What are those things that are most important to teach to a people group who have never heard of Jesus before? This question is discussed at length in our "Church Planting Class", as we look at the evangelism and church planting process in a cross cultural context. This is one of the main classes Vern is involved with teaching. How does a person go about doing evangelism and discipleship in a tribal church setting? How do you go about training tribal people to teach others chronologically? Our last term on the mission field Vern spent quite a bit of time working with a number of tribal church leaders teaching and training them to teach others. There were many challenges he faced as he worked with people who were not used to following a lesson plan. He would have a sword drill with these men with using just one little book in the Bible like Ephesians. It was quite an accomplishment to just find the right verse. So there are many challenges in seeing a tribal church move through to maturity. But what a joy in seeing a tribal church established and growing to maturity. This is our heart beat and passion and we are thrilled to be a part of helping prepare missionaries to see churches established in tribal areas.
In the foundations for living class we have been having three weeks of marriage classes. Our coworkers Wes and Peter have been teaching this class. Wes started the class off by sharing on Shepherding Grace (using a book by Bob and Dottie Bingham). Peter has been directing a DVD series by Tommie Nelson. The study addresses the art of attraction, dating, courtship, intimacy, conflict, romance, and commitment. The class has also been seeing some vidoes by Gary Smalley's Homes of Honor series. It has been so good to have these weeks on devoloping deeper marriage relationships. On the mission field there are so many stresses and pressures and there is great value in having strong marriages.
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