How can you disciple the nations in areas where you have no experience?
This was one of the foundational questions asked during our time in Rwanda hosting ReGenerate.
The meeting included 42 Local Experts from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Congo, and South Sudan. These leaders came together to discuss topics such as biblical views of land and finances, social enterprise, education, and capacity building. During the week, discussion groups from each nation had the opportunity to ask questions and teach us what they need in these areas to be successful.
We quickly realized that although these men and women were leading ministries for the poor and vulnerable in their communities, many of these topics were also intensely personal. When discussing the effects of poverty or lack of education on a child’s development, each leader could identify. “Is there any hope for us?” one participant asked. Thankfully, there is hope–because our brains and bodies are resilient, because these life experiences actually have made them stronger and more empathetic towards those they serve, and because God is in the business of redeeming broken things for his perfect purposes. We were delighted to share that yes, there is great hope–the greatest hope anyone can offer. And that is why these Local Experts have such an opportunity to minister in their communities.
Our goal is continue to create training programs that target the specific needs these Local Experts face–mainly in the areas of education, social enterprise, family preservation, and overall capacity building. We want them to have the experience in these areas to disciple others in their community, and continue multiplying what they’ve learned. But we could not begin this process without first taking time to listen to these leaders who have so much to teach us from their lives and experience. This week we spent among such humble, brilliant leaders has already taught us so much, and we’re grateful to partner together on behalf of the most vulnerable.
