Collaboration
Speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. Ephesians 4:15-16
Ephesians 4 describes different parts of the body of Christ working together so that the whole body grows and is built up illustrates the parts of the Orality Institute working together. Leaders in every country continue the work of overseeing classes and assisting the teachers. In the United States Paul Kneeland, Nate Jore, and Kevin Olson are also filling a variety of roles.
Nate has begun working with churches who are interested in an oral strategy to train the members of their congregation. He has worked with churches in Minnesota; Washington, North Dakota, and California. The first step is to learn the method, the second step is to go through some training together. The third step is for them to begin teaching others.
Kevin is preparing for a trip to Malawi in November where the first graduates will be celebrating their completion of their two years of study. There are five different ministries that have been training people, which includes the prison chaplains who have been training prisoners.
Paul is preparing for an exploritory trip to Kenya where he will introduce the Orality Institute to an academy, a seminary, two youth ministries as well as make contact with our friend Victor who has an interest in bringing the training to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Would you consider collaborating with us in this Kingdom building ministry? Join us in prayer, training, sponsorship, or travel. Sponsoring bike riders or the Grand Canyon hikers is another practical step.
Celebration
Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.
Philippians 2:17-18
Even though our leaders in Pakistan deal with daily persecution, they have finished the full first year of training and have translated the second book into Urdu. That means that their 15 master trainers have learned and taught the first 42 stories to their students. Those master students have held 15 individual classes with a total attendance of 142 students this year!
Every month we get detailed reports of their master class and testimonies of how the training is having an impact on the individuals involved. Here is a quote from their end of the year report. The response from attendance has been overwhelmingly good, and the turnout was tremendous. We succeeded in reaching our objectives and giving each participant an unforgettable experience. We are grateful to everyone who helped make this event a huge success. It is important for you, our supporters, to know that you are the ones that made this possible.
Their report states, We engaged in the repeated practice of storytelling, retelling, and reciting from the Bible. Then we delved into a comprehensive exploration of the story’s elements, including knowledge, action, and attitude. Our search for treasure involved answering and discussing thought-provoking questions and presenting their findings to the class. It is easy to get frustrated with the tension and the stress that seems to be surrounding us. Yet it is good be reminded, especially by those who are facing daily persecution, that God is at work. He is transforming lives around the world, and He wants to transform our lives. He invites us into the privilege of being a part of that work. That is a good reason to celebrate!
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