Ready to explore a spiritual cornerstone in Phnom Penh? The ICA International Christian Assembly stands as a testament to faith. It is a vibrant community. Let’s step inside the story of this international church.
ICA International Christian Assembly offers Sunday services. They run from 10:30 am to 12:15 pm. The church is located on Street 16. Its address is 37M, 12102 Street 16, Phnom Penh 12102, Cambodia. Feel free to join their service.
ICA’s story extends far beyond Phnom Penh. To truly grasp its essence, we need to travel back in time. We have to look at the origins of International Christian Assembly in Hong Kong.
In 1972, Rev Otis and Irene Keener visited Brussels. They were at the International Correspondence Institute (ICI) office. Rev Keener ministered to US missionaries. This prayer meeting was conducted in English.
During this trip, Rev Keener visited Hong Kong. There he felt a calling. It was a call to establish an international church. This church would reach English-speaking foreigners. As Rev Keener stood on the Peak one night, the Holy Spirit moved him. He needed to start an English-speaking church in Hong Kong.
By autumn 1972, Irene Keener shared the same conviction. The District of Foreign Missions (DFM) sent the Keeners to Hong Kong. This was in the spring of 1973. Their mission was to pioneer an English-speaking congregation.
Early services were held at New Life Temple. Miraculously, the Furama Hotel opened its doors. It became a regular meeting place on Sundays. Initially, the church was known as Furama Fellowship. It was an international English-speaking service. The American Assemblies of God Division of Foreign Missions (DFM) sponsored the church. Assemblies of God (AG) missionary pastors led. They were funded by the American Assemblies of God General Council.
In May 1975, the Keeners transitioned to Brussels Christian Center. Rev Howard and Rosella Ridings continued the work in Hong Kong. During their two years, attendance grew to 500. June 20, 1975, marked the dedication of the new Christian Action Centre.
When the Ridings left in 1976, the Keeners returned temporarily. Rev David and Nancy Cawston followed. The first language ministry started for Filipinos around late 1978.
Rev Alfred and Elizabeth Cawston also served as pastors. Rev Lester and Betty Jo Kenney were appointed in November 1980. Their son, Rev Dave Kenney, later started a new International Church (IES) in Jakarta. Today, vibrant ICA churches exist in Surabaya and Bali.
In December 1980, Rev Eldon and Sue Brown arrived. About 250 members attended services at the Furama Hotel. The church grew. A second morning service began in late 1981. The hotel became too crowded. The management asked the church to find another location. A new name was needed for the church.
Rev Otis Keener had named the church “Furama Fellowship” in 1973. In 1982, the Browns developed a constitution and charter. International Christian Assembly (ICA) became an official church organization. It was under Hong Kong laws.
Rev Brown led the board in developing the constitution and bylaws. It patterned after the American Assemblies of God. The church was officially chartered with the Hong Kong government. In 1982, “Furama Fellowship” changed to “International Christian Assembly of Hong Kong.” The name ICA was coined. Many others now use it worldwide. New international churches planted by Assemblies of God missionaries adopted the name. Examples include ICA Bangkok (1989) and ICA Kiev (1995).
ICA International Christian Assembly continues to grow. It is making a global impact. It creates communities of faith around the world.