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 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 church is so many things to so many people. A house for people who have nowhere else to go. A sanctuary for those who need to escape the world around them. A foundation for people seeking to help others. And for some, it is a place where they can learn and share Jesus’ words around the world.

Indeed, any ordinary person can become an extraordinary influence in this world by being a beacon of Christ’s teachings. The Christian Church isn’t just for Christians; it’s a place where everyone is welcome, regardless of religious background, race, or sin.

Jesus didn’t just teach His followers in the temples; He taught them in the markets, towns, fields, and anywhere else He went. His disciples weren’t just the twelve men who followed Him around. In addition to the men and women who traveled with Jesus, He taught the ordinary people who wanted to learn.

“Then Jesus said to the crowds, “The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John. Since that time, the good news of the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone is forcing their way into it. It is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the least stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law.” – Jesus in Luke 16:16-17

Jesus was a carpenter, not a priest. He didn’t have a doctorate in theology or ministry. He was a teacher, and He taught anyone who wanted to learn the word of the Lord. He taught children. He taught adults. He taught His disciples. And He taught people who weren’t His disciples, but who came along, curious to hear more. In fact, most of the Bible was not written by the twelve disciples. Many of the Bible’s greatest stories were told by people who didn’t meet Jesus face to face.

Even today, Jesus’ teachings can be spread by anyone. It only takes one ordinary person who wants to share God’s word with another to become a beacon of influence, like the disciples of old.

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:19-20

For anyone who is interested in sharing the message of Jesus Christ with others, the church is a great place to start. Take what you know of the Bible and teach it to others. You can use your voice and share His message in song. Use your hands and volunteer to help the needy. Or, you can join one of the thousands of ministries worldwide and lead others in their faith.

We live in a busy, noisy, and dirty world. It’s a strange world where the rich get richer, the poor get poorer, and everyone else pays the middleman just to get by. Making the world a better place starts with our beliefs, our friends, and in our families.

That is why we love the church so much. It’s a place where people come together to be changed, a place where anyone and everyone is accepted, and where you can learn about God, love for one another, and all of His ways to love and care for the world and us.

The world may have changed since the earlier days, yet the Christian Church hasn’t. It’s still a place where anyone is welcome and where anyone can learn how to share His love and message with others.

The church isn’t just a place where people go to hear the teachings of Jesus; it is a place where they can learn how to share those teachings with others. What once was, is no longer. What was, is now. And what will be, is yet to be. The world may experience many shifts, but God’s words are constant.

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!

“There are many people who honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain because they teach human rules as doctrines.” – Matthew 15:8-9

When it comes to showing your faith in Jesus Christ, there’s often a pressure or fear that others will be quick to judge your words or faith. You may feel like you’re put under the spotlight, with no witty comeback, no solid argument, or a satisfying answer to questions.

Sharing the gospel isn’t about defending your faith to other people, but about giving your faith to the world. There’s not always a “right” answer when it comes to sharing your faith, but here are a few ways to help you with sharing the good news (or gospel) of Jesus Christ.

There’s rarely a time when you need to “defend” your faith to someone else because it’s not meant to be defended. Your faith is something you harbour within your heart, not by guarding it, but by giving it freely to the world.

When you feel like you’re being put under pressure, trying to “defend” your faith will only cause you to become protective and defensive, which might work against to those you’re trying to share the gospel with.

Don’t let the words of other people cause you to think you’re not a believer, but instead allow your own words to show your faith to the world.

Life is about communication, and how we share our faith with the world is no different. It’s can feel like you and the person you’re talking with are opposite sides of a magnet–each repelling the other.

When you initiate the conversation, and the other person might not be so welcoming, that’s okay. Don’t get hung up on trying to correct their ways, but remember the main goal of sharing your faith is to make a connection with a person and show them your faith, what it means for your life, and what faith in Jesus can be for them.

