Shepherding the Nations

Impacting the World for Christ

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9 Things Your May Not Know about Shepherding the Nations

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by Pastor Randy Leinen, STN Board 

1. Founded by The Bridge Bible Fellowship

In 2007, Shepherds Community Church and Heart of the Valley Community Church merged into one church, and became The Bridge Bible Fellowship (TBBF). At that time, the newly formed TBBF created a new missions organization, called Shepherding the Nations (STN). Although STN is technically a separate Non-Profit organization, it continues to be a vital missions ministry of The Bridge.  

2. Mission of STN

The mission of STN is “To glorify God by training and resourcing indigenous pastors to plant healthy churches in unreached areas.” There are many pastors or potential pastors, worldwide, who do not have the resources to be trained to effectively preach and teach God’s Word. So, STN focuses on training these kinds of local pastors, evangelists and church planters so that they can reach their own villages and regions with the gospel.

3. Bible Training Center for Pastors (BTCP)

Before STN was formed in 2007, Pastor Paul, Pastor Ryder Kumar, and I went to India on a few short term mission trips with our wives. We had the privilege of teaching God’s Word to a couple thousand men and women. It was during these trips that we developed a burden to help these men and women who were so hungry to learn God’s Word, and to teach it to others. After researching a number of different types of curriculum we found a series of books called Bible Training Center for Pastors. This curriculum consists of 10 books that have been translated into 42 languages (with 9 more in progress). BTCP was the perfect fit for the people we were working with in India, who speak Hindi and Telegu. So, in the Spring of 2009 we went back to India and began to train a group of pastors using these materials in their own language. 

4. Class of 2014

In the Spring of 2009, we started training 50 men in Northern India, and 50 men in Central India – 100 total. Over the course of the next 5 years several of us traveled to India and taught through the 10 BTCP books. And in November of 2014, we held one graduation in Lucknow and another in Hyderabad, India. A total of 80 men were the first STN graduates. They immediately began planting churches and training people in their local areas.

5. Southeast Asia

Since 2014, the initial graduates of STN have been training hundreds of their own people all over India and Nepal. In 2022, having been taught by those first graduates, 450 new trainees became graduates of the BTCP course. And in 2023, the total number of graduates has reached over one thousand. There are 38 Study Centers in cities and villages all across India and Nepal.

6. Latin America

Pastor Eddie Bueno joined us on one of the trips to India. He saw the opportunity to bring BTCP training through STN to Latin America. Training has been ongoing there in the countries of Bolivia, Mexico, and Honduras. People from El Salvador and Panama are also interested in beginning the training. In Latin America, so far, over 200 pastors and church planters have been trained.

7. God’s Connections

An interesting connection was made in the country of Panama. Our new Pastor Marc Boeker has a son named Carter, who is a Freshman at The Master’s University. Carter started dating a young girl from Panama, named Laura. Her father, Ivan, is a deacon of a local church in Panama. Pastor Eddie contacted Ivan and the pastor of the church and told them about STN. This month, Pastor Eddie is heading to Panama to begin training a new group of men. The Lord orchestrated all of this from Pastor Marc, to Carter, to Laura, to her father Ivan, to Ivan’s pastor, to Pastor Eddie. Praise the Lord for allowing STN to keep expanding into Latin America. (See update about Panama institute below.) 

8. 100% policy

One of the key principles that STN wanted to adhere to from the beginning was to have 100% of the donations go to supporting the pastors (their churches and their training). We did not want to accept people’s donations and then take a cut out of that for administrative costs. We can do that because the STN International Offices are in a church building and run by volunteers. We do not take a percentage of your donation for administrative costs. The minimal administrative costs for our International Office are covered by donations specifically targeted for administration.

9. You have a part to play

How can you be part of STN? Here are a few ways: First, you can pray for the ministry. In many of the locations where STN training is happening there is serious persecution. Many of our trainers are faithfully proclaiming God’s Word in places where they are not welcome. It is tough and they do it anyway. Pray for their safety and God’s continued blessing. Second, those of us who serve on the STN International Board do it as volunteers. And we can use more help, especially as STN continues to grow beyond our wildest expectations. If you are interested in potentially being part of the board, please talk to Pastor Paul Brown. Third, please consider supporting STN financially. Most of the time those who are being trained cannot afford the cost of the books. And those who are doing the training are usually men who need financial assistance. Would you consider contributing to such needs?

