Training the Trained to Train September 6th, 2005
Equipping North African Belivers to Minister
God has the power to change lives. We see this in North Africans who initially start a relationship with Christ, following the path from seeker to believer. This is an exciting life change, yet only the beginning…
After their decision, many North Africans face persecution, isolation and a hard road. In a country where the church is underground, and Christian friendships are rare and must be discreet, what is the next step to disciple these new believers?
Bob Ehmann, Director of the Malaga Media Center says, “We work hard to keep in touch with new believers—by working in partnership with [North African] Christians. This means that people must be discipled but…the next step is that they start discipling…it’s a logical progression.”
One of our Arabic staff, who has taught discipleship classes, asked thirty North African believers if any were interested in this next step receive training to ‘follow up’ with seekers and new believers by meeting face to face with them.
Seven came to the training—two of these were women. We were ecstatic.
Asking for volunteers from the discipleship class was bold. It’s only been in the past year and half that nationals, besides our Arabic staff, have been helping us with follow up. The risk is high—they will not only be identified as Christian, but by ministering to others, face an uncertain reactions from society, family and government. “When you look at it, it probably takes as much guts do follow up as it does to come to the Lord,” Ehmann says.
Yet the benefits of meeting individuals in person are exponential. Those who have questions about Christianity, or have accepted Christ on their own are eager to converse with a Christian face to face. Ehmann explains, “The reason for follow up is to make a personal contact and build a friendship if that person wants it, that will facilitate for sharing faith.”
These willing seven were together this past month for a day of training. The next day they were sent out in three teams to meet with contacts, and in the afternoon report back of their experiences.
When the set amount of time had passed, one of the groups didn’t report back. The trainer called to make sure things were all right, but they were more than alright! They were getting along so well, they were happy to keep talking. They were excited when they discovered their contact had already come to faith. They were able to share similar experiences such as facing persecution and help answer many spiritual questions. Two hours later after a second phone call, these trainees finally came back full of excitement from this new experience.
The addition of these willing seven is exponential growth of our Christian network within North Africa. They are not in ‘full–time’ ministry, some are working, others students. Returning home to their lives, they become another part of the growing Christian network from all over North Africa. This allows us to connect them with contacts from their region for a personal visit.
“These people have been impacted to the point they want to impact others.” Ehmann relates. “What they’re saying is, ‘we’re seeing you do this, so what’s it take to do it?’ This training has given them the ‘how to’”.
God is truly moving, and we are privileged to see it happen!
Just in: Our staff who guided these students in their follow up experience just received a letter from the contact mentioned above. He is thankful for this meeting and so encouraged with their long visit! - 8 sep 05