You know that feeling you get when you see a newborn baby start to roll on its tummy, then sit, then crawl, then walk? It’s like that—we love the growth we are seeing in the people we have been discipling.
Rene and our language helper are studying the Bible and discipling several people. If you read our articles often, you know about Khun Mai whose husband passed away. Before he died, he told her he wanted the family to become Christians. Well, we are discipling her and can definitely see the fruits.
What do we mean by discipling? I am glad you asked. It means that instead of giving Bible studies once a week until baptism, which she did not too long ago, and then letting her continue to grow on her own, or hoping for her to get involved in some church activity or group, we nurture her regularly. There is an enemy that wants to “steal, kill and destroy” (John 10:10).
Rene and our language helper visit her multiple times during the week, either for Bible study, encouragement or just a friendly visit. They have become a sounding board for her to bounce off ideas about work and money since the gospel impacts every area of our lives. She has also shared previous feelings of hopelessness and extended family drama. Like a baby learning to walk, this process does not happen without falls and bumps on the head. She has her ups and downs. Yet she now has a Christian family to help her navigate through them, and she is such a light for her community. It is no wonder she has faced some attacks from the enemy.
During this nurturing time, Khun Mai has introduced us to several people with whom we are currently studying. The other day she brought at least five people to church, plus involved others in two activities over the weekend. However, we are now teaching her and her sons to lead their own Bible studies, starting with the creation story as an introduction to God. Naturally, we will coach and help them every step of the way. The key is to empower her walk with God and her ability to share Him with others.
Khun Mai constantly has ladies and young people visit her house, encouraging them. They see the difference the gospel has made in her life. We are so excited about this because they are visiting her to learn about the peace she has found, whereas some people like to spend time with us just because we are foreigners who speak English.
Our language helper, who has been a Christian for about 10 years, loves the difference that discipleship (nurturing) makes in the lives of the people he and Rene study with. After every lesson, they ask, “With whom will you share what you have learned today?” This question teaches them from the beginning to share the gospel with everyone!
Instead of asking God for more souls or Bible studies, let us ask Him to bring people we can disciple as Jesus did over His three years of ministry. “Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, ‘Follow Me’” (MH 143.3).
I believe we would have more people come to Christ if we followed Jesus’ method of discipleship and caring for people. Living life with them, eating and celebrating together, taking trips, helping them paint their house, calling them just to say hello, and showing you care about what is important to them is disarming and winsome.
I do not think we will have revival or a movement if all we do is meet people once a week at church and don’t connect with them during the week. I know one of the many reasons I am a Christian today because of the people who took an interest in my mom and me. They would call us, invite us to their homes, and even invite us to weddings of people we did not know. They also noticed what our needs were and helped us meet those needs.
Let’s ask God to help us be more aware of the Khun Mais He puts in our path and let us be ready to mingle with them as ones who desire their good. Show them sympathy, minister to their needs and win their confidence. In this way, not only can we invite them to follow Jesus, they will ask us if they can come along.
Thank you for your prayers and support. We see God’s answers all around.