Sharing your faith isn’t about forcing your beliefs on someone, but showing them what Jesus offers among the variety of beliefs in our world. When you understand what topics interest people, you’ll also be able to see things or concepts that help you connect with a deeper faith-related conversation.

Don’t shut your doors on learning what someone has to share with you. If there’s a topic that interests you, be ready to ask questions. Don’t shy away from exploring another person’s interests, and they will in turn be more open to what you have to say about yours.

Sharing your faith is about building relationships with the world. Your faith isn’t about you, but about God and how you can share His love with the world. When you start to see it from that point of view, taking the time to share your faith and having the confidence to do so will be easier than what you expect.

How can we help you share your faith more effectively?

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 SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT THING we can do as leaders is to provide clarity for the people we lead. We must be absolutely clear about why we are doing what we do, what is important to our organization, and how we will go about accomplishing our mission. Learn about the Global Disciples Approach to equip leaders and empower communities through discipleship and leadership.

This clarity will allow us to see even greater results from our ministry activities. And it will lead to a healthier organization. God has accomplished phenomenal things through Global Disciples in the last 27-plus years.

We are often reminded of the words of the prophet Isaiah. “Lord, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us” (Isaiah 26:12).

It’s remarkable to see what God has done through the clusters of churches we equip to train and send out their workers to least-reached areas. Since 2008 we have seen more than 27,000 new churches planted and over 600,100 new believers come to faith in Jesus Christ, disciples, and involved in new fellowships—most of which are located in Gospel-deprived areas.

By God’s grace, the truth of His Word, and the power of the Holy Spirit, more has been accomplished than we imagined possible. In all this we want God to receive all the glory and credit He deserves!

As Global Disciples moves forward, we have developed the Global Disciples Arena which outlines the four areas where total clarity is essential:

       1. Our Mission: Why we do what we do and what we are accomplishing by God’s grace.

       2. Our Core Values: Who we are and our pattern of relating. This is the ethos or DNA we need to accomplish our mission.

       3. Our Guiding Principles: How we are committed to operating and carrying out our mission.

       4. Our Central Focus: What we need to be doing day in and day out to accomplish our mission.

When we have clarity in these areas, our Global Disciples team is empowered to make decisions aligned with our core convictions. In the process, it also provides a high level of accountability for everyone on our team. As leaders, we want clarity so that healthy and productive people know how to make their best contribution within this organization.

The Global Disciples arena is a simple tool we are introducing here. It will allow for better alignment around our ministry philosophy and approach. We believe that by clearly defining our arena of ministry, it will:

Empower our personnel to make good decisions,

Provide accountability among our team members,

Allow us to better assess alignment and effectiveness,

Make it easier for people to understand Global Disciples,

Help recruit and equip people who share our convictions.

 We also want to define our training model or strategy. Let’s call this our Global Disciples Approach.

We seek to provide a clear picture of the three phases of training—discipleship-mission, small business development, and leadership—working cohesively together to accomplish our mission.

May we be faithful in the mission to which we have been called until “the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea” (Habakkuk 2:14).

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!

Discover how prayer is a struggle with God, leading to transformation and a deeper understanding of God’s power.

“Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings.  He is always wrestling in prayer for you. That you may stand firm in the will of God, mature and fully assured.  I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those in Laodicea and Herapolis.” Colossians 4:12

I grew up wrestling with my dad.  He wrestled in high school and taught us the basic holds and throws on our living room floor.  Eventually, my brother and I were matched up against each other. But he was in a different weight and muscle category than me.  He had a lean, six-foot-four-inch frame with 230 lbs of raw, farm-boy power.  I was a wirey, 220 lbs spread over a 6’7”.   There were times when I could hold my own with him as long as the match was controlled. I really didn’t know how much he was holding back until one day when discovered his true strength.

It was an after-school arrival at an empty house and we were both getting on each other’s nerves. Pushing and shoving led to me throwing wild punches.  In the chaos of the moment, one of my flailing fists connected with the back of his head.  In a rage, he grabbed me and tossed me into the air. I felt my whole body elevate and then take flight toward the kitchen window. Just before my head connected with the glass, I grabbed hold of the kitchen counter and brought myself to a halt.   

