Peter is a big, burly man but tears filled his eyes as he told his story. He had been an angry, violent alcoholic and his parents-in-law had taken his wife and daughter away, fearful of what he might do to them. His life was in ruins.

Then Peter met a disciple of Jesus Christ. He discovered that Jesus could change his life in ways that his Hindu gods could not.

His family was reconciled and Peter found a fullness of life in Christ that he never imagined possible. His new church asked him to take the discipleship–mission training they had developed with Global Disciples and then commissioned him to plant a church in an unreached village.

Peter needed a way to support his family, so he also took the Small Business Development training developed by his church with the help of Global Disciples. When asked the question, “What’s in your hand?” Peter thought back to his boyhood experiences on a farm.

To support himself as a church planter and have an identity that made sense to the people in the village to which he was going, Peter developed a business plan for pesticide spraying. The guidance and support he received through his church from Global Disciples were enough to get a small loan and purchase a backpack sprayer with a small gasoline motor.

In the last several years, Peter has planted five churches in surrounding villages, building relationships through his business. He has been able to support his family and earned enough money to buy a small field to raise crops of his own. Now his face glows with delight.

Recently Peter was able to buy a second backpack sprayer, but not expand his own business. He’s giving the new sprayer to another church planter who recently completed the Global Disciples training and is now going to make disciples and plant new churches in unreached areas.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

“I’m giving up Facebook for Lent.”

“I’m off caffeine during Lent. It’ll be good for me.”

You’ve probably heard—or even said—something like this. Many people use this season of Lent to exercise aspects of self-denial or sacrifice. For some, it’s a personal discipline or a time when they remove specific distractions to focus more fully on their spiritual walk.

While God offers no spiritual “brownie points” because you give up coffee or your phone for a few weeks, it is always a good time for a spiritual tune-up, reflecting on how you’re doing as a disciple of Jesus, as you anticipate the celebration of Easter and the joy of worshipping a risen Jesus.

You see, when Jesus calls you to be His disciple, it’s going to cost you. Several times in Luke 9, Jesus points out just what it will take to follow Him. In verses 23-25, He spells it out: “Deny yourself and take up your cross and follow me.”

Deny yourself—that’s a tall order. Most of us live “me first.” We like our own way; we hold tightly to our creature comforts, our plans, ideas, and will. The denial Jesus speaks of is more than giving up coffee! It’s a daily choice to set aside your agenda, needs, and desires, and take up His instead.

When Jesus talks about taking up a cross in Luke 9, it must have puzzled his followers. To them, a cross would have spelled judgment, execution, and dishonorable death. They didn’t see it yet as the visible point of salvation—something that speaks of forgiveness, grace, and freedom from sin.

Taking up the cross is a willingness to step into life as Jesus did; to walk the way of the cross, dying to our selfish, self-centered, sin-bound ways, and living by His purpose and plan.

This choice is not to be taken lightly. Being a disciple of Jesus is more than “being good” for a few weeks of Lent. It’s going to cost you something—your whole life. In Luke 14:25-35, Jesus compares it to building a tower, and carefully calculating all the expenses of time, materials, labor, etc.

Take a moment and consider the cost, to stand before the Saviour and say, ”Yes, I’m ready and willing to follow, no matter where You lead, no matter what.”

Consider this: Denying yourself, and losing your life for Christ (Luke 9:24) may not involve physical death but setting aside all your plans and goals, dreams, and affections in favor of His plan. Does that seem easier than dying? Or harder?

Prayer: Jesus, my salvation cost you everything, and I thank you for that gift. My sacrifice could never equal yours, but I’m willing to count the cost, deny myself, and live as your disciple. Thank you for choosing me, loving me, and empowering me to live this life through the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective training and coaching strategy, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

Psalm 78 tells the story of an army fully equipped to fight but which turned back in the day of battle because they “forgot what God had done.” They lacked unwavering faith in God’s power and care. The enemy speaks often in our ear that God is not able, or God does not care, or God is not good. Faith counteracts this lie and helps us to keep praying even when the battle is difficult or long. 

