Instructing The Brethren – Disciple Support Ministries

One of the greatest Joys of being on the mission field is directly “seeing” and “hearing” the effect of God’s Word on the hearts and minds of the people. In the past two Semesters, we have studied, verse by verse, the books of Genesis, Obadiah, Haggai, Malachi, Micah, Nahum, Zephaniah, Habakkuk, Judges, Gospel of John, Epistles of John, Philemon, Titus, Timothy and Hebrews. In addition, every new student is required to take a semester long class in Inductive Bible Study Techniques. At the end each semester, the Pastors voluntarily provide their feedback. Candid testimonies from those on the ground...on the receiving end of this Ministry. We hope you will gain further insight into the Ministry and the eternal, yet ground level, effect of this Discipleship Ministry on the “Pastors of the Least”. We trust you will be encouraged, and even challenged, as you hear from their hearts...directly, and unedited.

What part of the Program do you find most challenging?

The discipline is all new to me. But that is one of the main reasons I came
I never finished primary school. Reading is very difficult and slow for me
The Devil has been standing on my head since I arrived at DSM
Memorizing Bible verses. I have not done that since childhood
Duties to clean the Bible School have challenged my pride
Inductive Bible Study techniques are anew but needed discipline for me
Biblical teachings on polygamy, fornication and marriage
Removing the “Prosperity Gospel” that I had been indoctrinated with
Tests require us to be very precise and discerning. So counter to our culture!
The standard of holiness expected has challenged me

How did this Semester’s classes help you or Change you?

I had never been challenged to read the entire Bible in my 23 years of ministry
A deep root of bitterness has been exposed and removed
I see now that I am in a false church under a false gospel
The emphasis on God’s Word has helped me mature quickly
I have exposed my own hypocrisy
I realized I was not born again. Surely I am now
I am striving to be a godly example in the midst of corruption
I now minister freely, without charge or expecting gifts
I have become a teacher of the Word, above everything else
I now understand and cherish the Old Testament
My family has been healed and delivered from many ungodly practices
I can identify a false prophet accurately and quickly
My Christianity is now biblical. For the first time
I have no fear of corona virus

What is the Single Most Significant Change in your CHURCH because of your participation in the Bible Institute?

I believe we are ready for the coming persecutions, mockery and deceptions
I was removed from the pulpit ministry as soon as I began teaching the Bible
We are seeking God, apart from His blessings
We no longer keep a record of people’s tithes and offerings
Our marriages, funerals and counseling are now given freely, without cost
Many have come to hear this Word being taught
We lost half of our congregation when we started teaching the Bible
Our evangelism has been reignited with power!
The worship team is no longer making a show. They are worshipping God!
Our church members are all bringing bibles to church service now
Everyone takes notes and asks questions
We have a Bible Reading plan for the church and everyone is excited
Many members have requested to be married

What specific teaching or instruction personally impacted YOU the most?

Freedom from legalism
The need for me to be personally holy before God
Biblical roles and responsibilities of men and women in the church and in life
Reading carefully “in Context”
Learning about the Holy Spirit, especially that He is God. Not the power of God
Restitution is still valid and required today
Learning how to identify God’s Themes in the Bible
Work is God’s command even if I am not paid
To be a servant to the flock
To persevere with my unsaved husband
Marriage is not a cultural thing. It comes from God
Covetousness has ruined us pastors
Covetousness has ruined us pastorsTo love as God loves, not as the world “loves”

Other comments...

We are so appreciative of those who are giving to this Ministry
God has brought you from far to help us draw near
We need these Bible Schools throughout East Africa
I thank God for this miracle of attending Bible School!
The teachers and staff reflect Christ sincerely
We intercede for every person standing with this Ministry
God bless those who have given the widow’s mite for this God-fearing institution
I was lost. Now I am found!• We long to thank our sponsors face-to-face!
Please give our warm greetings and thanks to the sponsors of this Bible School
I pray without ceasing that this School continues without ceasing
I have never seen such sincere love and sacrifice for slum pastors
You have planted seeds that will be harvested until Jesus comes back!
Ministry without cost and fees...now my eyes have seen!

This small sample of current testimonies is an indication of the eternal effect of planting God’s Word in people. It is not an easy ministry for any of us...neither supporters, students, nor staff. In the process of Persevering, let us continue with Praise and Thanksgiving to the Lord. It is from His goodness that we have been granted the opportunity to serve the Pastors of the Least. It is God’s Truth that we share; it is His provision that enables us; it is His favor that protects us...in this beautiful ministry of His Word and Discipleship of His Pastors and Ministry Leaders. One of my favorite verses perhaps best summarizes this Ministry...

“If you Instruct the Brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the Words of Faith and the Good Doctrine which you have carefully followed.”
1 Timothy 4:6