The brief encounter gave me a new respect for my brother’s strength. It changed my understanding of our relationship. 

In the book of Colossians, the Apostle Paul tells the believers that Epaphras is “always wrestling in prayer for you”. The metaphor of wrestling beautifully captures an important aspect of discipleship of every believer. 

Prayer is a struggle with God on behalf of others and often a struggle with Him about our circumstances that leads to our transformation. The benefit of spiritual wrestling, like my physical wrestling match with my brother, is that we discover God’s power in a deeper way than we ever knew before.  Through the struggle of prayer, information that we have in our heads about God travels down to our hearts and souls.

Jacob’s story in Genesis illustrates what it means to wrestle with God and be transformed by Him.  While Jacob’s wrestle with God is one of the most famous stories in the book of Genesis, it is also one of the most mysterious.  The narrative is set in the midst of a long conflict with his brother Esau.  Jacob has decided to return to his homeland after living with his uncle for many years.  Messengers have just returned to Jacob with a message that his brother Esau is coming toward him with 400 men. Sure that his brother has come to attack him, Jacob fears for the safety of his family. 

These emotions are understandable given Jacob’s past life.  Before these twin boys were born, God spoke to their mother, Rebekah, and told her that, “Two nations are in your womb…one will be stronger than the other and the older will serve the younger.” Jacob, being the younger twin, who was prophesied to be stronger and rule his brother does not pursue these promises in faith.  Instead, he attempts to ensure they are fulfilled by resorting to manipulation and deception. First, he swindles his brother’s birthright (Genesis 25:27-34) for a meal.  Then he tricks his father into blessing him by dressing up as his brother (Genesis 27).  The effects of this con-artistry are predictable, Esau’s anger boils over and Jacob needs to run for his life to his uncle Laban’s house.

Fear, then, is the natural response to meeting his brother for the first time since stealing his blessing.  Eager to avert the anger of his brother, Jacob devises a plan to appease his brother by sending gifts ahead to him.  However, as he camps that night by the Jabbok river, he comes to the realization that no amount of coercion or manipulation will not get him out of this mess.

The tension of this moment is perfectly captured by his prayer just before he wrestles with God,  “Save me, I pray, from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid he will come and attack me and also the mothers with their children.  But you have said, ‘I will surely make you prosper and will make your descendants like the sand of the sea, which cannot be counted’” (Genesis 32:11-12).  God’s promise is set in tension to Jacob’s dire circumstances. Jacob puzzles at how God’s promise will be fulfilled in the face of impending doom. 

That night as Jacob attempts to sleep, “a man” who is later called “God” (Genesis 32:28) wrestles with him late into the night.  Jacob wrestles so hard that the man cannot seem to overpower him at first.  As they entered the last round of their match, the man suddenly dislocated Jacob’s hip by touching it.  Shocked by this sudden display of power, Jacob hangs on desperately insisting that the Man bless him.  God then gives him a new name, “Israel” meaning “God fights” or “Fights with God” and does bless him. This new name is the marker of a new identity and a transformed life.  From this point forward, Israel walks with a limp.  Rather than relying on his own strength and manipulation skills, Jacob must now rely on God’s power to fulfill His purpose. 

What God did for Jacob he wants to do for us today.  He wants to transform us into his likeness. In order for us to follow Him, we need to give up control of our lives. We need to deeply believe that it is the cross of Christ that has purchased a blessing for us and not our own work. God’s wrath has been turned away by His mercy and He has promised to bless us eternally in Christ.  This surrender is not an easy one and it may require several rounds with the Almighty in order to fully submit to His purposes but as we learn to trust and follow Jesus we will experience his blessing on our lives and the lives of others. 

Finally, wrestling is not only about personal transformation, it is about seeing others fully transformed into devoted followers of Jesus. Ephaphas wrestles on behalf of the Colossians so that they stand firm in the will of God and become mature and fully assured. 