And without faith, it is impossible to please God. For anyone who comes to Him (that is prayer) must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him. – Hebrews 11:6

It is impossible to have relationship/communication with God without faith. When we come to God in prayer, we must have two things:

Faith and Prayer are inseparable.  If we have faith that God is sovereign, cares for us and loves to communicate with us, we will pray.  As we pray, obey and testify, we naturally grow in faith in God’s strength and care.

Our faith filled declaration of God’s word and His love plays a role in overcoming the kingdom of darkness.

“They overcame him (Satan), by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives
so much as to shrink from death.” – Revelation 12:11

There are many ways we can begin to understand the beautiful character of God but three ways we can grow our faith and pray faith-filled prayers is to focus on creation, the bible, and history.

Creation – The vastness of our universe is incredible. The Milky Way Galaxy, of which the earth is a part, has about 100 billion or more stars. The Milky Way is one of about 100 billion galaxies in the currently observable universe (some believe there could be two trillion). The average distance between stars in our galaxy is about 48 trillion kilometers. Traveling at the speed of the space shuttle, 8 kilometers per second (30 minutes from the USA to Indonesia), it would take 201,450 years to travel the average distance between stars. Unimaginable–and our God is the creator of it all. 

Psalm 103:11 states, “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him.”

Let that love settle into your soul!

The Bible – Consider the story of God’s deliverance of his people from the sovereign and powerful nation of Egypt as recorded in Exodus chapter 14. Read it as though you have never read it before. In response to the cries of His people, God literally split a sea in a night, dried the ground beneath, and led his people through. What an amazing act of deliverance! The Bible holds countless records of his power and works on behalf of His children.

History – In the early 1960s while reading through a Time Magazine story about a brutal gang-related murder in New York City, the pastor of a small country church 350 miles away, heard God speak. He saw a picture of the seven members of the Dragons gang who were charged with the murder, and he began to cry. In the book The Cross and the Switchblade, David Wilkerson recounts his experience, “I was dumbfounded by a thought that sprang suddenly into my head – full-blown, as though it had come into me from somewhere else: ‘Go to New York City and help those boys.’” Wilkerson obeyed God, went to New York City, and brought the life of Jesus to the leader and members of that gang. The story of God’s work described in this book is nothing short of remarkable. Take time each year to read at least one biography or autobiography of a Christian to encourage you to see how God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things for His Kingdom.

Just as you read or hear stories of God’s work in the lives of other people, remember your own stories. Take time to reflect on what Jesus has done in your life–how you came to salvation, where he’s changed your habits, your attitudes, and your actions. And tell these stories to your children, your friends, and your co-workers. This is your story of faith; as you share it, it will build your faith and influence others to see the great work of God. Be honest, humble, and open but give God praise for His work.

As you reflect on the work God has done in your life, or you see the testimony of His work in the lives of people around you, pray for more–more opportunities to say yes to him, to act in obedience and faith. Praise Him for His power and love, then obey–take action–on what He shows you to do. It may be uncomfortable at times, even risky, but it will be worth it. It’s how you exercise the faith that’s growing in you. And yes, it will be part of your testimony and can multiply to greater faith and deeper prayer in your life and in those you influence.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective training and coaching strategy, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

Is it possible to build and lead a dynamic, healthy, and culturally diverse team to accomplish the Great Commission? We believe it is.

Our experience in working on international, cross-cultural teams has emerged naturally out of who we are and what we do. As Global Disciples, we equip people to reach those least-reached with the gospel in their own nations.

We work with clusters of churches in collaboration with a denomination, association, or an existing network of churches – now over 1,500 different affiliations in over 65 countries. In partnership with these local churches, we now serve over 3000 locally sustainable mission training-sending programs around the world.

Working as a cross-cultural, international team has been in our DNA since we began 27 years ago, with five discipleship-mission training programs in three countries.

Today, only 19% of our 180 team members are in North America – the rest live and work from their homelands.

We have six people and four nationalities represented on our executive team, and our training Alliance is led by a team of eight from six countries. We travel together, train together, pray, and plan and equip each other, across a wide range of cultures and perspectives. And we enjoy sharing what we are learning and hearing from others about what their experiences have taught them.

Out of this, we see four keys to building and leading a strong culturally diverse team.

It may seem obvious but talking openly about cultural differences and expectations right up front – and along the way – is essential for building and leading healthy cross-cultural teams. It’s not enough to think, “Well, I’ll have to get used to that …” as we are often inclined to do.

