Where there's a will, there's a way. Be the way.
Imagine a man growing up in a village on the Amazon River. He gained a basic understanding of the Bible through the religion class that was part of his education in the village school. He may or may not be part of a local church. Often times there is not a church or a pastor in the village. God has put a longing in his heart to be a pastor to the people in his community, but he does not have the means to go to a Bible College, and if he did, he can not leave his wife and children as he is their sole provider. He may not even own a Bible as it would be a great burden on his family to be able to purchase one. The situation seems hopeless, but with God, all things are possible.
He is about to begin Pastor Training in his own village or a neighboring village where training is being hosted, along with a group of men from neighboring villages, who intend to go back to their own communities and plant churches to minister to their own people. Using proven training methods and Train & Multiply materials that have been in use for over 15 years in several countries in 39 different languages, he will be taught by mentors who are currently pastors or leaders in an established local church how to read and understand God's Word and how to teach others what he has been taught. His training will cover the seven basic commands of Christ, the twelve principles of church multiplication, the importance of evangelizing and discipling new believers, and training others to do the same. Using Jesus' ministry example and the New Testament Church as a guide, trusting the Holy Spirit to lead, he will be equipped to shepherd the people of his community who are hungry to hear and apply God's Word to their lives. Paul instructed Timothy, "And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses, entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others." (2 Timothy 2:2) That is the basis for his training.
Would you, your family or your church or small group partner with him to make this training possible?
Making Disciples in the Amazon provides a Study Bible, Training Materials (a series of 80 training booklets and a Student Activity Guide) and practical needs such as meals during the training sessions and sometimes even gas for transportation to the village. Once his church is established and he begins ministering to those in his own community, he would like to provide Bibles for those he is ministering to. While the financial support is so important, imagine what a difference it would make if he knew you were praying for him and interceding for him - taking his concerns and those of his family, friends and neighbors before the throne of grace. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, "So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing." Your prayers, encouragement and financial support could change this man's life, and by investing in him, you could affect his entire village!
What does a partnership look like?
- When this man arrives at the village for training, he will be given a study Bible. Inside the Bible will be a label with your name on it stating that you are his "Pastor Partner", and you have committed to praying for him, encouraging him and helping him financially with his training.
- He will be asked to sign a Pastor Pledge and fill out an information sheet, providing basic information about himself, his family and his church and village.
- You will be sent a copy of this information along with his picture to serve as a daily prayer reminder.
- You will commit to praying for him, his family, his church and his village daily.
- You will decide how you would like to pay the pledge for financial support.
- You will receive reports as we get information about how God is working in your Pastor Partner's community.
What is the cost?
The cost to support a pastor, which includes a study Bible, pastor training materials and other costs associated with his training is $120 over the course of the year. Once you pledge to partner with him, it's up to you to decide how you would like to pay that pledge (see below).
If at the end of the year, you would like to continue a support and encouragement relationship with your Pastor Partner, you are very welcome to do that. You may wish to visit the village at some point, or help financially with needs of the church once it is established. We have helped churches with building projects such as roof repair or replacement, purchases such as benches and tables or even musical instruments such as an electronic keyboard or guitar. One of our churches was able to purchase a speaker and microphone and they have a solar panel to power the electronics in the church. One church was gifted with the money to purchase a generator to run their electric keyboard as they reported that having music in the service encouraged people to come and then they had access to hearing the gospel. Two pastors have asked for materials for teaching the children, and one pastor asked for children's Bibles. The needs of each village, church or pastor will vary, but it is so encouraging to play a personal role in the development and growth of the church and the people in the community!
If at the end of the year, you would like to continue a support and encouragement relationship with your Pastor Partner, you are very welcome to do that. You may wish to visit the village at some point, or help financially with needs of the church once it is established. We have helped churches with building projects such as roof repair or replacement, purchases such as benches and tables or even musical instruments such as an electronic keyboard or guitar. One of our churches was able to purchase a speaker and microphone and they have a solar panel to power the electronics in the church. One church was gifted with the money to purchase a generator to run their electric keyboard as they reported that having music in the service encouraged people to come and then they had access to hearing the gospel. Two pastors have asked for materials for teaching the children, and one pastor asked for children's Bibles. The needs of each village, church or pastor will vary, but it is so encouraging to play a personal role in the development and growth of the church and the people in the community!
What is the Pastor's Responsibility?
Making the decision to take on the role of spiritual leader to your community is not an easy one to make. The Pastor Trainee will need to commit to attending training sessions and meeting one on one with his mentor. Not only will he need to commit to reading and studying the Bible and the training materials, he will also need to leave his village and family to go to the village where training is taking place. While at the training, he will not be able to work at his regular trade to provide for his family, so there is a financial risk, as well.
At the beginning of the training, he will be given the student pledge that he needs to consider before signing and making a commitment. He must pledge to make the commands of Christ a priority in his life, to teach others to obey them, to care for his family with love, to pray for those he is shepherding, to work in harmony with others, to invest his time and money in growing Christ's kingdom, to trust God, and to faithfully complete the assignments in the course. While he is receiving training, he will begin evangelizing and training others in his own community. He will also be accountable to his mentor and keep records regarding what is happening in his community.
At the beginning of the training, he will be given the student pledge that he needs to consider before signing and making a commitment. He must pledge to make the commands of Christ a priority in his life, to teach others to obey them, to care for his family with love, to pray for those he is shepherding, to work in harmony with others, to invest his time and money in growing Christ's kingdom, to trust God, and to faithfully complete the assignments in the course. While he is receiving training, he will begin evangelizing and training others in his own community. He will also be accountable to his mentor and keep records regarding what is happening in his community.
OK, I'm in. What do I do?
- Go to our Pastor Page and choose a pastor you would like to partner with (or we can assign a pastor to you);
- Pledge to pray daily for your Pastor Partner and his community;
- Decide how you can best pay the $120 cost to fund his training.
You may choose to make:
- 1 payment of $120;
- 2 payments of $60;
- 3 payments of $40;
- 4 payments of $30;
- 6 payments of $20; or
- 12 payments of $10.
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You may send payment(s) by mail or donate with a credit/debit card or E-check through our account at One Mission Society:
Make check payable to One Mission Society and mail to: One Mission Society P.O. Box 1648 Monument, CO 80132-1648 On the memo line, please include: #802593 - Pasterik Please include a note OR better yet, email us to let us know the name of the pastor you would like to partner with. ALL GIFTS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE AND YOU WILL RECEIVE A RECEIPT IN THE MAIL FROM OMS once the transaction is complete. |
If you would like to make a CREDIT/DEBIT CARD donation, you may do so through our page on the OMS website. Simply scroll to the bottom of the page and enter the amount and frequency of your donation (special gift, monthly or annual gift). Fill in the blanks and that's it!
Thank you for your
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