Is there a person in your life today that you need to wrestle with God for?

So often when we think of discipleship, we think of teaching or doing something to help others.  However, we see in this passage that discipling others also involves working for them in the unseen realm. As we do the work of wrestling in prayer, God waits to bless us and those in our community.  

Jordan Mayer – Global Disciples Canada Advocate & Prayer Supporter

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!

Explore what Christian meditation is, and how hearing Gods voice is crucial for disciples of Jesus to practice.

Christian meditation is reflecting on God, on His character, and on His Word. It is the prayerful reading of the Bible with our ears open wide, and pondering on it. (Isaiah 30:21; John 8:47; John 10:27). That is why meditation requires a quiet place and time. In Psalm 1 we read that the one blessed of God is he who delights in the law of God and meditates on it day and night. (Psalm 1:1-2).

Meditation involves detaching ourselves from the controlling and hindering influences of the world and attaching to the living God through Christ to experience the sufficiency of the Savior and reach out to a hurting world in need of the living Christ. Meditating on the Word of God and responding in obedience, will give us success and make us prosperous (Joshua 1:8). Psalm 143:5 says: I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands.

How often do we take quality time to meditate on God, his goodness, faithfulness, and His Word?  

Time and patience are important elements of effective meditation. Effective meditation requires a quiet place and time. Meditating on the Word, internalizing and personalizing it, is a crucial part of Disciples of Christ. It becomes part of the means by which we can bring every thought captive to Christ. In Psalm 119, we read that the Psalmist meditating on the Word of God beyond circumstances:  

V. 15: I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways 

V. 23: Though rulers sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees 

V. 27: Cause me to understand the way of your precepts, that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds. 

V. 48: I reach out for your commands, which I love, that I may meditate on your decrees.  

V. 78: … but I will meditate on your precepts.  

V. 97: Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. 

V. 99: I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. 

V. 148: My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises.  

In the same way we need to meditate on the Scripture day and night and respond in the way it glorifies God.  

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer (Psalm 19:14). Again Psalm 104:34 says: Let my meditation be pleasing to Him; as for me, I shall be glad in the Lord. From these two verses, it is clear that there are times when our meditation can be unacceptable and displeasing to the Lord. So we need to understand the word we are meditating on well and respond to it according to what the Holy Spirit revealed to us. In such a way our meditation will become acceptable and pleasing to the Lord.  

Intimate friends always listen to one another to understand each other. The same is true in our relationship with God.

Learning to hear God is essential to knowing Him (1 John 5:14-15; Matthew 7:7; Colossians 4:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; John 10:10-11, John 10:27; 1 Kings 19:11-12). We must develop the habit of stillness in order to have an intimate relationship with a living God (Psalm 46:10). We can’t hear what God is speaking when there is a loud noise inside of us. Jesus said, “Enter into your room and shut the door” (Matthew 6:6). When we shut that door, we get direction about how to proceed in the midst of what’s going on. We must practice being present to God. We are to wait on Him, worship Him, and recognize that we want Him, not His blessings; we want Him, not the experience of Him speaking (Psalm 63:1-5).    

Hearing God’s voice is not optional. It is one of the marks of the disciples of Jesus (John 10:4-27; Luke 10:38-42; Luke 11:28; Proverbs 4:20-22; Joshua 1:8; Isaiah 48:17-18). If we are longing for a close relationship with God more than anything else, we will better be able to hear His voice and obey Him (Matthew 6:33; Philippians 3:7-10; Revelation 2:1-4). If we are not living in complete fellowship with God, we will never hear Him (1 Kings 19:11-12). Knowing God’s voice comes from having an intimate relationship with Him. Wherever we are & whatever we are doing—working, reading God’s word, driving, cooking, praying, doing any routine thing—we should have the attitude of, “Speak Lord, your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:9). There were people of God who had intimate relationships with Him & heard His voice even in the darkest times of history (Luke 2:25-26).  

