Seeing is Believing

Sometimes for some of us, seeing is believing. At last week’s conference in Kigali, participants were given an opportunity to see and experience firsthand where and how a disciple making movement can begin, thanks to our Rwandese host team who took us into an eastern province just outside of the capital city. Those of us who opted to go were squished into Justin’s 30-year-old Land Rover African style, meaning there’s always room for one more. There were six big men in the back, one from Sierra Leone, one from South Sudan, one from Zambia, two from Rwanda; one from Tanzania; three of us in the middle, two from Zambia, one from US; and in the front were Justin and Pascal (Rwanda). No need to tell you, where we were going, we definitely needed that four-wheel drive vehicle!

As the first step in disciple-making, the Rwandese team invited us to pray. Then, they demonstrated that sometimes it takes a very long time to walk the distances of wherever the Holy Spirit is sending you.

Finally, we reached a small clearing where there were farmers hoeing and preparing the soil for planting. The team showed us how they greeted the farmers, introduced themselves and told them they were there to share God’s love with them. Then, as they were talking they also picked up a hoe and started working in the field alongside of them.

The third step of Disciple Making Movements was then demonstrated: doing a Discovery Bible Study (DBS). The farmers took us far up the mountain to their newly built home where a demonstration included doing a DBS together and also the elements of soon-to-be house church: praying for one another, worshipping together, DBS, eating together.

The response of the participants from their experience?

“I have seen real people who are doing this. There I saw four generations of disciples. If this can be done in Rwanda, it can happen in Zambia.”

“I learned so many things. I learned to take time, to listen, not to preach, but to love.”

“I learned to go where the people are.”

“I learned to sit and be together. I learned to facilitate, not preach, so everyone has a chance.”

“I learned this is the way of Jesus. It is simple, so simple.”

“My experience was awesome! After finding this person of peace, we did DBS together. I watched and it was awesome! And, the people, they all participated and it was awesome! And, we broke bread together and it was awesome! I have carried a lot. For me, this is the strategy I am going home with (to Zambia).”