It Makes a Difference
I love what we do. I love the life God has given me. I am so grateful for the many ways He provides opportunities to teach and equip the body of Christ around the world. It used to be that we had to write and send materials or go if we wanted to disciple other nations. Now, we can click a few buttons and suddenly share a classroom with men and women of God in any nation of the world. I forget how amazing that is sometimes.
I teach an on-line school created by PHGN called The Multi-Generational Discipleship Institute. Thus far, almost all of my students for this two year course have been from the continent of Africa. The number of students who participate in each class varies and the closer we get to the finish line, the harder it seems to get for the students. Still, I make the teaching the videos and send them for those who are so diligent to do the work. I feel honored to pour what I’ve learned in ministering to the generations into these pastors, teachers, and willing students. Yet, despite that, it sometimes feels insufficient and insignificant compared to what others are doing. Have you ever felt that? Have you ever wondered if you are truly making a difference?
This week I heard a testimony that touched my heart. One of the MGDI students, a pastor in Uganda, shared a testimony about a man who stole his bike. The man stole his bike and then tried to resell it to him! When the village leaders heard, they hauled the man out and were enraged. It was likely he would be beaten and killed for his crime. A bike in that part of the world is like an expensive car somewhere else - it’s a cherished possession and not easy to find. The pastor shared that if this had happened before he participated in a recent MGDI course, he might have remained quiet as the man was punished. However, the course changed his heart. He understood Christ’s compassion. He intervened and the man’s life was spared. When I read the testimony, it hit my heart - all of this teaching, recording, grading, and emails does make a difference!
I know there is always fruit when we sow God’s Word into the lives of others. I’ve been able to witness firsthand the impact that biblical discipleship can have upon lives and entire communities - even nations. But as I read the pastor’s testimony, tears came. Why? Because I realized that there was a lost man - a thief - in a Ugandan village whose life was spared because a man of God learned God’s Word and ways of compassion. The Word and the ways were God’s, but knowing I had a small part in getting that message to him meant so much. I realized once again that what I do - what WE do together for the gospel - makes a real difference.
Just ask the man who has been given another day to find God. He’s worth it!