Identifying differences in perspectives, patterns, or expectations is honoring everyone involved. Make note of those things – mentally or written down – so you don’t rehash things every time they come up. Decide together about how your team will deal with differences and agree to revisit it later if necessary. This can allow you to move on quickly in a mutually agreed-upon way. Be careful to not automatically defer to the dominant culture or the leader’s preference. North Americans often tend to be the first to speak or make statements strongly.

Allowing others to speak first is empowering, even if they need to be personally invited to comment. On issues like scheduling, it is often wise to go with or adapt from the culture of the setting, especially for a meeting or training people.

There is one thing that is common to every individual, relationship, team, family, organization, nation, economy, and civilization throughout the world – one thing which, if removed, will destroy the most powerful government, the most successful business, the most thriving economy, the most influential leadership, the greatest friendship, the strongest character, the deepest love.” That one thing, according to Stephen M.R. Covey, is trust. We agree.

By being authentic, building friendships, enjoying life together, and addressing differences or concerns promptly, we build trust. In most cultures, trust is built on credibility. And credibility is generally established and maintained through at least four things:

In our Cross-cultural teams, we talk often about leading by example or “modeling the way.” Sharing this common desire and discipline provides a healthy level of mutual accountability. It gives opportunities to practice “speaking the truth in love” as we seek together to “live a life worthy of the calling we have received” (Ephesians 4:1–15), in which we are humble, gentle, patient, bearing with one another in love, and making efforts to preserve the unity of the Spirit. All this nurtures friendship and trust.

Some of our best interactions come over tea times and mealtimes, sharing about our lives and being disciples as we travel, sharing a room at night, or sipping coffee. As we understand where people come from, their joys, and challenges, our appreciation grows.

Connectedness and unity in cross-cultural teams grow as we embrace a common focus and reach an agreement on what is most important now and in the future. On our teams, we try to keep three things up front: Why are we together (our vision)? What will we do to pursue this vision or accomplish our purpose (our mission and central focus)? And how will we approach this task or responsibility (our core values and guiding principles)?

To answer those questions as Global Disciples we have developed what we call our arena, using the image of a soccer or football field to define where we work and interact as we pursue our mission and vision.

Our mission statement and our central focus (our what) define the goal lines of our playing field. The sidelines are defined by our Core Values, describing how we behave and interact with others, and our Guiding Principles clarify what we do. This Global Disciples Arena has been hugely helpful in defining the focus and overall priorities of our culturally diverse teams.

When delegating specific tasks cross-culturally, we broaden this to six questions: Who is to do it? What is it we want to be done? When do we want it completed? Where will it be done (if that matters)? How it is to be done if we have a preference? And why are you asking your team/team members to do this?

Delegating effectively in any culture is challenging but it is multiplied across cultures and can easily become prescriptive or feel paternalistic. Clarity and attention to ensuring common understanding allow us to avoid many pitfalls in leading across cultures – if we develop a level of trust and friendship that fosters open conversation about our differences.

Our different views of time and deadlines have led to many interesting discussions on differing expectations. When we built a cushion into deadlines to assure things were submitted in time for printing and preparation, one leader began asking, “Is the line really dead now?”

Clear expectations matter, especially across cultures. Who should set those expectations on cross-cultural teams? The common assumption may be the team leader, but it’s not that simple on healthy multicultural teams. A leader’s role is to guide the team through discerning mutually accepted expectations, patterns of accountability, and how future leaders or team members are selected.

This doesn’t have to be laborious when you go back to the first principles of building and leading culturally diverse teams. Establishing trust and friendship so that differing views can be expressed freely is essential and when paired with a mutual commitment to listen well, to pause and pray – listening for the Holy Spirit’s counsel when differences persist – it makes a huge difference.

We also face cultural assumptions about how leaders are chosen. Within Global Disciples we say, “select well, serve well.” When hiring or promoting staff, we explore their buy-in with our vision, mission, and core values. Without that, there’s no need to go further.

Then we consider our Four Cs: Character, Competency, Chemistry, and Calling (anointing for the job). In recent years, we have also used Patrick Lencioni’s three virtues of The Ideal Team Player: Humble, Hungry, and Smart (i.e., relationally sensitive and appropriate). Considering these factors together provides a balanced and healthy framework for discernment in hiring and promotions across cultures.

