January 29, 2004
Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire

Dear Friends of ICA,

We would like to thank the many of you who have prayed for us
during these critical meetings. It is very obvious to us that God
answered your prayers. When the current CBI and incoming
inter-mission board members, some mission reps and cabinet
left Abidjan for Bouaké on Monday, we had many misgivings
and were wondering how we could manage a huge campus in
an unstable situation, take care of the needs of missionary
children, and pick up the pieces of a world that is no more. After
two days of deliberation and prayer, we are rejoicing that God
has brought unanimity to all present, even though we began with
diverse opinions and uncertainty.

We believe God has led us to reopen the ICA campus for
the fall of 2004. We have a committed nucleus of staff who are
returning with their families.

We realize that there is still risk in this situation. Some of the
criteria for reopening we set forth in 2003 have been met, and
others are showing definite progress. There is a peace accord
and the Forces Nouvelles have re-entered the government. The
disarmament process is beginning and only a few check points
remain between Abidjan and Bouaké. Missionaries have been
traveling throughout the country unescorted for months. Some
shops and businesses are reopening, other expatriates are
returning, and during the day, things are quiet and basically safe
in town. We believe the risk of reopening ICA in Bouaké is being
lowered to an acceptable level. This is based on our own
experience, and our discussions with local authorities, French
military, and the grapevine. Another missionary school in the
area is also planning to reopen in September 2004. We, and the
administration will be monitoring the situation carefully to assure
that these conditions continue to improve.

We spent many hours deliberating the following possibilities:

• reopening ICA on the current campus;
• temporarily relocating to Yamoussoukro, Abidjan or
  elsewhere;
• hibernating for another year;
• closing permanently.

We felt led to make the decision to reopen ICA for the following
reasons:

• The Bouaké campus is the best available facility and can be
  developed into a good boarding option again and become
  the MK educational resource center that we envision. Its
  central location is accessible to many areas with few other
  educational options. The campus has been miraculously
  preserved when many other buildings in the area have been
  looted or destroyed.
• It is the best option for retaining our quality, committed staff
  members, and for laying the foundation for rebuilding the
  school for the future and directing our energy towards that
  goal. The other locations considered would require sizeable
  expenses for temporary arrangements, and would blur the
  focus of prayer, love, energy and material that has been and
  is being invested in this school.
• The smaller beginning size will allow the staff to continue to
  align the school with the vision that was cast following Dr
  Graybeal's visit in 2002. The board believes that the world
  of missions and mission education is changing and that ICA
  also needs to adapt in order to help address those needs,
  particularly those of home-schooling families. The smaller
  operation would give the staff time to carefully plan these
  new developments.
• God moved in the hearts of all of the participants and board
  members to convince us that this is His leading. The
  decision was unanimous.

It is very important that any family considering sending children
to ICA for this fall realize that it is still not without risk. Each
family needs to decide before the Lord that He is directing them
to send their child to ICA. We will not urge anyone to come who
does not feel this leading. We strongly suggest that any family
sending children to ICA send at least one parent ahead of time,
to see the situation for themselves, and decide whether the level
of risk is acceptable for them. If a parent cannot come, perhaps
a mission representative could make the trip.

If you have questions, please contact the board chairman,
or
telephone +1-719-594-6777.

Thank you again for your prayers and concern. Praise the Lord
with us for His direction in this, and pray for us as we continue to
work towards this exciting new beginning.

Charley Campbell
Chairman of the ICA Board

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