Submitted by Dallas Brown, Missionary In Burkina Faso

I want to give you a quick glimpse into the work we’re doing in Burkina Faso to start and grow churches. One of the most powerful tools we’ve discovered in reaching people with the gospel is simply being present where people naturally gather. Our team has been encouraged by creative ideas shared among local leaders, and I’d love to share a few of the strategies that have been most effective for us.

Meeting People Where They Are

When we first asked ourselves, “How can we best reach our community?”, we realized that the answer was already around us. People naturally gather for different activities—and those gatherings are incredible opportunities to build relationships and share the gospel.

Soccer: A Gateway to Youth

In Burkina Faso, if you want to reach the youth, the easiest way is through soccer. It’s a passion here. So we organize soccer tournaments, and they’ve been a huge success—not just in turnout, but in the spiritual impact. During the tournament, we take a break for lunch, which we host at the church. It’s during that meal that we get the chance to sit everyone down, share the gospel, and build friendships that go beyond the field.

Petanque and Tea: Reaching the Men

When it comes to connecting with men in the community, we noticed two key gathering points: playing petanque (a game similar to bocce with heavy steel balls) and sharing strong, traditional tea. Every evening, groups of men get together for these activities. So, we do the same. Sometimes we host small petanque tournaments or tea times, and other times we simply show up and join in.

These moments are incredibly natural ways to build rapport. As we engage, we’re often invited to share our story—and with that comes the chance to talk about Christ and invite others to church.

Why This Strategy Works

One of the most beautiful aspects of this approach is how inclusive it can be. Often, even people who don’t yet follow Jesus are excited to help invite others to an event like a soccer game or tea gathering. That openness creates opportunities for connection that wouldn’t happen otherwise. From there, we can begin conversations that lead to something deeper.

Our basic strategy is simple:

1. Look for where people are already gathering.
2. Join in or host something similar.
3. Use that space to connect and share the love of Jesus.

A Natural Approach to Sharing the Gospel

By focusing on activities people already love and participate in, we’re able to meet them in their world, speak their language, and walk with them toward Christ in a way that feels genuine and welcoming.

Submitted by Kevin Hall, Missionary in South Africa

Launching a new ministry can often feel overwhelming, especially if you are working in a developing church or mission field. However, the right approach and structure can make all the difference in getting a discipleship program off the ground. One such initiative that has proven effective is Growth Track—a structured learning program designed to disciple believers, build confidence in young teachers, and create a strong foundation in the local church.

What Is Growth Track?

Growth Track is a ministry approach similar to Sunday School or a new believers’ class. It is designed to provide structured biblical teaching to church members, particularly in environments where teachers may lack experience or confidence. This model has been successfully implemented in townships in South Africa, where many young believers are eager to learn but require guidance and support in their spiritual growth.

Why Growth Track?

• Addresses Late Attendance: Many people arrive late for church services, which can make traditional Sunday School scheduling challenging. By hosting Growth Track after the main service, participation increases.
• Equips Young Teachers: In many churches, potential teachers may not have extensive biblical knowledge or confidence to teach. Growth Track provides a structured lesson plan, helping them grow as leaders while instructing others.
• Encourages Participation: Leaders and pastors can encourage members to stay after the service, ensuring they engage in discipleship and learning in a small group setting.

How Growth Track Works

1. Timing and Structure: Growth Track takes place immediately after the Sunday morning service. As members prepare to leave, leaders encourage them to stay and join their designated class.
2. Grouping by Age and Language: Classes are divided based on age groups and, when necessary, native languages, making lessons more accessible and effective.
3. Equipping Teachers: Teachers are selected based on their faithfulness and character rather than their level of biblical knowledge. To build their confidence, they are provided with structured, two-page lesson notes. This material typically takes about 30 minutes to cover, including scripture references and discussions.
4. Lesson Preparation: Teachers are encouraged to review the lessons multiple times before teaching, ensuring they are familiar with the material and confident in leading discussions.
5. Interactive Learning: At the end of each session, discussion questions are included to engage students, reinforce understanding, and encourage interaction. The class concludes with a time of prayer.

The Impact of Growth Track

By implementing Growth Track, churches can:

• Foster a culture of learning and discipleship.
• Equip and build confidence in future teachers and leaders.
• Provide accessible and structured Bible teaching tailored to the congregation’s needs.
• Strengthen the foundation of young churches and church plants.

For churches and ministries looking for an effective and simple way to develop Sunday School or discipleship programs, Growth Track offers a practical and impactful solution. Whether you are working in a new church plant or an established congregation, this structured approach can help lay a strong foundation for spiritual growth and leadership development.

Submitted by Nate Wilkerson, Serving In Benin

Recently, we had the opportunity to visit the home of someone who invited us to come. He is incredibly excited about the Gospel. While we’re not sure if he fully understands everything yet, his enthusiasm for the Word of God and learning about Jesus is evident. What makes this even more inspiring is that he didn’t just keep this excitement to himself—he invited all of his friends! Several teenagers, about ten in total, and several mothers came together to hear the Good News.

