Theological Education & Church Leadership Development
Today, our ministry focuses on the following efforts:
Regional Pastoral and Leadership Workshops.
This is done through a partnership with World Hope Bible Institute. The WHBI program seeks to provide quality theological education at no cost to pastors and ministry leaders who would otherwise not be able to access it due to lack of finances, lack of educational requirements to enter a seminary program, inability to relocate to be near the seminary (almost all seminaries in Botswana do not online education; if they did, many people would not be able to afford the cost of internet to access an online program), or a lack of available time as many are working just to be able to provide the little that they have. The program consists of 16 different workshops where each workshop is provided once every 2 months through a 2-day intensive. The students who complete the program, approximately 3 to 3.5 years, are awarded a Certificate of Participation. During one of our early workshops on the doctrine of salvation, 7 pastors received Christ as Savior.
The Trust has been buying Setswana (the main local language) and English bibles, both in softcover and hardcover versions from South Africa. The bibles are then sold at approximately 20%-25% below cost. The trust, through our ministry funds, absorbs this “loss”, yet we count it as a “win” for the kingdom of God. This has made bibles affordable to all who desire them. We have found that if they are given free bibles, that people do not value the bible as the Word of God and have used it for many profane purposes. Yet when they pay something, that they value the Bible and read it regularly. In the last 15 months, we have been able to distribute more than 600 bibles in the Central region of Botswana.
Gospel-Centered Preaching.
James has been developing kingdom relationships with many pastors from different denominations. He has been invited to preach during the Sunday worship services. Many have commented about how the expository messages are making a powerful impact in the lives of many. They also appreciate his clear communication that focuses on the centrality of Jesus Christ, and how the Bible can be applied in daily life.
Financial Support of Churches, Programs, and Leaders.
The Trust has been able to provide direct financial assistance for many based on the availability of funds. Funds have been used towards the cost to build buildings, help to cover the some of cost of evangelistic outreaches, and help pastors provide for their families when the church has not been able to do so, and many other purposes.
Pastoral Care & Encouragement.
We have been able to meet with various pastors and ministry leaders. Many of these leaders have not been able to find someone in whom they can trust to share their concerns of life knowing that whatever is said is held in the strictest of confidence. We also meet with missionaries, most of whom are not associated with the Trust, to listen and encourage them as they face many challenges and are in need of loving, compassionate, and empathic care.
Discover More About How You Can Partner With Us through praying for the ministry.