To hear God clearly, we must live in a habit of meditation upon His Word. We must immerse ourselves in the Word of God, filling ourselves with it and letting the Living Water wash our minds and cleanse us of the world’s distractions. As we grow in hearing His voice, we deepen our relationship with our heavenly Father.   

Does God really speak to us in our generation? Absolutely, He speaks to us in many ways (Job 33:14-18). He speaks through creation (Psalm 19:1-2); dreams (Genesis 20:3); visions (Acts 11:4-9); Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17); angels (Luke 1:5-38); an audible voice (Exodus 3:4; Matthew 17:5); and ultimately through Jesus (Hebrews 1:1-3). God speaks through people (Acts 9:10-18); sometimes He speaks through people who may not be believers. He sometimes speaks through animals (Numbers 22:21-35), circumstances, and open and closed doors of opportunity. But we need to confirm what we think He is speaking by the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. Since God never contradicts Himself, the Scriptures help us to confirm what God is speaking to us in many different ways.  

We are called to walk by faith that comes from hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17). God’s love, joy, and peace in our hearts are some indicators that we are hearing and obeying His voice (Isaiah 55:12). We recognize His voice only if we know Him (John 10:14). The better we get to know Him, the more clearly we recognize His voice. In our prayer life, it is crucial to hear His voice and to be led by the Holy Spirit in what to pray and how to pray (John 17:3; Romans 8:26-27).  

As His children, God wants to speak to us directly, even if He speaks to and through His people. If we have an intimate relationship with Him, hearing His voice is as natural as hearing our best friend talk to us. Sometimes He speaks to us in a still small voice, and sometimes He speaks dramatically through wind or earthquake or fire (1 Kings 19:11-13). If we want to hear His voice, we must walk in complete fellowship with Him and be attentive to His voice. As Oswald Chambers says, “The voice of the Spirit of God is as gentle as a summer breeze—so gentle that unless you are living in Complete Fellowship and Oneness with God, you will never hear it.”     

Do we remember the story of the little boy Samuel? There was no word from God in the land at the time when Samuel was a child. The priest Eli was a tired old man who had let his children get out of control. During that dark time, Samuel’s mother gave him to the tabernacle to serve the LORD. One night when he was falling asleep, he heard someone calling his name. He jumped up and ran to the high priest and asked, “Did you call me”? That tired old man remembered something about how God speaks. He told Samuel, “Go back, and when you hear that voice again, say, ‘Speak Lord, your servant hears’” (1 Samuel 3:4-14).

That is how Samuel began an incredible career of listening to the voice of God and being a navigator for the nation of Israel through those terrible days. As Samuel matured, God whispered and Samuel heard Him (1 Samuel 9:15-17).  

What are your experiences of hearing God?

What changes do you need to make to hear God’s voice more clearly? 

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!

From year to year our Executive Team identifies priorities and goals for the next fiscal year. This document is called our “Move Forward” Strategic Plan. Our Four Strategic Focus areas for our 2021/2022 year are the following;

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!

Worship and confession go hand and hand together. Discover the beauty and significance of worship and confession in our walk with God. Worship and confession go hand and hand together (Nehemiah 9:3; Psalm 15:1-5; Romans 14:11).

We can’t approach God without confessing our sins. Confession allows us to live in the amazing grace of God found in the forgiveness granted to us Jesus Christ. (Revelation 5:9-10; Philippians 2:9-11). As we enter into the presence of God, He will show us our sin and give us the confidence to confess. (Isaiah 6:5-6). 

True Christian worship is to both honor and obey God, to be extravagantly loving. (Psalm 86:9; Psalm 95:6). And to have submission (1 Samuel 15:22; John 4:23; Romans 12:1) to his Word and Will.

Worship is offering our lives as an act of respect and love to God. It is a willingness to exalt God and yield to His Will (Psalm 145). We can never comprehend all that God is. But the more we worship Him and the more we love to worship Him with every breath, He reveals Himself to us. (Revelation 5:9-14).  

