Eric and Jalyn Ickes

Missionaries to the Philippines

Ministry Description

We plan to serve on staff at the Word of Life Bible Institute in the Philippines. Eric will serve as the Academic Dean, which will include administrative, teaching, discipleship and hospitality responsibilities. Jalyn will be able to fulfill her ministry passions in hospitality to staff, students and visiting instructors, and in the discipleship of female students and staff. We are excited to be able to help train and prepare the next generation of ministers, missionaries and church members, not only from the Philippines, but also from neighboring countries in the Pacific Rim. As God wills, our prayer is that God will call many of the graduates to take the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the neighboring countries in Southeast Asia, where spiritual darkness is so prevalent.

About Eric

When I was 4 or 5 years old, my mother actually led me to Christ as she was tucking me into bed. Earlier that same day, she had the privilege of leading a neighbor lady to Christ. As she shared that news with me, the Lord convicted me of my need of salvation. My parents had taken me to church ever since I was born, and no doubt I had heard the truths of the gospel before that night. But on that night the Holy Spirit specifically moved me to respond to the gospel. As I grew in my understanding of the gospel and of my own sinfulness, I often struggled to have assurance of salvation. Freedom and assurance finally came when God challenged me to stop looking at my sinfulness, and to decide whether or not I was truly going to trust that He had saved me. Knowing that I was helpless to save myself, I finally found rest for my soul in His promise from Romans 10:13, “For whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.”

Near the end of my high school years, God used a simple question to change the direction of my life. One day my mother asked, “Do you know what God wants you to do with your life?” God used that question to convict me of ignoring His will and denying His lordship. I knew that I would not have peace unless I submitted my will to His. God quickly burdened my heart to prepare for a lifetime of ministry.

While at Bible college, I finally learned how to interpret the scriptures, and it changed my life! God’s truth and Spirit set me free from spiritual ignorance, sinful habits, and doctrinal errors. I was so excited! But at the same time, I frustratingly wondered why I had to go to Bible college to learn such basic, wonderful truths. That frustration created a passion in me to teach others the scriptures and how they can rightly interpret and apply them to their own lives.

I tried to fulfill that passion for more than 17 years in pastoral ministry. Now, God has graciously led us to combine that passion with our burdens for missions and discipleship, through serving at the Word of Life Bible Institute in the Philippines, where I plan to serve as the Academic Dean.

About Jalyn

I realized my need for a Savior when I was a young child. Growing up in a Christian home was a gracious gift from the Lord. My parents were examples of serving and loving the Lord. I met Eric at Washington Bible College in 1990, and we were married in 1992. We have three adult children and two sons-in-law, all of whom have personal relationships with the Lord. This year we were blessed with a beautiful granddaughter. I have loved serving the Lord alongside of my husband. It has been a great honor that the Lord has chosen for me. My heart is for hospitality and discipleship, and I look forward to the Lord sending us into this next season of our lives. We continue to pray that God will make us the most fruitful for His glory.

Life Verse

Colossians 1:10 "so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.