Shepherding the Nations

Impacting the World for Christ

Give Now
You are here: Home / Archives for sleinen

Making a Difference a Little at a Time

By

One of the biggest life lessons that I’ve learned from my ten years of participation with Shepherding the Nations is how one person can make a difference. God has been faithful over the years to take the little that I have to offer and make it count for eternity. I am so thankful for those of you who have been faithfully giving – it has really made a difference! God has used the resources you have given to further His kingdom. Many have been trained, many have heard the gospel and many have been saved. I can’t personally go to India every year (though I would love to!) but here are some things I can do:

Amazon Smile

I don’t know about you, but I love the convenience of shopping at Amazon for all kinds of stuff. When I use smile.amazon.com, a small percentage of everything I buy goes to STN. It doesn’t cost me anything additional, and every little bit helps. If you haven’t signed up for this yet, it’s so easy. Just go to https://smile.amazon.com, sign into your account and then select Shepherding the Nations as your charity. Then, everytime you shop, go to smile.amazon.com and a donation will automatically go to STN. (More about the program here.)

Sponsorship of Materials

Part of our family Christmas giving this year was to give donations for STN books and Bibles in honor of our family members. It was such a blessing to give a gift that was meaningful, sacrificial, and would bear fruit that would last for eternity! When we accept a pastor or church planter into our training program, they will receive a set of learning curriculum including 10 books in the BTCP series. (Biblical Training Centre for Pastors) They also receive a study Bible, and a concordance. These materials are available in the local languages of the pastors that we train in Latin America and India. The cost of one set of materials is about $100. These materials are so appreciated, used and treasured by our trainees!

Would you consider making a year-end gift to STN to sponsor materials for one of the pastors that will be trained in 2018? You can sign up online.

STN in Latin America – Update

By

Bolivia

In Bolivia the institutes are already entering the second phase of the program, the attendance is varying. In Santa Cruz it remains with 24 students, in Cochabamba 22 students, La Paz has dropped a little because some students had to travel 90 minutes to reach the Church. For this reason we are seeing the possibility that next year we send a teacher to the city of “El Alto” and there we would have more than 20 students. La Paz now has 12 students since 10 no longer could travel the distance. But still the institutes are doing well.

Guatemala

Pastor Karel Golcher visited our church this year and was the preacher at our Family Camp. The Institute he directs in Guatemala is already starting the third book and they have 18 students.

Honduras

Honduras had to stop classes for two weeks due to heavy rains but they are back in class. The Honduran Institute is outside of town and has 45 students.

Mexico

Classes were also stopped for 2 weeks due to bad weather and the first earthquake of 8.2 that hit Mexico. The Church did not suffer damages, although some students and families of the Church suffered some damages in their houses, but thankfully no injuries or loss of life.

Prayer Requests – Sept. 17

By

India / Nepal

  • For the 100+ men who have been through STN’s training program to faithfully apply what they have learned to their own lives and to their ministries.
  • For STN’s trainers to be safe in their travels and faithful in accurately teaching God’s truth to their students.
  • For the approximately 300 men currently being trained by STN to be diligent students. Also that they would apply what they are learning and teach it to others.
  • Wisdom in administrative and legal issues that must be done in the STN India office to comply with requirements of the government.
  • For the India government to approve the FCRA paperwork that was submitted recently.
  • For the STN India board to be a unified team and to work together effectively in carrying out the mission of STN.
  • For the Lord’s guidance in appointing directors who will oversee the ministry in specific regions of the country.
  • Safety in travel around the country. Driving can be very dangerous.
  • For Ryder Kumar’s preaching and teaching ministry in various churches to be fruitful. For many of these churches to become partners with STN in reaching unreached villages for Christ.
  • For Ryder’s full financial support to be raised.
  • For the Lord to provide monthly support for 8 pastors in Nepal who currently don’t receive any pay.

Latin America

  • For Pastor Eddie Bueno as he oversees this ministry for STN International. For good health, endurance, wisdom, and a good working relationship with the regional trainers.
  • For the leaders of the three training centers in Bolivia to be used mightily of God as they train people for future church planting ministries (Pastor Tito Montero in La Paz; Pastor Daniel Ortiz in Cochabamba, and Pastor Richard Buitrago in Santa Cruz). Pray for their 70+ students to diligently study & apply what they are learning.
  • For the leaders of the three training centers in Central America (Pastor Karel Golcher in Guatemala; Pastor Jose Antonio Pino in Honduras; and Pastor Marco Muñoz in Southern Mexico). Pray for their 100+ students to diligently study and apply what they are learning.
  • For the Lord to provide the funding for this ministry to grow and expand into other countries in Latin America.