Worship is an expression of our awe and praise for who He is. (Psalm 149). It is giving to the Lord the honor and glory He deserves 24/7.

Worship is not something we do occasionally as a ritual; it is something we need to do continually. It is the way we can express how we love Him more than anything else in life. True worship is not only confined to singing in a church building. It is the continual, heartfelt acknowledgment of God and of all His power and glory in every routine thing we do.

True worship comes out of knowing God and His good and glorious nature (Acts 17:23). Worship is a life of giving (2 Corinthians 9:7-15); we give our lives, time, and finances. We need to always remember that we are called to worship God with our every action of our lives.  

We are created to worship God, and He is worthy of being worshipped (Revelation 4:8-11). Worship is an expression of submission and respect toward God who is holy, loving, and worthy of all of our devotion (Psalm 95:1-2; Psalm 96:1-3). Our heart’s desire should be to worship God since we have been designed by Him for this purpose. God alone is worthy of our devotion, praise, and worship. He is God, our Creator, and we are commanded to praise and worship Him (Psalm 96:9; Psalm 29:2; Matthew 4:10).

A life of praise and worship fills our deepest needs and, amazingly, it also brings great joy to God and growth to us as worshippers. “The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love, he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17). 

Our true relationship with God is expressed and shown in our worship of Him. It’s our expression of His worthiness. We should not worship God in expectation of something in return, but rather as an expression of our love for Him. Such worship is reserved only for God. Only God is worthy of being worshipped, not any of His servants (Revelation 19:10). When we worship God, we are joining all of the creatures worshipping Him (Revelation 7:9-11); if we are not worshipping God, we are worshipping something or someone else.  

While we do not worship God for something in return, it is still helpful to know what does happen when we worship God. In Psalm 95:1-7 and Psalm 96:1-13, we read an invitation to “come to worship and bow down” to our God. There are many songs that call us to worship, and this Psalm is a message for the people of God to come to worship; such songs direct us to God. They are expressions of love, adoration, praise, rejoicing, celebration, petition, intercession, and confession from one’s heart.

We praise God for who He is through music as well as through prayer. Being in God’s presence stimulates our hearts and minds, making us want to praise Him for the deeds He has done, for how He has moved in history, and for His character and attributes (Revelation 4:11; Revelation 5:9-16; Revelation 11:16). His presence also moves us to confess our sins.  

God can change the world through people who truly worship. Most of the time, revival is a by-product of worship and confession; we should always worship God expecting the Spirit of God to work in and through us. He moves in different ways—sometimes for salvation, sometimes for deliverance, sometimes for sanctification or healing. As we worship Him, He also visits us through prophetic gifts. To experience these outcomes as we worship, we must open our ears to listen and open our eyes to see what God is going to do (Acts 13:2, Acts 16:25-26).  

There is no one specific way to worship God. The Old and New Testaments describe many ways of worship. Praising God in worship involves our whole being, spirit, soul, and body (1 Thessalonians 5:23; John 4:24; Psalm 103:1-5; Psalm 95:6; Psalm 150:1-6). Singing, playing musical instruments, dancing, kneeling, bowing down, and lifting hands are some of the forms of prayer and praise. “We need to present our bodies to God in worship in a posture consistent with the inner spirit in worship” (Romans 12:1). 

We can express our worship through physical and emotional expression that results in dance and body movement. This is an appropriate response to God as long as the focal point is on true celebration in the Lord rather than on the dance itself. Intimacy causes us to meditate, even as we are singing, on our relationship with the Lord. God might call to our minds our failures in life which can lead us to the confession of sin. Tears may flow as we see our disharmony but His harmony; our unfaithfulness but His faithfulness; our limitations but His unlimited possibilities.  

What would it mean for you to live a life of worship and confession?

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!