Uniting for Growth: The Inaugural PENIEL Virtual Conference

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By Pastor Marc Boeker

    “For their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth…that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.” – John 17:19,20 (NASB)

This spring, a momentous event for Shepherding the Nations – India (STN India) went down in the history books. On May 17-18, 2024, STN hosted its first virtual conference for pastors and leaders across India, Nepal, and Myanmar.

Ryder Kumar, International Director, was looking for a way to provide further training to graduates in the BTCP program (Bible Training Center for Pastors). A conference would provide an excellent platform to include crucial church topics for further growth and development of the indigenous churches. Out of this desire, the PENIEL Conference was born.

Persuading to Equip and Nurture Indigenous Evangelical Leaders

Months before the conference, STN began working on visas to bring several Indian pastors to The Bridge Bible Fellowship in Reseda, California for in-person training. With much prayer, invitations were sent requesting these men to be allowed to come to the United States for an intensive time of discipleship. Their presence at The Bridge would have been both an encouragement to them as well as to their brothers and sisters in Christ who have been supporting the work in India for over 15 years. Paperwork was completed. Consulate visits were made. And they waited. And waited. And waited…

Even through waiting, one can now see God was preparing the way for a change of plans – a change of venue, a change of schedule, and a change of participants – all changes which ultimately led to an unexpected exponential increase in the number of pastors and leaders who could benefit and participate in the training. God has told his followers in times past, “the heart of man plans his way, but Yahweh directs his steps” (Psalm 16:9). The STN board’s plans were laid out, but God’s sovereign direction was needed to go beyond what was currently envisioned and provide training into homes and locations that far exceeded the STN board’s initial expectations.

While Zoom fatigue was a real thing for many during COVID, the advances in video conferencing technology that it provided have been a huge help to proclaim the truth of God’s word. In places seemingly impossible to visit, we can now sit “face-to-face” and interact on a much more personal level. For many purposes, virtual meetings can provide an opportunity for equipping the saints where an in-person meeting is out of reach for the attendees or threatens the existence of the church.

Enter PENIEL Virtual. Paul Brown, Senior Pastor of The Bridge and founding STN member was eager for this conference to continue, but with only three (3) of the original invitees able to get visas to US, the plans had to change. Moving to a virtual platform could provide the desired training along with an expanded reach inherent to a virtual conference. Excitement began to build as plans fell into place for the restructured virtual conference.

As Ryder invited church leaders from across the country one of his desires was to expand the reach of STN and the BTCP program. Many of the groups he contacted are well-educated, mature, and sacrificially serving which could serve to enhance the ministry of STN. All of the participants were encouraged to connect more closely to STN as they applied what they were taught in the conference.

By God’s grace, the gathering together of over 60 men across four countries became a reality on May 17-18. Due to the 12.5-hour difference in time zones, India experienced the conference over two days, while in the US we began welcoming guests at 5:00 AM on Friday and said our final goodbye near 11:00 PM.

In India, the conference began in the evening where three sessions were presented, each followed by a Q&A time with the participants. Randy Leinen, Executive Pastor of The Bridge began the conference with a session on transformation groups. These are small groups of 3-5 participants that provide a strong focus on bible study, accountability, evangelism, and prayer. Pastor Joe Leinen followed this by talking on the importance of small groups in the local church. Both of these ideas are somewhat foreign concepts in the Indian church. The evening concluded with a challenge toward church planting from Patrick Carmichael, Senior Pastor of Christ Bible Church.

After a night of rest, Saturday morning in India saw the pastors once again start logging in and talking together as they eagerly anticipated the final three sessions. Mike Vos, ACBC Certified Biblical Counselor, began the day with an introduction to Biblical Counseling. Thinking about what the Bible has to say about life’s problems was a solid start to the day, followed by many questions from the men. Pastor Paul completed the conference as he taught the two final sessions on Conflict Resolution and Leadership Development.