STN in Latin America

By

I am thanking the Lord that everything is going according to plan! Shepherding The Nations is thriving in Central America and Mexico. Pastors came from Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico. Dr. David Nelson and another pastor came from Miami, Florida to bring the training (January 16 – 19, 2017). They were all very eager to start and were greatly impacted. Unfortunately, I was not able to participate in this training as I had hoped, due to health issues. My desire and prayer is to be able to attend the start of classes of all three institutes – that is if God allows it and my health situation improves. Further BCTP training institutes started on Friday, February 24 with a minimum of 20 students per institute.

The three STN institutes in Bolivia took an end of the year break and started classes again in February, beginning with book #4. The zest and enthusiasm from the pastors has not diminished. Pastor Daniel Ortiz from Cochabamba has asked me if I would open another institute on an additional night in another area of the city. He said that there are about 10 students who would like to take the course but it would be easier if he travels to them.

1st row: Translator, Pastor from Guatemala’s wife, Pastor from Mexico wife; 2nd row: Pastor from Guatemala (burgundy shirt)
Pastor from Southern Mexico (blue shirt), ​Back row: CCI Guest, David Nelson (CCI), CCI Guest, Pastor from Hondoruas, CCI Guest

New Class in Guatemala led by Pastor Karel

New training class started in Mexico led by Pastor Marco

New training class in Honduras led by Pastor Pino

I thank God for everything that is happening in Latin America!

Blessings,
Eddie Bueno

Updates on STN in Latin America

By

From Eddie Bueno,

Since my visit to Bolivia in the month of June, we are encouraged to see the ministry continue. We are moving forward with the training plan, enthusiasm to continue with the studies is greater, and all three institutes are operating at 100%.

The Lord is opening new doors for possible institutes in other Latin America countries. We see a great desire from pastors in Guatemala, Honduras, Chile and Argentina to have sound biblical training made available to them. Please pray for us to have wisdom to find the right contacts and fields to move into in the coming months and years.
bolivia_location_map-01We ask for your prayers for the following:

  • The institutes that are already open in Bolivia
  • The new possible institute in Bolivia
  • Possibilities for new institutes in Honduras, Guatemala, Chile and Argentina
  • That God will provide finances to carry out this entire project

Thank you for supporting us with your prayers and for the financial support.

God bless you,

Eddie Bueno

STN Graduates – What are they doing now?

By

Submitted by Ravi Rathan Kumar

Shepherding the Nations successfully conducted the BTCP course over a period of 5 years and held its graduation in the year 2014. Nearly 40 pastors were given a certificate of completion. More than the certificate, it was the precious teaching that was given to them that they value the most.

Ministry Changes

During the two years we have travelled to the churches where the pastors are ministering, we observed a marked difference in their preaching, ministry and teaching. One of the visible effects of BTCP training was found in evidence that their preaching is rightly dividing the word of God. The next best thing that has happened to them was the “ingraining” of the correct doctrines in this age of false teaching and false doctrines.

New Training Begins

  • One pastor has taken the task of teaching the BTCP to 10 students in his area and has completed the first 5 books of the course.
  • One more course was held in Hyderabad on the 12th of September, 2016, taugth for 10 pastors by Brother Ravi Rathan and Brother Timothy. The pastors who were trained came from the remotest places of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana States, and were trained for a period of 12 days.

It is our endeavour to encourage others to hold similar training programmes, and pass on the benefit to others who are otherwise deprived of this special and precious input.

We are immensely thankful to STN international, for their vision, support in helping us to impart the training.

 

Why Would I Return to India?

By

by Tammy Werth

This November I will be returning to India. Why do I want to return to India?

God has grown my heart and passion for the people and the ministry in India for many years.  Anyone who knows me, knows I’m always excited to talk about India, the pastors and their families and the training Shepherding the Nations is doing.
Ryder and Flory

Our missionaries in India.

Ryder & Flory Kumar have been in India for almost a year and they are a big part of the reason I would like to return to India. They are precious Saints who have given up family, friends and home to serve a higher calling. Matthew 19:29 says “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for My name’s sake, will receive many times as much, and will inherit eternal life.”  As with any missionary on the field, it hasn’t been easy for them. Adjusting to the chaos and multitudes of people in India has challenged them. The Lord is the controller of all things and Ryder and Flory know the One (God) who controls everything and know the kind of controller He is, that He is Good. Ryder and Flory have been very busy teaching, traveling and planning. They are excited about what the Lord is doing around and through them and are making a difference for the kingdom of God in India. Ryder and Flory will always need our encouragement and more importantly our prayers.  Please pray for our dear brother and sister, for their marriage, health, wisdom and discernment and for God to show them His plans.