However, it requires time for the candidate or team member to apply these considerations. We have also had a near-culture colleague spend time with the candidate in their home with their spouse and family. In these settings, we have learned much that has averted potentially bad decisions and have never regretted time together while interviewing.

In many cultures, promoting a younger or less experienced person over someone older or with more history is a challenge. It takes time, patience, open communication, and authentic affirmation when working with the older, more seasoned person who is not promoted. By God’s grace, we’ve made that transition several times without losing the more senior leader or seeing their passion for our common mission decline.

Finally, frequent, clear communication and well-defined patterns of accountability are essential for building and leading healthy multicultural teams.

A lack of clarity in roles, especially cross-culturally, can result in leaders holding back and underperforming because they don’t want to cross the line of their defined responsibility – or they fear stepping beyond defined responsibilities and creating confusion. Most of our mid-level leaders provide brief weekly reports on key metrics in their jobs.

In senior-level roles, a monthly report and call, with other conversations as needed, is our pattern. Most of our cross-cultural team members are self-starters, and passionate about what they do – so they don’t need constant communication to stay focused. But we all find it important to clearly know what we are accountable for and by what metrics our performance will be measured.

There’s a deep joy and sense of satisfaction in working with multicultural teams as we are compelled by the love of Christ, energized by authentic friendships, and propelled by the common cause–making God’s glory known among the nations!

– Galen Burholder, President/CEO of Global Disciples

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

Prayer is relational. In both Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:1-4 when Jesus talked to his disciples about prayer, He initiated the prayer with, “Our Father…”

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. Ephesians 1:3-8 

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” Romans 8:14-15

God is our Father! We come to him in prayer as His children. Our communication with Him is relational.

When you’re a parent, you know that most of the time your children come to you when they need something or have a problem. 

While asking for things comes easy, it seems rarer for most children and even many adults to offer thanks on their own initiative. Many cultures seldom express thanks. It takes discipline to learn to be thankful. Luke shares an interesting story from Jesus’ life in Luke 17:11-19 about ten lepers who were cleansed.

While Jesus was on the way to Jerusalem, He was passing [along the border] between Samaria and Galilee. As He entered a village, He was met by ten lepers who stood at a distance; and they raised their voices and called out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” When He saw them, He said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were [miraculously] healed and made clean. One of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, glorifying and praising and honoring God with a loud voice; and he lay face downward at Jesus’ feet, thanking Him [over and over]. He was a Samaritan. Then Jesus asked, “Were not ten [of you] cleansed? Where are the [other] nine? Was there no one found to return and to give thanks and praise to God, except this foreigner?” Jesus said to him, “Get up and go [on your way]. Your faith [your personal trust in Me and your confidence in God’s power] has restored you to health.”

Jesus heals ten people of their disease and yet nine out of ten didn’t bother to come back and thank Him.  Only one man returns and thanks Jesus over and over again. This man receives more than just healing–Jesus actually makes him well and restores him to full health.

The word in the original language that is translated “well” actually means “whole.”  Nine were healed but only one was made whole. 

Something happens in us when we are thankful. It also impacts the relationship with the one to whom we offer thanks. The writer of Psalm 50:23 heard God speak about this: “He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God.”  

In Psalm 100:4 we are reminded to “enter His gates with thanksgiving.” 

Enter His gates with a song of thanksgiving
And His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, bless and praise His name.

This is how the psalmist pictures worship at the temple. Pilgrims first passed through the gates to enter the courtyard which held the water for cleansing and the alter for sacrifice.  The psalmist pictured this as a first step of moving into prayer and worship.

Our thanksgiving to God is powerful.

“Father, thank you….”

“Heavenly Father, I so appreciate you because….”

“Our Father, we are so blessed….”

“Abba, I love it when you….”

God loves to hear from you. He loves to hear the gratefulness of our hearts.

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” – Colossians 4:2

You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. – 2 Corinthians 9:11

I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever. – Psalm 86:12

Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. – Psalm 106:1

Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples – 1 Chronicles 16:8

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

“Our Father, we bring _______ before you today. Thank you for your tender mercies towards _______. Thank you for your promise to be close to the brokenhearted. Thank you for your power to heal and the many times we have seen you heal. We remember the blind man. We were so blessed when you healed _______. Our Father, we need you to do it again in ___________ life.”

