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Another Momentous Blessing for STN Southeast Asia: Regional Directors!

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By Ryder Kumar, STN International Director

North India Regional Director

What can we call *J.S.? Cobra Killer? Principal of a school of 300 kids? Missionary in one of the most remote areas of Northern India? Ten-year faculty member serving STN India?

While all these are absolutely true ‘titles,’ so to speak, J.S. joined our first batch of equipping and training students in Lucknow and graduated, and was so motivated by the teaching and dedication of the visiting U.S. ministry team that he couldn’t wait to start his ministry of sharing the Good News of the Gospel in some of the remotest areas of India.

His reliance on the Lord in facing the difficult journeys and daunting challenges he has faced every day of his ministry has been an encouragement to all of us over the past several years.

Along with his wife, L.S., son (21), daughter, J.S.(16) is determined to live in the village where he bought a piece of land with his income that he received from the sale of his property in Kerala. Different kinds of venomous snakes, including deadly cobras, menace the area. Surrounding communities worship the cobra and won’t kill them out of fear, but call for J.S. to kill them if they become a danger.

Along with dangerous areas in Odisha, J.S. has dared to go as far as Jharkhand, Bihar and Nepal, in addition to his teaching in his own village in Uttar Pradesh.

Flory and I are humbled and honored to have this brother help STN India and Nepal as its Regional Director starting next month. Many thanks to the international team for recognizing his dedication and approving him for the task.

Central India Regional Director

central india The Lord is amazing in the ways of how He brought people to the Lord’s work who share a oneness of mind and are willing to focus on the vision God has given STN International.

E.Z., our good friend from Dallas Theological Seminary who is serving in Dubai, met P. who was, at the same time, working with the Bible Society in Dubai, but resigned his post to return to India to serve the Lord. P. and his wife, D., a Professor of English, have two daughters, 21, and 20, and would visit our home regularly to participate in our weekly STN prayer meetings.

Flory’s meetings with D., such as at the ladies’ seminar, created a strong bond, while observing the vision and burden of P. led us to accept him as an STN Regional Director in Hyderabad.

P. has studied theology in seminary and has joined me on several journeys I’ve taken to teach BTCP orientation classes. That experience led him to join the faculty of STN India to teach and equip more than 50 students in several remote areas across the country.

As the International Board accepted and approved the candidature of P. as one of STN’s new Regional Directors, Flory and I are very happy that we have a person known for his dedication and servanthood leadership to take up the task and help STN move forward.

South India Regional Directors

Both V.K. and I.K. first joined STN’s equipping and training classes in 2004 when the U.S. team began their regular mission trips to India.

The intentions of these two men were so different when they first stepped into the class. They are both living proof of how God works in people’s hearts.

“For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”- Hebrews 4:12

While the team from the U.S. was laboring with love and commitment, the Lord was doing His work quietly and, as always in ways far beyond our comprehension.

Very soon, V.K.’s original intention of contacting Pastor Paul Brown via email in order to get financial help vanished through the ministry of the Word of God.

He had a change of heart and also brought his brother I.K. for the training and continued faithfully to undergo, and successfully complete, the entire five-year program. This brought about such a radical transformation that both brothers launched a Gospel teaching ministry that extends into five remote regions.  Many of the participants in the brothers’ ministry will graduate this year.

After spending much time observing the brothers’ communication skills, knowledge, and dedication to spreading The Gospel, the decision was made to name V.K. as Regional Director of the area with I.K. serving as Associate Regional Director, as well as STN pastor of a local church.

Flory and I have had several meetings with these brothers’ families and have seen their commitment to the Lord’s work. Flory has personally invested time in these precious lives. V.K. and his wife, P.K. have a son 15 years old.

We are very happy that the International board approved these brothers to undertake this responsibility.

The Ordination of our Regional Directors

A laying on of hands of all these new Regional Directors will be done by the elders, if God wills, in October. Please join us in praying for them as they embark on their new work in God’s service.

*Names and places have been omitted for security.

Latin America Update

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by Pastor Eddie Bueno

STN Latin America continues to work with five institutes in Mexico, Honduras and Bolivia.

BOLIVIA

Last October almost 50 students graduated from three different institutes. We thank God because as a result four new churches have been planted in Santa Cruz and they are in the process of growing. These churches were planted by brothers that have graduates from our institute.

Cochabamba has planted two new churches. La Paz planted a new church that is located four hours from the city in a totally secluded place and where no pastor has been willing to go, but a student from the STN institute has decided to go there to preach and plant a church.

We also ask for your prayers for the political situation in Bolivia, this year there will be elections and the current government is a socialist government that is fighting to eradicate religion in Bolivia. Pray that this does not happen, nor affect the on-going training.

HONDURAS

We ask for your prayers for pastor Jose Antonio Pino who teaches at the institute in Honduras, he suffered a serious motorcycle accident and was about to lose his arm, but thank God that after three surgeries they managed to save his arm and he is now recovering and receiving therapy and will continue teaching in the STN institute of Honduras.

