Experience the passion and impact through stories of change
In our letter you met Nina, Pastor Sylvain, and Teacher Wangechi. Read more about their experiences below.
How Nina studied Mark
One lesson from "Discover Mark 1-9" begins with reading Mark 4:35-41. We invite you to read and engage with the passage below.
Jesus Calms the Storm
"That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”
He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”
What do you think the group talked about as they read the Bible passages and answered the questions together? How might the group grow? What impact might you imagine this having on the group and individuals?
How Pastor Sylvain shared Biblical Preaching
Pastor Sylvain and his church members learned through studying and practicing Ephesians 4:29-32 how to apply the 3 keys of Biblical Preaching: Preach the Text, Preach the Gospel, Preach for Kingdom Change.
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
Each lesson ends with a “My Plan” - a simple next step to apply something that has been learned. What next step do you think Pastor Sylvain could include in his “My Plan”? What long term change might take place in this church?
How Teacher Wangechi explored teaching
Along with other teachers from her community, Wangechi studied Esther 4:12-14, Matthew 5:16 and Colossians 3:16 to discover how teaching can have kingdom impact.
Esther 4:12-14: "When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai, he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
Matthew 5:16: "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
Colossians 3:16: "Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts."
What ideas might Wangechi have for an Action Plan, her concrete plan to implement? What might change in her school or community as a result of this plan?