We have so much to learn about prayer, fasting, and Intercession (Philippians 4:6-7; Isaiah 58:6-8)

In Matthew 6:9-15, Jesus Christ teaches his disciples to pray:

Our Father, who is in heaven
Hallowed by your name.
Your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we have forgiven our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.

Prayer is a two-way communication process that allows us to talk with God. He wants us to communicate with Him, like two people talking face to face.

It is a personal experience and intimate connection with our loving heavenly Father. Jesus set an example for us on how and what to pray. He prayed for His disciples, for every generation to come that would follow Him. And for God’s will to be done (John 17:11-26; Luke 22:42; Hebrews 5:7; Luke 6:12-13).   

Prayer is not something we do to impress others or to show how spiritual we are. It is private time to talk with God. We need to recognize that God is our Father, He is our source of everything, and He knows our needs. He is the Father who cares, loves, and provides. He knows all of our needs even before we ask.

We need to pray for His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. These should be our priorities in prayer. We also need to ask Him for our daily bread and for all of the practical needs of our lives.    

When we begin to live and pray as Jesus did, we will see God’s power at work in every aspect of our lives and ministries. We need to continually call upon and depend on Him. And we know that He hears and answers prayers (Jeremiah 33:3; Matthew 7:7-11; Acts 1:14; 1 John 3:21-23).  

Prayer is not a life jacket we use only when we face problems (1 Thessalonians 5:17). It must be part of our lifestyle.   

God’s Word is full of prayers that are after God’s own heart and are in accordance with His will. (Exodus 33:17-19; Isaiah 43:5-9; 1 John 5:14-15; Philippians 1:9-11; Psalm 19:12; Psalm 27:11;) 

If we want to pray what is in God’s heart, we need to pray according to His word.

There is a direct connection between prayer and submission to the will of God. (John 15:7; Luke 22:42; Acts 1:14; Acts 2:42-47; Acts 4:23-33, James 4:3).

The more we pray according to His word, the more He works in and through us. Before He left, Jesus told the disciples to wait for the promise (Acts 1:4). They prayed for 10 days for the promise He had given them to be fulfilled and that they would be empowered by the Holy Spirit. Then Peter preached for 10 minutes and 3,000 people were saved.   

Praying the Word of God first changes us and then the situation for which we are praying.

In prayer, we have an encounter with God—no one can encounter God and go away unchanged (Genesis 32:24-30). Seeking God is the most important part of our prayer and fellowship time with Him. (Jeremiah 29:13; Jeremiah 32:40-41; Luke 11:9-11). It’s the only way to know Him, His will and calling for our life. (Psalm 46:10; Ecclesiastes 5:1; Isaiah 30:21). When we pray and ask God, we are exercising our faith in Him which enables us to grow in knowing Him. (James 1:17). Prayer is not only asking and receiving from God, it is the way we are drawn near God. (James 4:8).  

Sometimes prayer and fasting need to go together. We should fast and pray whenever we are truly seeking Him and His will. (Luke 18:1-8). 

Fasting is abstaining in some significant way from our routine activities and food to focus on God. Usually, it is food and drink but it can also be ministry, cell phone, computer, e-mail, etc. Fasting breaks the habit of always satisfying our own needs. It makes us depend on God to satisfy our needs for us. It must be taken seriously and prayerfully. But, it must never be a ritual. But rather a heartfelt seeking of God’s will and glory in one’s life and the life of the church. (Isaiah 58:3-9; Matthew 6:16-18).  

Moses fasted during the 40 days and 40 nights to receive the law from God (Exodus 34:28). King Jehoshaphat called for a fast in all Israel when they were about to be attacked by the Moabites and Ammonites. (2 Chronicles 20:3). In response to Jonah’s preaching, the people of Nineveh fasted and put on sackcloth (Jonah 3:5). David fasted when he knew that Saul and Jonathan had been killed (2 Samuel 1:12). Nehemiah had a time of prayer and fasting when he heard that Jerusalem was in ruins (Nehemiah 1:4).  

