Fishers of Men

Our goal as missionaries has been to evangelize the lost, disciple the saved, strengthen the leaders, and in the end, see the nationals do the work of a missionary.

"and having shod your feet with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace..." Ephesians 6:15

 

Five years ago, Kendall began teaching in an area called “Zone 3”. The first time he taught there several “leaders” of the churches in the zone prayed to receive Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. He was shocked and knew that he needed to spend an immense amount of time evangelizing, teaching, and discipling the people in that area. This week, there was a knock at the gate. Jumbe, a young man who Kendall has discipled, came and told us what has been happening in that zone. He said that the leadership has been very active lately in encouraging all of the 9 churches in the zone. One man in particular Isaak Mwaba has been doing the work of a missionary and teaching at several of the churches. Grayson Lungu one of our first Bible School graduates traveled to another church this past Sunday to encourage them. Another leader Gordon Phiri who in the past has been afraid to preach has taken over preaching at a young start up church in Thandi village where about 60 people are meeting on Sundays. God has really moved in the lives of these leaders and the churches are growing and becoming more healthy because they have surrendered to the call of Christ to make disciples. The leaders of this zone have also planted three churches in about a three year span. Not only was Kendall so excited to hear that the nationals are carrying on the work, but the new churches are full on Sundays, even during the rainy season! As I think about these men I recall the verse that Kendall and I have prayed so many times, “The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” 2 Timothy 2:2

The next day I was telling Zeria about Zone 3 and how excited we were that they were growing and flourishing! She then told us that Nyimba Central, a church in another zone, has developed missionary teams. She explained that as a church they have decided that they need to keep going and encouraging the new churches in our area so that these churches will continue to grow. The church devised a plan and on every other Sunday, 3-4 teams of 2 men will travel together anywhere from 6-20 miles to visit other young churches to encourage them.  The teams consist of older men and even youth that have attended the Youth Bible School! The next Sunday they report to Nyimba Central about the congregation’s attendance and the subjects of their lessons! We were ecstatic! Astounded! Amazed! Encouraged! They got it! They have understood the commission and have made plans to strengthen the local body of Christ! Paul said in 1 Timothy 1:5, “the goal of our instruction is love” our churches are starting to love. Jumbe’s and Zeria’s reports were very humbling to say the least. God has moved among these people and they have responded to His call.

Kendall and I are so happy about these reports and as I think about it more and more my heart leaps within my chest! They have seen what it means to share Christ and to encourage new believers. Truly they understand and are living out Acts 1:8, “but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.”