing establishment before Laos became communist. Working under an NGO status doing teaching and beneficent work by day and meeting and teaching Laotians the way of Christ by night had its limitations – there was no good way to build believing communities. Their NGO status was closely monitored. Just across the border in Thailand religious liberty existed. This led to pastor McClure’s call to ICF in Udon Thani in the northeastern sector of the country and building the multicultural congregation that exists today. But part of Ben’s heart remained in Laos and this affection led him to start the Bible College. Now with about 10 students, many from Laos he has commenced classes. He has a vision and a fine partner and many native helpers to see it forward. He has his eye on purchasing land and piece by piece, the Lord willing, developing a school where students can become bi-vocational missionaries, going out with the ability and training necessary to plant churches leaving their training period with both a BA degree and the ability to support themselves and support their mission work. It is his hope as well that in time and in a rural location the school will be self-sustaining by developing agricultural horticultural endeavors. I assured him that from time to time I would bring my short-term intensive courses to help him as I have to other fledgling educational endeavors in Southeast Asia.

Photo: Pastor Ben McClure with members of the International Christian Fellowship