I hope to be a blessing when I visit India. My schedule will be hectic but I’m eager to visit several cities. I will visit other precious believers, worship with Shanthi & Ravi who are key leaders with STN India, share with three groups of women, share at a Christian orphanage, attend another BTCP graduation in Vijayawada, meet with leaders from other organizations, travel to Mumbai and have much time with our special couple, Ryder and Flory. Please pray that the Lord would use me and that I would be ready for what He has for me on this trip. Jai Masih Ki

Update: Taste of Summer Ladies Luncheon

By

Thank you so much to all of you who attended our latest fundraising event! Almost a hundred women gathered at The Bridge Bible Fellowship to enjoy a delicious gourmet salad bar lunch, with homemade breads and muffins and cheesecake for dessert!

xiomara-video luncheon table

We all enjoyed browsing the 20 raffle baskets of donated items.

raffle

Tammy Werth spoke about how the Lord has worked in her life to bring her to participate on our STN board and also in short term mission trips to India. (Read about her upcoming trip here.) We enjoyed a video update from Xiomara Bueno about the ministry of STN in Bolivia and also a video greeting from the Kumar’s in India.

tammy-luncheon annette-mc

Over $3000 was raised for the ministry of Shepherding the Nations through the generous attendees of this luncheon. In addition, several people committed to sponsoring Ryder Kumar in India which helped to bring up his support level by almost $200 per month. In addition $440 was given towards purchasing 44 books for the pastors in India and Bolivia.

 

Prayer Requests

By

[print_link]

India

  • Spirit of wisdom in addressing the issues and difficulties of legal documents: battles to be won; God to make the path straight; unity in the STN India board; understanding in the process.
  • TTW graduates to be good stewards, serve sacrificially and diligently. Process of ordering and getting the course books to different parts of country to be smooth.
  • Transaction of money at ATM/bank is not a easy process. Pray for grace and enabling and not to enter into any difficult situation with the government. So far the Lord protected in handling the money issues.
  • Needs of contacts to be addressed carefully. Understanding and discernment in all the dealing with new contacts.
  • During the planned visit to the US in Feb and March 2017, pray that the Lord to open doors in several places to minister the Word and share the ministry of India. Adequate financial support may be raised.
  • Visit of Tammy Werth in Fall 2016 to be very fruitful. Protection and safety in air and road travel. All the details to be worked out smoothly. Meetings at churches, audiences and individuals to be a blessing.
  • The Lord’s guidance in the future of work such as appointing area directors, administrative assistant(s), purchasing of a desk top computer with printer, STN study center and India board.
  • Forthcoming special events: October 5th there is going to an occasion of 61st wedding anniversary of Ravi’s parents where Ryder would preach. Please pray for the need of $1500.00 to help in four ladies seminars per year. Ladies have been aggressively requesting with genuine needs.
  • Travels and road journeys to be guarded and protected by God.
  • Salvation of many, ministry of training/mentoring/discipleship to be made abundantly fruitful. All those STN partners teaching BTCP.
  • BTCP classes are going in the following places to be made abundantly fruitful: States of Odisha, Bihar, U.P. and Telangana. Expecting 100 participants to be equipped. Diligence and understanding for the teachers who are teaching.
  • Travel of teachers to various places who are teaching BTCP. Finances needed.
  • God to provide a suitable place in Lucknow for office set up. All the records, folders and admin work to be done carefully and diligently. All these to be in good order.
  • Preaching and teaching ministry to be made fruitful.

Bolivia

  • The institutes that are already open in Bolivia
  • The new possible institute in Bolivia
  • New institutes in Chile and Argentina
  • That God will provide finances to carry out this entire project

Taste of Summer Ladies Luncheon

By

Ladies, please join us for a STN Fundraiser and Women’s Ministry Kickoff Luncheon

Saturday, August 27th from 12 – 3 pm

at The Bridge Bible Fellowship

18644 Sherman Way, Reseda, CA 91335

 

luncheon-logo-share

  • Gourmet salad bar lunch
  • Shepherding the Nations ministry update and testimonies
  • Special music by Diane Brown
  • Women’s ministry kick-off – information about events, Bible Studies and involvement opportunities
  • Gift Basket Raffle
  • Invite your friends, neighbors and family – download flyer

Tickets will be $15 per person – on sale now at the Bridge Cafe, church office or online below.


How Many Tickets
Name(s) for ticket holder(s)



Interested in hosting a table?

Hostesses will have the opportunity to decorate a table for 8 ladies with dishes and centerpiece. Your decoration and theme can be anything your creative mind can think of and as elaborate or simple as you choose. (Complete instructions will be provided.) If you are interested sign up using the attached registration form or contact Diane Brown for more information – email or 818.590.0721.

Can you donate a gift basket or gift cards for our raffle?

We will have a basket raffle as part of our fundraising efforts, so we need donations of a completed basket or donation of basket items.

Some ideas to get you started: 

  • “Foodie” basket with spices & cooking utensils
  • Journal with a pen and devotional book
  • Tea Party basket for girls with miniature tea set and goodies
  • Candles and/or candle holders
  • Photo frames or scrapbooking supplies
  • Vintage decor
  • Linens, kitchen towels or accessories

We are also looking for unused gift cards to be included in raffle baskets.

(You can bring these to The Bridge Bible Fellowship or stick them in the mail – Shepherding The Nations, 18644 Sherman Way, Reseda, CA 91335)

Contact Diane Brown for more information – email or 818.590.0721