What joy it was meeting with these beloved men – leaders and teachers – eager to grow in their knowledge of the Lord and strengthen the local churches across Asia. Through God’s Spirit, we were not only friends but also brothers caring for one another as we toil for the Lord and his Church. This is the very mission of STN. God, in his sovereignty, took our humble plans for a conference to become a jumping-off point for future opportunities to provide solid biblical training and church development across Asia as he continues to unite His family around the globe.

The First Church Planted by STN Graduate is a Model

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By Ryder Kumar, International Director, SE Asia

While church planting is on-going by the graduates of STN in India, we have a model church that is standing strong against all storms and challenges. Motivated and equipped with teaching for 5 years by the international team of STN, Brother D, who has been working as the principal of a principal of a public school, ventured into the mission of church planting immediately after his graduation in 2014. This was the first graduation in India. The Lord made this abundantly fruitful. 

Brother D has established a church in one of the most heavily populated and hostile states in the country, which is H-dominated. Initially, the church had only about 10 members, including Brother D’s wife and 8 unbelievers. However, the church has now grown to 200 members! Additionally, there are now four different church locations under Brother D’s leadership, with each location having attendance ranging from 15 to 50 people. Despite facing challenges such as Covid and persecution, the churches continue. Approximately 80 to 90 individuals have been baptized through Pastor D’s ministry, and many have heard the Gospel message. Furthermore, three leaders who are graduates of STN were trained by Brother D and sent to different locations.

Pastor D at an outdoor church gathering

Divine Appointments and Transformative Missions: A Journey of Growth

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By Ryder Kumar

Praise God for His continued leadership of Shepherding the Nations! He brings the right people at the right time to form the team that would bring new growth to STN. As founding members of this ministry, Randy and Susan Leinen sacrificially participated in adding much-needed structure and support that fundamentally shaped the mission trips. Recently, in 2024, twenty years later, Randy and Susan’s son, Joe, joined me on a mission trip. 

Like his parents, Joe moved out from ‘his comfort zone’ to bring comfort and encouragement to the graduates of STN SE Asia. Joe drew their attention to the same “Word” that his dad has taught. Joe also shared the Word in more local churches than any of the previous teams before him. 

Welcoming guests with fresh flower bouquets is very much a custom in India. For one meeting in a remote location, Joe and I had to travel three hours with no time to get ready. Their sweet welcome with love, affection, and warm fellowship drew us closer to the waiting crowd. Along with the 80 graduates that were present, there were 40 pastors and Christian leaders at that gathering. After listening intently to God’s Word, many people raised their hand to indicate that they were responding with a new commitment of faith or obedience to the Lord. 

Pastor B., (our STN graduate, and a senior Pastor of the area) along with Pastor V. (one of our first graduates) and V.K. (our director) coordinated the event. We praise God for such faithful saints who have partnered with us in this ministry.

Pastor D. S. coordinated the memorable and fruitful event in Nepal. Due to the difficult travel in fog and cold, we had smaller gatherings than expected. Some of those in attendance spent the whole night traveling by car with no sleep. Others took the perilous challenge of traveling by motorbike to attend.

Hallelujah, the time was so refreshing as Joe taught from Romans 6 and I from Philippians 2:1-2. About 30 graduates attended. All were synergized and then travelled the long journey back to their locations. It was such a blessing to travel to this specific location to see how these brothers and sisters were so greatly encouraged by the Word.

There were 60 graduates that all traveled from different locations to the third place of our ‘Graduates Get-Together.’ We rejoiced to see that they were joined by another 50 local pastors and Christian leaders at this meeting. This was one of the several efforts that STN arranges to encourage the STN graduates. The goal is to show them unity and solidarity in serving our Lord, knowing that we all recognize the troublesome circumstances that they face as they persevere for God’s glory.

During our mission trips, we also endeavor to participate with other partner ministries.