Anna “worshipped night and day, fasting and praying” at the Temple (Luke 2:37). Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights before His temptation by Satan (Matthew 4:2). The Antioch church fasted (Acts 13:2) and sent out Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey (Acts 13:3). Paul and Barnabas spent time in prayer and fasting for the appointment of elders in the churches (Acts 14:23). Prayer and fasting have to be part of our life. In Global Disciples, we believe that everything we do has to be conceived in prayer, birthed in prayer, and carried on in prayer.  

The main purpose of fasting is to strive for a deeper fellowship with God. Through prayer and fasting, we are able to take our eyes off the things of this world and focus on Christ (Matthew 6:16-18).  

However, spending time in prayer and fasting does not automatically accomplish our desires. For example, in the prophet Isaiah’s time, the people fasted yet God did not answer in the way they wanted (Isaiah 58:3-4). Isaiah responded by saying that the external show of fasting and prayer without the proper heart attitude was in vain (Isaiah 58:5-9). Whether we fast or not, God will not give us what we ask for if it is not according to His will.

In general, the primary reason for fasting is to express our devotion and service to God, not to twist the hand of God for our gain. The length of time for fasting can vary. The most common is to skip two meals, to fast for 24 hours from lunch or dinner one day to that meal the next day. Some people fast for three days. On some special occasions, people can be led by the Holy Spirit to fast for 21 days or 40 days (Daniel 9; Matthew 4:1-10). Fasting is a matter of the heart; the length of time does not increase the spirituality of the act.   

Intercessory prayer (Job 42:8; Isaiah 62:6-7; Jeremiah 29:7; Ezekiel 22:30) is a prayer made on behalf of others as Job prayed for his friends.  Intercession is a time of prayer when we remove all of our own agendas and cry out for the Holy Spirit to invade every situation for which we are interceding, whether it be for people, churches, cities, or nations (Ephesians 6:18-20; 1 Timothy 2:1-4).  

It is standing in the gap between God and any situation, as is mentioned in Ezekiel 22:30. God is the initiator of intercessory prayer—He is always looking for intercessors. Intercession is recognizing that His ways are greater than our own while simultaneously requesting either His interference or His altering of a situation. Intercession focuses upon the beauty of the Lord while powerfully changing the circumstances of the world (Ezekiel 22:30-31). God reveals what He is going to do for those who intercede to be co-laborers in His Kingdom (Genesis 19:16-21). 

Jesus is our great model for intercession (1 Timothy 2:5). He prayed for those in need, for His disciples, and even for us (John 17:20; Luke 22:31). When Satan wanted to sift Peter as wheat, the prayer of Jesus shielded him from losing his faith. He also continued His ministry of intercession after His death and resurrection and is serving us now as our intercessor in heaven (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:23-25; 1 John 2:1-2). He also gave us the Holy Spirit to intercede for us and through us (Romans 8:26). As Jesus is interceding for us, we also need to intercede for those whom we are discipling and for those who are without Him. If we are not interceding for people, how do they come to know Him (Matthew 9:38; 1 Timothy 2:1-4)?   

Abraham interceded for Sodom (Genesis 18:23-32) and Moses for the people of Israel (Exodus 32:7-14; Psalm 106:23). Jeremiah wept for his people (Lamentations 3:48-50). The early Church also interceded for Peter (Acts 12:5-12). God is looking for persistent intercessors who regularly intercede for a third of the world who have yet to have heard the Good News of Jesus. 

How often do we intercede for our unbelieving family members?  

Intercession fills our hearts with hope, thanksgiving, worship, praise, conviction, holy anger, and, most importantly, love for all lives, circumstances, and the world. Intercession ministry is not a place to be recognized but a place where the deep love, sorrow, hope, and joy of the Lord is revealed. When we intercede, we are collaborating with God, and He responds to us.  

What motivates you to pray, fast, and intercede?

What might be one activity, one priority, and one attitude that you need to change in your perspective on prayer, fasting, and intercession? 

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!