Oral Story February 2020

Brothers in Christ

Kelvin was assigned to be my Malawian translator for the Oral Seminar with 35 prison chaplains and leaders who came together from across the country. Our shared name allowed our connection to begin and teaching together allowed our friendship to grow. During one session we were invited to share things that had kept us in prison or bondage. Kelvin asked for prayer for his family and his leadership of his family. I shared my former struggles with the same things that he was dealing with and the victory and freedom I had found. We all share the same inner struggles as people from any other part of the world. Their situation may look different on the outside, but inside we are all sinners in need of God’s grace.

It was beautiful to watch God’s Word convict Kelvin of sin, offer forgiveness, give freedom, and begin the process of transforming his life. It was especially encouraging because I remembered how the Lord had done the same thing for me when I was a young father. Kelvin sent this picture of his family after he had returned home. He said, “I am happy that my family is so lovely. My wife Gloria is very excited for the change.”

Kelvin works with Iris Africa Bible School in southern Malawi. I am praying that the next trip to Malawi will offer an opportunity to meet up with Kelvin and his family. It may also be an opportunity to introduce the Iris Africa Bible School to the Oral Strategy of instruction. Their school would be a natural place for the oral training to get passed on to pastors and leaders from Malawi and Mozambique who attend that school.

Growing Abundantly

2 Thessalonians 1:3 We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.

Marko Antonio, Baja, Mexico – “The form in which we presented the stories confronted me with the Word of God. This new way of seeing the biblical stories was not only words of knowledge for my mind, it was also words to transform my heart.”

David Mos, Malawi – “It will help me to teach those who are not well educated. This teaching can catch the pictures of scripture. They will not forget what they learn. The Bible will now be in my heart. I will be able to teach others how to take the Bible into their hearts as well.”

Dariel Lantigua, Dominican Republic “We have two groups meeting in our church on Friday evening and we are progressing a lot. Each class is a big blessing for us because we are learning the Bible.”

Rose Waiswa, Uganda – “I have learned how to live as a Christian and to understand the Bible and it has helped me to have courage to stand in front of people and share God’s Word. I can bring the stories out from my head.”