We thank God for our relationship with Word Partners International. These saints have provided training seminars in Expository Preaching for our men and have blessed us all with their fellowship. Joe and I were able to spend quality time with the participants and the resource persons of Word Partners. Joe was able to minister the Word to the group through singing and worship of our Lord and Savior. 

The K. family has had a long relationship with STN. It was such a pleasure and an honor to be with them in their new church building. It was my privilege to preach at this special gathering of the church. Once again, several people raised their hand to indicate that they were responding with a new commitment of faith or dedication to the Lord.

We are so thankful for V. K., and I.K. who have helped STN develop a wider ministry into various areas. Pastors from the mountain areas, the valleys, and the small villages were equipped, trained, and shaped to minister the Word in their local churches. Joe taught from the Word and again ministered through songs of praise and worship. 

Just as the Apostle Paul commended the Philippians, saying that no other church contributed to his ministry the way they did, we are thankful for the saints at El Shaddai of Hyderabad. They have greatly blessed STN’s experience in India for their financial support has far exceeded all others. They have also been a great source of strength and encouragement to so many others. Four STN graduates are active in El Shaddai – two are elders, one is the senior pastor’s wife, and one is wife of an elder. We are also thankful for their hosting us to teach in their family seminars for three consecutive mission trips. 

There are always so many opportunities to minister to the saints. Prayer is a big way. Jemimah, whom I knew in Lucknow (about 30 years ago), has stayed connected with me. She is now married and has asked me to pray for her baby. What an honor!

Time and space do not allow us to share everything that happened during the mission trip. However, we must share one incredibly special opportunity from God! We went to encourage our graduates in a remote village. There, we visited a handicapped Pastor who can’t stand or walk. He is bedridden; yet he pastors three churches! Along with his wife, he serves God with amazing dedication and commitment. He and his wife are both graduates of STN. 

We were also introduced to a new place by P., our STN director. It is a Baptist church in Hyderabad. Praise God, Joe preached for the first time without an interpreter as the service were in English. 

I would like to end my thoughts like Joe did at each place on our mission trip. He used to say at the end of his prayer, “all for His glory”. 


Latin America Institutes

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by Eddie Bueno

Earlier this year, I planned to go to El Salvador to train a pastor to start a new STN Institute. Unfortunately, the pastor needed to undergo back surgery and we had to postpone the training. The pastor is recovering well from the surgery and will be joining me in Panama in late May where I will train him and some other men from Panama. The plan will be to launch new STN Institutes both in El Salvador and in Panama this summer.

In addition to the new Institutes, all the existing institutes have now resumed classes. Join us in praying to God that this year will be a great blessing and tremendous time of learning for all the students. As always, I ask for your prayers that God guides and encourages and opens the doors so that healthy new churches can be planted that teach biblical doctrine honoring our Savior and Lord.

Please pray especially for Tapachula, Mexico, as there is beginning to be a lot of persecution of Christian churches. Also, pray for the immigration problems since Tapachula is on the border of Guatemala.  This is the pathway of entry into Mexico for that all the people who try to reach the United States. This is bringing a great crisis to Tapachula.  But Pastor Marco wants to take advantage of this situation to share the word of God with those who need it most.

El Alto, Bolivia, BTCP Book #6:

Santa Cruz, Bolivia Book #5:

Tapachula, Mexico, Book #3:

Honduras, Book #3:

Santa Cruz – Bolivia
Pastor: Richard Buitrago  Students – 30 Book #5 

El Alto – Bolivia
Pastor: Jhonny Villarroel  Students – 31 Book #6 

Tegucigalpa, Honduras
Pastor: José Pino  Students – 25 Book #3 

Tapachula – Mexico
Teacher: Marco Antonio Muñoz  Students – 16 Book #4 		Posible New Institutes:
San Salvador, El Salvador
Pastor: Jorge Burgos Classes will start this summer

Panama
Classes will start this summer

Discovering Unity and Growth: Reflections from My First India Mission Trip

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by Joe Leinen

Earlier this year I had the opportunity to travel to India and spend time with STN graduates and visit a number of churches and believers there. Although I had heard many stories about India for years through my parents’ travels, this was my first experience in the country.