“Our Father, thank you for your love towards the _______ people group. Thank you for revealing your heart towards the lost. Father, we so appreciate that all people are precious to you and that you are willing to leave 99 to search for one that is lost. Oh Father, we want to be like you with the same love for them. Please increase our love.“

“Heavenly Father, thank you for your love towards me. Thank you that your mercies are new every morning. Thank you that you have forgiven my sins. Thank you for your patience and kindness that you have shown me. I humbly ask you to teach me your ways. Teach me to love like you love, to speak as you speak, and to embrace others like you would have me do. I am thankful that your love is living and active in me.”

Thankfulness is not an attempt to flatter God so that He does something for us. Our thanksgiving prayers flow from a heart that recognizes His goodness in our lives and His amazing character. It takes discipline, and helps us to remain in a posture of humility, adoration and thankfulness for all that God has done.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

“I give thanks to God and Global Disciples,” Chetan reported. “Since we started our leadership training in 2011, we’ve trained 675 leaders, pastors, and church planters.”

Chetan directs leadership training and discipleship-mission training near his home in Nepal.

He’s seen tremendous growth as they reach out and share the Good News of Jesus.

Through the discipleship-mission training, he’s trained 6 groups of disciple-makers, averaging about 15 participants per group, and so far, they’ve planted 32 churches in nine different areas of Nepal.

The leadership program has multiplied too – planting another 27 churches.

Chetan said, “In our district, there are one hundred fifty churches; our vision is to have a church in every village. In one place we preached, 11 people came to Christ.

Another group wanted to have a church there so we gladly handed the new believers over to them. In another village, 40 people believed. It’s very far from our base and so the follow-up was going to be difficult. But a nearby church offered to help and they are now looking after these believers.”

But it’s not been easy. Chetan reflected on the challenges they face. “When one person believes, there is persecution,” he said, “When one family believes, there’s opposition. At one place we planted a church, and a local police officer gave us land on a lease to establish a church. Our prayer is to purchase the plot. But the community is circulating a petition to keep us from building a church there.”

At times, those participating in the training were difficult to deal with, Chetan says, “With spiritual training, we must humble ourselves and serve. We spent much of our time in prayer. I have 11 prayer warriors who prayed for 72 hours, and God blessed and worked in this area. The Holy Spirit has helped us develop workers for the ministry.”

With prayer, persistence, and a God-given vision to reach those still waiting for the Gospel, Chetan and those he serves are seeing the Lord do great things in their area of Nepal.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective training and coaching strategy, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

The Christian dictionary defines a servant as, a person who serves the needs or purposes of another, especially one who serves out of devotion.

Bob Gordon in his book, “Foundations of Christian Living“, defines a servant as one who is not his master but rather has another as his master. He further says,” A person serves that which occupies most of his time or that which has priority in his heart, or that which he spends most of his money. Whoever or whatever you serve to them or to that you are a slave or a servant”.

A servant is one who carries errands on behalf of the master. A servant of God is one who has dethroned himself/herself and everything else in his or her life or experience and enthroned Jesus and made him Lord of all his life. This means that he puts Jesus first in everything. As disciples of Jesus, we are expected to serve God only 1 Corinthians 4:1,” So then, men ought to regard as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God”. This implies we will put God first in our lives.

Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well”, and we will not serve riches, possessions, or anything else.

“So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, ‘Do you know what I have done to you? You call me teacher and Lord and so I am. If I then your Lord and teacher have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master nor is he who sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things blessed are you if you do them.”
– John 13:12-17

Jesus Christ is our great example in John 13:12-17 when He washed the feet of His disciples and instructs his followers to do so also.

People often forget things that are said, but they rarely forget things that are acted out. Here Jesus carries out a teaching action. Jesus models something in His behavior so that they will not forget. He takes on the role of one of the most menial of household servants, the one who washes people’s feet. This is not a position worthy of a teacher and yet he does it. Jesus serves the men gathered as he gets ready to give His ultimate act of service to all of human kind.

Jesus makes it clear that he is modeling a behavior He expects them to follow. John 13:15, “For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you”.  In verse 16, He reminds them that they who are servants are not greater than he who is their master and the one who sent them.