India Women’s Conferences October 2019

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When I think about the incredible opportunity and priviledge I’ve been given to travel to India with my husband and the STN team, I am truly humbled and grateful. In so many ways I’ve been ‘grafted in’ among these gifted people. STN’s ministry is to teach and train. So the Lord brought together a band of incredible teachers. The men’s conferences are rich in biblical teaching from Paul Brown, Randy Leinen, Ryder Kumar, and sometimes others. The men come away saturated in God’s Word and deeply motivated to take their training to their churches and villages.

This past trip, as in years past, we have included a women’s conference. Susan Leinen, Flory Kumar, and Tammy Werth brought great teaching to the ‘sisters’ in Lucknow and in Hyderabad. I bring what help I can – in the way of photograpy, practical support to my husband and the team, and ministering in song. What a joy!

Below are some gathered thoughts and encouraging notes from our team and also from a few of the ‘sisters’ to whom we ministered. I hope and pray these give you a glimpse of the work and fruitful fruition of our STN efforts given to us by our Lord Jesus. Also, please enjoy a few photos of our latest women’s conferences and these beautiful women – the ‘jewels of India.’

“My ministry goals for the trip in India were quite a challenge – preparing three messages and teaching to more than 200 women in India, trying to understand the needs of people with a completely different culture, language, and education, and being an example in love, prayer, humility, and team unity. It was clear from the very early planning stages that the only way to operate was in the strength of Christ and the prayers of our supporters. He was able to accomplish all of what we hoped and much more in the lives of these precious women. Please continue to pray for these ladies that they would put in to practice all that they learned and share it with others.” – Susan Leinen

“We all did what the Master had us do. It was an incredible blessing – a treat of the Word. The ladies in the churches normally get textual messages. However, in the conferences, the impact was topical and practical messages filled with illustrations, fun projects as reminders, and encouragement to carry out the biblical teaching on a daily basis. Diane, your singing was appreciated – taking them to the next level of worship. And, as one sister puts it, ‘I was mesmerised by her voice.’ Our staff assistant shared what she had learned about habitual sin to her village Sunday School children. A boy went home and told his mother, ‘my teacher said robbing a pencil is sin. I will not do it again.’ (Villagers don’t have very nice things and tend to envy or rob.)” – Flory Kumar

 

“Our heartfelt thanks to you all for spending your valuable insights, time, energy, and money by coming all the way from the US to us. May God bless you.”

“I personally was so blessed to hear from you these wonderful biblical truths. The topics shared are most needed, yet most neglected, and considered casual. That’s why God sent His word through your team. You all were so humble and stood as an example for us. I thank God for you all. Surely we will live for God s Glory.” – From our Indian sisters

Revivus: this weekend!

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Shepherding the Nations is now being sponsored by Breaking Ground Worship Band who will be participating in the Revivus event this Saturday, August 4th in Simi Valley.
Come hear Breaking Ground Worship Band at 4 pm; we will be passing out free stickers at their booth from 3-9pm, so please stop by!

Our pastors need your help; our pastors need you!

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By Tammy Werth

Are you interested in supporting an STN pastor without money or even leaving home?

We all benefit from having someone pray for us. How much would a pastor in another country benefit from your prayerful support? We may never know how important it is to have others praying until we get to heaven. I’d like to share the joy and excitement God has given me praying for a couple STN training pastors and their classes in India.

A few months ago, Paul Brown sent a request for prayer partners for the pastors being trained in India. I noticed someone had signed up to pray for seven pastors, one for each day. I thought, I can pray for a couple pastors and his class. I requested pastors I had met when I visited India. I thought I could easily pray for a pastor familiar to me. I didn’t realize I would be given everyone’s name in the class. Overwhelmed by the number I wondered how I would faithfully pray for all these pastor students. I broke down the list by class and wrote all their names on index cards. This seemed a little more doable and would help me to keep track of the ones for whom I had prayed. I committed to specifically pray for three or four names each time I set aside times to pray for these pastor students.

prayer index cards

What happened next overwhelmed me.

I thought my familiarity with the pastor teachers would get me started but God in His omniscience has not allowed me to rely on my strength or wisdom. The first day I prayed for the two pastors I already knew and met in India. That seemed easy enough. The next day I had three cards with names on them before me and I pleaded with God to help me because I had no idea what or how to pray. In an instant “unity” popped into my mind. I thought, even if this was wrong or my own thoughts I could pray for so many things that had to do with unity. The next time I prayed and asked the Lord for help and “protection” popped into my mind so I prayed for protection. In the middle of praying for protection someone else on a mission trip popped into my mind so I prayed for them as well. Wow this was overwhelming and brought me so much joy to be a part of what God was doing in a place I could not see.

The Lord has faithfully directed and guided me to pray for what these men and their wives need. Each time I’ve asked the Lord what to pray I haven’t been without a thought or direction from the Holy Spirit for these pastors who are on the front lines in the darkest areas on our planet, where they face the greatest opposition to the gospel. As a bonus, when I got further down my list of names a few ladies, probably pastors’ wives or ministry leaders are taking the classes making praying more thrilling. The Lord has given me clarity and direction whenever I have asked and caused me to be excited about praying for the classes.

“Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.” Ephesian 6:18

If you would like to join this prayer ministry, please email STN at info@shepherdingthenations.org and let us know how many names you would like. We will send you the name(s) and approximate location of where they live.

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Prayer Requests – August 2018

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Latin America:

  • Wisdom for Pastor Eddie Bueno as he plans a two-week trip to Bolivia in mid-to-late October with Paul Brown and possibly a few others. They will conduct outreach events, preach in churches, and hold graduation ceremonies for the BTCP students.
  • Wisdom for our BTCP instructors in Bolivia, Honduras, Guatemala, and Southern Mexico as they lead their students through the materials each week.

India:

  • In Odisha, they have finished the BTCP course and the students are willing to begin training others. Pray for multiplication of trained men to continue for years to come (2 Timothy 2:2).
  • Ryder is preparing a seminar for Odisha pastors in September on “Assurance of Salvation.”
  • Instructor Jose Simon hopes to launch a new BTCP group in Nepal in the near future.
  • Ryder needs about $1,400 more per month in financial support.
  • Wisdom as Ryder and his team work through and then select a number of applicants for BTCP training. They hope to be training 500 future church planters in India & Nepal by the end of 2018.
  • There are 7 churches in Nepal with anywhere from 20 to 60 people in each. None of the pastors are paid. Pray for sponsors.
  • Wisdom as they prepare for a National Expository Preaching Conference in early October 2019.

Field updates from India

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from our PCI field directors

We praise God for the opportunities given to serve the Lord in His Vineyard. The year began with a visit to the district of Srikakulam in the month of January. In February we went to West Godavari district ministered in two gospel meetings two days each at Epulapadu and Kannayiguden villages belonging to Koya tribe. Many people from the surrounding villages attended these meetings where believers were encouraged with the Word of God and gospel is given to the unbelievers. These kind of open-air gospel meetings not only spread the gospel but also strengthen the local church believers. They sing songs in their language, share testimonies, hear the Word and cook food and eat together. During the day time local Pastors’ seminars were conducted.

In the month of March, we ministered in the Banjara tribal villages where Pastor Laxman Nayak minister.

Prayer Requests Spring 2018

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  • Pastor Eddie Bueno to be completely healed of heart problems so he can go visit the work of STN Latin America sometime this year.
  • Wisdom for our 6 trainers in Latin America as they are currently training nearly 180 students. Half of the groups are in BTCP Book #7 and the other half are in BTCP Book #4.
  • Wisdom and good health for Ryder Kumar as he heads up STN’s work in India & Nepal. They are currently training more than 300 students and hope that number will grow to 500 by the end of 2018.
  • Ryder Kumar still needs about $1,400 more per month in financial support. Pray for more supporters.
  • Wisdom for Ryder & the STN India Board of Directors as they make plans for a National Expository Preaching Conference in November 2019.

Village Churches in India – an Inside Look

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Have you ever wondered what it was like to worship in a church in a completely different culture? Our regional directors, RK and SK in central India, took these photos earlier this year of the churches and pastors supported through STN. Here is an inside look at the on-going ministry of our training graduates as they continue to evangelize, disciple and baptize believers in the rural villages of India.

Village Churches

Our pastors count it a real blessing to have a church building to meet in! For many, this has meant years of sacrifice, building, and meeting out of doors or under temporary shelters. They don’t mind sitting on the floor on thin mats for hours at a time to listen to the Word preached and sing and pray! (More people can fit inside this way!) Please pray for funds for those still building and for protection against enemies.

Baptisms

Believers gather at rivers, concrete baptismals, or even over-sized pots to celebrate the Lord’s command to be baptized. Public baptism is a genuine test of genuine faith for these believers. This step will lead many into persecution from their families, loss of jobs, financial opportunities, and in some cases, physical harm. Please pray for strength in the face of adversity, the strength that comes from the Lord, and the comfort of the fellowship of the church family.

Evangelism and Training

Our pastors oven travel to neighboring villages, go door-to-door, and preach in the public areas in order to spread the Gospel. Thousands are hearing the Good News through tracts, street preaching, conversations and song. Regular prayer meetings, special services and events are held in these areas, and belivers are being added to the church.

Pastors and their Families

Pray with us for these pastors as they faithfully shepherd the flocks that God has given them. We praise God for His grace and mercy at work in them and through them in India.

300 Children Hear Christmas Message

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Ryder Kumar in India

Ryder gives Christmas Message, December 2017

The Lord gave fruitful ministry in a remote village where J.S. and his family have been ministering for several years. J.S. is a graduate of STN and presently teaching in several areas of India. Our hearts are touched by the sacrifices of His people.

The gospel is reaching remote villages and homes. 300 students at J.S.’s school where he’s the principal heard the Christmas message. J.S. is also a Pastor, having a congregation meeting in his home. The contractor who built this school building along with his family became believers and started attending the church. What a joy to witness what God is doing.
children at school