I had the privilege of teaching, preaching, and leading in worship many times over the course of 2.5 weeks. In that short time there were so many great experiences, wonderful people, and lessons that I learned.

One of the most wonderful things that I experienced was the joy of gathering with fellow believers in Jesus. My first Sunday in India, I attended El Shaddai church. Although I didn’t understand the language, hearing these precious people sing joyfully to the Lord and pray to Him was overwhelming. I had never met these people before, and yet I knew that we had everything in common that mattered, because of Jesus. Every opportunity to gather with believers provided a similar sense of unity, which is hard to put into words.

The Lord also taught me many things, and exposed areas of weakness in my own life. God used this trip to expand my view of the way that He is reaching the nations. I was often in situations that were far different than I was used to, and this caused me to rely on Him through prayer more than I ever had before. The traveling challenges and long days made me realize how weak I truly am, and how desperately I needed the Lord’s strength. The Lord also grew my love for the people I met, and I am praying I can return again to see them. It was truly a life-changing trip, and I’m so thankful to God for this opportunity.

Jam-packed Mission Trip!

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This mission trip was very different from others. The entire time that we were in India (March 3 – 17), our schedule was jam-packed. Everywhere we went, we saw God’s wonderful accomplishments. Each day, our faith and hope were focused on not missing the next great things God would do!

Training with the Word Partners:

For two years, the leadership resource staff of Word Partners worked with these dedicated and committed pastors from North and South India to complete intensive training on expository preaching. Each was equipped with five books (four were from the Bible), so that these leaders would become skilled, faithful ministers to diligently teach the Word in their local churches. It also provided great opportunities for the Shepherding The Nations (STN) Directors and faculty groups to sharpen their own teaching skills. An extra blessing is that Word Partners is having some of the study material translated and printed in Telugu. 

These intensive training seminars are held twice a year. Recently, a few leaders demonstrated outstanding skill development and were chosen to lead various sessions with the whole group. Two of them were our STN directors and three were from the STN faculty. (see photo above)

The Power of Sunday’s Routines:

For the past 19 years, STN International has played a vital role in the local churches, developing strong spiritual relationships within each church. These relationships provided opportunities to encourage, admonish, and minister more effectively to the saints. STN’s close ministry association with the local churches (now 57) has led to increased prayer and financial support. Some churches have even volunteered to host our study groups by offering their facilities and providing meals.

God Brings Strength in Unity:

God has united so many Pastors and churches. Pastor J. has been to El Shaddai church three times where Pastor P. G. is the shepherd. Pastor A. has been to Agape Prayer House in Hyderabad to support their Pastor, Bro. P., who is an accomplished civil engineer, an STN graduate, and a participant of Word Partners. 

I personally had the privilege of visiting Bro. A.’s assembly (congregation of 500) in Sangareddy, to minister the Word by delivering three messages and spending time together around the Lord’s Table. 

On the second Sunday of the trip, I was with a church in Vijayawada with seven hundred people. Preaching two messages and spending time with these saints has been a real blessing. 

“…there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches.” 2 Corinthians 11 28

Teacher Training Workshop:

Seven key leaders from Nepal, North, and South India were selected to undergo the Teacher Training Workshop with CCI (Crossing Cultures, International). Praise God for the facility and lunch provided by Agape Church. One of the leaders, S., a theology graduate and a native of Odisha started teaching. This was such a blessing as we now have a person who knows the Oriya language. Brother N. in Nepal is another person who started teaching under J.S. After a brief training, N. will begin teaching on his own in different parts of Nepal. N. is a graduate of STN’s 2022 class. The great news is STN has expanded into different parts of Nepal with several classes. 

Administrative Issues:

Now, in 2023, our waiting period is over, and soon we are eligible to apply for our Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) status. Consultations and discussions have continued between V., our STN CPA, and me. We are now including J.S. on the team. J.S. is our treasurer on the STN board while V. takes care of the FCRA. He needs to understand the process, the functioning, and other implications. 