As Jesus finished washing the feet, He said in John 13:17,” There is a blessing in serving”. Knowing about it wasn’t good enough. We have to do something about it to get the blessing of God. It says. “Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them.” There is a clear separation between head knowledge versus actually doing something about it. All too often, Christians seem to pay lip service rather than actually live it out.

In Matthew 20: 25-28,” You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave just as the son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

Jesus makes several contrasts. This is between the “great ones” and the” great ones’’ in the kingdom. The great ones of the gentiles ‘’control and subjugate” their followers, however the” great ones” of the kingdom “run errands, wait on tables, and perform menial duties for others.” In verse 27, Jesus tells us how to be number one or at the top. It is to become a slave. A slave gives up their rights to another and is devoted to another’s interests rather than their own. Giving up one’s rights is not something that sits well with us. No one wants to be a slave.

God is calling us to the ministry of serving others. How often do we wash the feet of others? We can do that through prayer.

Carrying the burdens of others through prayer. Gal 6: 2,” Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ”.

A servant of God gives himself to the needs of the master Jesus and to the needs of others. He serves others through prayer and in doing so serves the Lord Jesus. Matthew 25:31-40, ” I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirst and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”

Then the righteous will answer Him,” Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirst and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invited you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?” “The King will reply,’’ I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did foe me.”

We can offer our service by supporting God’s work. In the Global Disciples Alliance we believe in transforming prayer as one of our core values. Hence when we pray for others we are fulfilling what we believe in. He follows the example of Jesus in that he is unselfish and serves rather than he is waited on.

God is calling us to servanthood in prayer. When we pray for others, our needs are satisfied too. Proverbs 11:25,” A generous man prospers, he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”

We always find time for important things. The most common excuse for little time spent in prayer is the, “To Do List” that crowds our day, and all our many duties. To Martin Luther, an extra load was reason enough to pray more, not less. Hear his plans for the next day’s work, “Work, work from early till late. In fact, I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer”. If Luther was busy and prayed so can we.

Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the name of someone in need of prayer. Envision yourself washing the feet of the person and then pray for that person as the Holy Spirit leads you.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective training and coaching strategy, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

What exactly is a disciple? What is the call to discipleship? The Bible defines it multiple times but the most prominent definition is found in Luke chapter 14. Here, it states that a disciple is someone who has surrendered to Jesus Christ. They are also someone who loves the Lord and is wholly dedicated to Him.

The call to discipleship is simply a call to live by Christ’s standards rather than the standards of our world.

So, let’s delve deeper into discipleship and talk about the qualities of a disciple as described in the Bible:

The first mark of a disciple, according to the Bible, is that he or she loves for God above all else. Anything else–any ambition or relationship or goal or whatever–comes after that.

“But the first and greatest commandment is this: “Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.” The second is this: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” – Mark 12:29-31

Another characteristic of a disciple is submitting his or her will to the will of God, with humility and obedience. We love Him, and what He wants for our lives and our world matters more than what we want.

“So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.’ Then you will say in your heart, ‘Who has aroused these for Me from the ends of the earth? Truly I have lived in the farthest [parts] of the world, But I have not seen [anything] like these, And so far no eye has seen a God besides You, And no ear has heard besides You, what God has prepared for those who trust and take refuge in Him.” – Isaiah 55:11-15

Ultimately, a true disciple of Christ must submit to God’s Word, the Bible, since it is what He has given to his people to speak, to guide, to encourage, to teach, to correct, and to give hope. It reveals Him, His will, and all His great and precious promises. A disciple of Jesus submits to the Word of God to experience the true joyfulness found in Him.

“So then, my beloved brothers and sisters, be constantly on your guard while you are living in these last days. Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for you to be made aware of them by us, but do not let them make an end of your faith.” – 1 Timothy 4:1-2

A true disciple of Christ fully embraces suffering in order to follow the path God has laid out for them. Jesus Christ did just that, and since He is the model for disciples–the example we seek to follow and imitate.