Since then, we have been meeting at his home every Friday night for a Bible study. This is actually how we started at our own home—just a simple Bible study in our garden. Over time, that small gathering grew, and now we have about twenty-five to thirty people who have been saved. A church is beginning to form in this community, and it’s incredible to witness God at work.

This same approach was what we used in Torrey as well. We started with a Bible study under a tree, and from there, God grew it into something much greater. What I have learned through these experiences is that the best way to reach people is to meet them where they are. Rather than simply inviting people to a church service, we take the Gospel to them in their homes and communities.

Church is meant for saved people—a place where believers can grow in their faith and worship together. However, lost people need to be reached in their own environments. By going to them, meeting them where they are, and sharing the Gospel in a way that resonates with their lives, we see true biblical churches being formed.

This method has been incredibly effective, and we praise the Lord for the lives that are being transformed. Many are being saved, going through discipleship, and making the decision to be baptized. We are humbled and grateful for what God is doing through these simple gatherings, and we trust that He will continue to guide us in reaching more people for His kingdom.

If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s this: the Gospel thrives when we bring it to the people. And when we do, God does the rest.

Continuation of the marriage advice I received from a man married for over 63 ½ years, the last portion of advice he told me was the following: 

Try to get her anything she wants

I remember the sparkle in his eyes when he told me to get her anything she wants. We don’t have to wait until Christmas; we can buy or do things that our spouse wants right now. The majority of things that our spouses want are not things of great value. With a little creativity, time and effort, we could do or get things our spouse would like, and that is a great gesture of love.

Tell her you love her all the time

No one expects to leave and not return to see their spouse again, but there will come a day that will be the last time you see your spouse, so make sure the words “I love you” are constantly on your lips. It doesn’t cost money or energy to say these words, yet many times they are not said enough in a marriage. 

Hold her or put your hand on her shoulder and talk to her

Acts, gestures, and physical touch are super important in marriage. Simply giving a hug or putting your hand on your spouse are very comforting and supportive.

Holding hands in public tells everyone, “We’re still in love.”  Hold your spouse while listening to them has great power to show you support them, back them up and are there for them. Everyone needs a cheerleader to say, “I’m on your side; you’re doing great.” 

As this elderly gentlemen offered me his advice for marriage, he backed it up with a broken heart and tear-filled eyes thinking of his wife who had passed before him. It was evident that this man loved his wife and was devoted to her. His advice may seem too simple for you, but I wish you could’ve seen and heard how he wanted me to know that soon it may be the last time to tell my wife I love her, kiss her, or do something special for her. Today is the day to show love, because tomorrow may never come. Love not expressed is not real love, so express your love while there’s still breath in your soul. 

Three weeks ago we began a series, and this week we will continue with the next three thoughts about Good Teachers: 

A Good Teacher Shares Life Lessons 

Teaching is much more than just the subject at hand. A good teacher will impart life lessons. Truths wrapped in stories seemed to be a favorite way of teaching for Jesus. A good teacher unashamedly shares stories, mistakes, and life lessons for the good of the listeners. 

A Good Teacher Obtains Integrity 

The best teaching and preaching is an overflow of one’s life. The worse teaching is saying one thing and living in a different manner. Hypocrisy is abhorred by all. You will teach more by your example than you will by your words. Live in a manner that you can speak in the classroom from personal experience instead of borrowing someone else’s life story. Every teacher has flaws, but strive to live with integrity. 

A Good Teacher Works to Improve Communication Skills 

Good teachers are good communicators, but they also strive to improve their communication skills. One of my teachers in high school used to say, “Words are not the only means of communication.” And he was always communicating his care and interest in our lives. Sometimes he stood up, other times he sat down, sometimes he drew on the board, and sometimes he had us read out loud or stopped to tell a story. He was a great communicator, and he was always improving his communication skills. 

People will not necessarily remember what you’ve taught them, but they will remember how you treated them and made them feel. Your communication skills have more to do with your treatment than it does your gimmicks. Learn and use all the tactics possible, but your love and interest are the greatest communicative skills!

Continuation of the marriage advice I received from a man married for over 63 ½ years, the next pieces of advice he told me were the following: 

Kiss her every day

A kiss costs you nothing yet shows affection. You don’t get to kiss just anybody, so take advantage of the one you can kiss.

Kiss her before going to bed at night

You never know when the last night might be with your spouse, so end the day with a kiss.

Be kind to her

I’ve heard some say, “I love you, but I don’t like you”. Being kind proves you’re not just with your spouse because you have no other option or don’t want to divorce.  Being kind proves that you really are happy that you are married to your spouse. First Corinthians 13 says that love is kind.

Show her you love her

Actions speak louder than words. Words are cheap, so show your spouse you love her.

Sometimes we forget manners and get too “comfortable,” but treating her respectfully (opening doors, saying kind words, complimenting, hugging, etc.) demonstrates your love.

God loved us so much that He showed it – we would be wise to prove our love, showing it so there is no doubt it is true. Giving your time is a great way to show your love.