ICB Staff
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Rev. Chris IstratISenior Pastor
[email protected] As the new ICB Senior Pastor, Chris is a true international “citizen of heaven.” Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he was born again and came to saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ in Cape Town, South Africa. He speaks English and Spanish fluently and is conversational in French and Russian. |
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Although coming to ICB out of retirement in the United States, Chris has lived in many countries while serving as a diplomat with the U.S. State Department, including Peru, Russia, Afghanistan, and Paraguay. Chris and his family lived in Bishkek from 1998 to 2005 where he was involved in developing Silk Road tourism in Kyrgyzstan and the region.
He is an ordained minister with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church and holds a BA in English Literature from the University of Pennsylvania, an MA in Religion from the Westminster Theological Seminary, and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. He and his wife Melody have three daughters and nine grandchildren. |
Favorite Verses: Colossians 1:24-29 (CSV) Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I am completing in my flesh what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for his body, that is, the church. I have become its servant, according to God’s commission that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. God wanted to make known among the Gentiles the glorious wealth of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. We proclaim him, warning and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ. I labor for this, striving with his strength that works powerfully in me.
Favorite Quote: “Expect great things for God, attempt great things for God.” William Carey Favorite Book: Let the Nations Be Glad, by John Piper |
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Moses Pravin KumarAssociate Pastor
[email protected] Moses loves to teach the Word of God and see people grow in their understanding of who Christ is and what he has done for us. For him, there is no greater joy than knowing and preaching the crucified Christ. He is married to Gracy and is blessed with two boys. Prior to ICB, he served in India in theological seminaries and church contexts. Favourite Bible Verse: For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Eph. 2:10 Favourite Quote: Be modest. A lot was accomplished before you were born. Favourite Book: Christian Mission in the Modern World by John RW Stott. |
