“They received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. Many of them therefore believed” Acts 17:11-12
What are you excited about? What do you look forward to?
Pastor Paul Kigozi said, “I am very eager to be taught. I am anxious. I want to see you because these people are eager to be taught. The people from South Sudan have been in a war all the time and God has given us the grace to bring the people together to be taught because now there is no war.” He was so excited for the training that it was difficult for him to put it into words. They are excited because this open door gives them hope and their recent past with the war has felt hopeless.
Pastor Paul is the leader of a Great Commission Church located near Juba, South Sudan. Their vision is to bring the message of Jesus to all of the areas of their country and to correct the bad and manipulative teaching that is prevalent. They recognize their understanding of ministry is still shallow and they need leadership training.
This is the perfect opportunity for our Ugandan missionaries to continue the expansion of the work they have been doing in Malawi and Ethiopia. South Sudan is the northern border of Uganda, so the Ugandans could go in and teach without drawing unnecessary attention to themselves. Whereas those from the U.S. could become targets because of South Sudan’s instability. The Orality Institute has received many new requests for training because people have been searching for training online or because they have heard of the training from a friend. Continue to pray for these open doors.
Endeavor
“We endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, because we wanted to come to you—For you are our glory and joy.” 1 Thessalonians 2:17, 20
It is refreshing to be with a true friend, someone that really understands you. The Apostle Paul felt that way towards his friends in Thessalonica and we have that same longing, that desire, to be with those we have worked with in ministry.
Pastor Paul, Ruth, and Alisha Kneeland will be alongside some dear Ugandan friends March 12th – 25th. During their trip, there will be four graduations and a prayer retreat.
This year there are 70 graduates; 57 of them have competed the Certificate level which means that they have memorized 2200 verses from the 84 stories of the Bible. The first 42 stories give an overview of the Bible; the second 42 cover doctrine, character, and ministry. Thirteen students have completed the Diploma level which means that they have taught those same stories for two years, and then studied and memorized the book of Romans. All the students studied hard to get to this point.
The prayer retreat will include the Ugandan leaders, the American missionaries, representatives from AFLC World Missions, along with Paul and Ruth representing the Orality Institute. The Orality Institute is always a support ministry for the national organizations that are working within the countries we visit. Our prayer is that this retreat could be an opportunity for these four groups to come together in unity, clarity, and understanding so that we can continue moving forward as we serve our one King and His ministry.
“Since we have such a hope, we are very bold… And we all, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image.” 2 Corinthians 3:12,18
What would you need most if you were a Christian living amid persecution?
The request for training in Pakistan came as a surprise to the Orality Institute office. We had not pursued contacts in Pakistan, nor do we know anyone living there, but the Lord led Rayan (pseudonym) to find the Orality Institute online and to ask about our oral training.
Rayan has two master’s degrees in the Bible. He attended a Lutheran high school. His father was an evangelist. He was trained on how to use oral teaching in the Philippians. He has a group of master trainers who also speak English, and he has a network of Christian leaders spread throughout the country. He is the perfect leader for a new branch of ministry in Asia.
Rayan had a message for the Christians. “For centuries, wonderful faithful men and women of the Lord… have served a lot in these developing nations. I want to convey this message to my brothers and sisters, that the Lord now wants to use Asian people to go into the nations in Asia to be messengers of the gospel. He wants to use us to go and preach the gospel… and do it until our last breath. So, keep praying for us… I have many friends in the U.S. who are close to my heart and those are the people that helped me and guided me to do missions. I respect those people very much. Thank you.”
We had not previously planned to go to Pakistan, but Rayan and his friends are already translating the curriculum into Urdu and this is an open door that we must find a way to walk through. Please consider partnering with us.
Words of Life
“It is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure… [so that] you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the Word of Life.” Philippians 2:13, 15
Have you considered that the Lord works in you and through you for His good pleasure?
When we had our team debrief session after the mission trips to Malawi and Ethiopia, we were encouraged from the stories of how God had been working in us and through us. Each person shared how the Lord had carried them in their weakness, caused students to respond, and allowed the work to expand. They were exhausted after a month of ministry and refreshed because it was for the Lord’s good pleasure.
Since that meeting, six new countries asked the Orality Institute for training. We have nine trainers who are ready to go but we need more funding to start these new fields. We would like to send two trainers to each of the following four countries this year. Here is a rough break down of what it would take for this to be possible. The costs will vary, but it is an initial estimate.
Zambia $3000 Two Malawian trainers
South Sudan $3000 Two Ugandan trainers
Kenya $3000 Two Ugandan trainers
Pakistan $8000 Two U.S. trainers
Leadership $3,000 additional per month
The Lord has provided the locations and the trainers. We believe that He will provide the funds for this expansion as well. He provided the means for two trips to Malawi to train leaders from four ministries. He provided for our introductory trip to Ethiopia. Prayerfully consider the role that you and your church could have towards this goal.
You must be logged in to post a comment.