“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through Him, we have access to this grace in which we stand, and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us.” – Romans 5:1-5

Being a true disciple of Christ is not an easy task; it means setting aside your own agenda and plans for the greater work Jesus has for you. It may mean hardship and sacrifice. But it is also the way of joy and peace, purpose, hope, and eternal influence–a life you never imagined you could experience with Jesus Christ.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective training and coaching strategy, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

Follow Dawit, a young disciple-maker in Ethiopia, with a heart for sharing the Gospel. Learn how to follow the Holy Spirit in all you do.Dawit is a young man in Ethiopia with a heart for sharing the Gospel with people who need to hear it. Global Disciples trained him through our partner programme. When it came time to do the outreach portion of the training, Dawit prayed about where he should go. The Holy Spirit directed him to a small village where most of the people are Muslims.

Soon after he arrived, Dawit met Ahmad, another young man and a dedicated follower of Islam. As they talked, the Holy Spirit was working in Ahmad’s heart. He received Jesus as his personal Savior.

Overjoyed with his new life, Ahmad went home to his family and shared the news. But his father refused to let him in the house. His brothers beat him and kicked him. Every time he tried to talk with them, his family would abuse him, and they even burned his Bible!

Ahmad went back to his new friend Dawit for help, and soon found a place with live with a family who were disciples of Jesus. He stayed with them as he was being discipled and preparing for baptism.

However, the Holy Spirit was still at work on his behalf. One day, a messenger came to tell Ahmad that his parents and siblings were sick—they wanted him, Ahmad to come and pray for them. He and Dawit went and prayed, and soon his family members were restored to health!

On the day of his baptism, Ahmad’s parents, brothers, and sisters came to watch. They listened to the Gospel, they heard his testimony, and by the end of the day, Ahmad’s entire family—all 16 people—had received Jesus as their Savior too!

Today, Ahmad boldly preaches the Good News of Jesus as Savior! And Dawit continues to follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance as he nurtures the growing church in this village.

Praise God for the way He leads his people and draws others into new life in Christ!

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

Did you know that in many places around the world, prayer is considered a one-way conversation? In fact, when we think about prayer, we often first think about speaking, asking, enquiring, petitioning, or complaining to God. But, do we think about listening prayer?

However, prayer involves both sharing and listening! In fact, its relational.

The Bible is full of expressions and experiences in which God spoke. A few of those examples include;

We consider the Bible as the written Word of God and Jesus to be the visible expression of God’s Word.

First is “logos” which is normally used to refer to the written Word of God or scripture. The second is “rhema” which is usually associated with a fresh Holy Spirit revealed in the moment. Consequently, sometimes God uses scripture (logos), nature, another person, or even His Spirit within us to communicate these “rhema” words.

In fact, both Jesus and Paul encouraged us to believe that God speaks to us in the present to give and sustain life!

Matthew 4:4 is the account of the temptations of Jesus in the wilderness. He was tempted to turn stones into bread, He answered:
“It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every (rhema) word that comes from the mouth of God.“

And, Paul also communicates this truth to the Hebrew Christians, Hebrews 1:1-3:

In the past spoke to our ancestors through the prophets many times and in various ways, but in these last days, he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.  The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful (rhema) word.

In fact, the primary way to hear from God is by spending time in God’s written (logos) word. Consequently, the Holy Spirit encourages our heart with a fresh life-giving (rhema) word specific for that day and season of our life.

¹⁶ All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, ¹⁷ so that the servant of God^[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17

If we want to hear God’s “Rhema” to us, it is important that we:

Did you know that God speaks in a variety of ways? Here are some of the ways people hear from God are:

Friend, don’t dismiss a thought or picture in unbelief. In fact, God uses many unusual ways of communicating. Just read some of ways He communicated in scripture! Many times the more unusual the word or picture, the more you know it wasn’t something you would have thought up!

“Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed.. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain.” 
– Mark 4:3-7

I am the Good Shepherd, and I know [without any doubt those who are] My own and My own know Me [and have a deep, personal relationship with Me]— even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father—and I lay down My [very own] life [sacrificing it] for the benefit of the sheep. I have other sheep [beside these] that are not of this fold. I must bring those also, and they will listen to My voice and pay attention to My call, and they will become ^[f]one flock with one Shepherd. 
– John 10:14-16

So, do you want to hear from God? Do you need his guidance in your life today? Do you believe that wants to speak to you today? Read God’s Word and allow his words to comfort you, guide you, and instruct your life.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective training and coaching strategy, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!