STN’s India Board Meeting:

Conducting regular meetings of the board is a government requirement. The board meeting in March 2023 was important as we discussed certain changes in the board and issues regarding the FCRA. While a couple of board members exited, one new couple was added. We welcome Bro. P. and his wife S. to the STN board. The board proceedings are recorded for the STN office and to comply with government regulations. 

Planting Churches:

Congratulations to two couples who graduated from STN in November 2022. A. & H., and N. & D. are now actively involved in church planting. I had the privilege of spending a few hours with them to encourage, fellowship, and record their stories. Do they have church buildings? The answer is NO. Are they supported by any organization? Again, the answer is NO. Being in remote areas where there is not a good economic structure, pastors often go through struggles. These limitations did not stop them from serving the Lord. By faith, they launched out! I witnessed their zeal, enthusiasm, and burden for perishing souls. These qualities will keep them pressing on with perseverance. Keep them in your prayers so that God will use them effectively for His service! 

Going to your hometown and not visiting family:

Short term mission trips have always been busy times. I have rarely visited the homes of any of my family. Without complaining, but with great understanding, my sisters, nieces, nephews, and in-laws would attend the churches where I was preaching and meet me after the service just so we could have some time together as family. It was on one such occasion that I saw my younger sister, her son, her daughter, her grandkids, and my nephew with his wife. It was such a good time of fellowship together as a family!

The privilege of serving on the STN board

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by Mike Vos

As I read Acts 21:13 Then Paul answered, ” What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” How could the apostle Paul continue to go to Jerusalem after being warned several times about the impending danger awaiting him? I was struck by the understanding that love is stronger than fear. The apostle Paul’s love for the Lord and love to obey Him was stronger than any fear of danger, harm or sacrifice he may encounter.

As we grow in our love for the Lord, we become less and less concerned with ourselves. Christ demonstrated perfect love and He is our example. Serving on the STN International board is an opportunity for me to love the Lord and be used by Him to further the Gospel and multiply mature disciples around the world to know and love Jesus Christ.

God has called us in Matt 22:37-40 to love the Lord with all our heart, soul and mind and to love our neighbor as ourselves. We are designed by God to love Him and one another. True joy is found in our sacrificial serving and loving others. Serving on the STN board honors God and helps reach others with the love and truth of Christ.

Mike and Mara VosI don’t face danger when I serve on the STN board like the apostle Paul did as he headed to Jerusalem in Acts 21; but I do experience joy as I honor the Lord and obediently help spread His love and truth around the world through the STN ministry. I get to see first hand how God faithfully blesses this ministry with the resources to proclaim Him and His truth. I hear of the many sacrifices our students and teachers make to grow in their love and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. It’s a blessing to be part of STN and bring God’s truth to those who are thirsty to consume and apply God’s word.

Ultimately, just as the apostle Paul understood the blessings of serving the Lord far outweigh any sacrifices we make for Him. Serving on the STN board alongside faithful brothers and sisters these past several years has been a privilege as I watch God amazingly working through this ministry to glorify himself and expand His word to different parts of the world. It was also a blessing to have my wife Mara Vos join the STN board in 2022 and to serve with her in this important ministry.

STN Southeast Asia Updates

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by Ryder Kumar, International Director (SE Asia)

“Having come to these classes, our ministry and preaching is transformed.”

 

Presently we have the challenge of serving about 860 graduates scattered across India and Nepal. These men and women are situated in over 20 locations. We also have about 885 participants undergoing training and equipping. The strategy to be adequately connected with these precious saints in remote villages is simplified by the International Director having regular and direct contact with the regional directors who connect directly with the graduates. These three regional directors have local convenors who organize the study classes.

Our SE Asia Regional Directors

Jose has been made the director for North India and South Asia with specific responsibilities for taking care of faculty for India and Nepal and providing Teacher Training Workshops. In addition, he is also the treasurer for the India national board. His special abilities make him an effective teacher, and he travels widely into difficult parts of the world.
Vinay  has been the director of administration and government-related issues since STN India’s inception. Utilizing his gifts of teaching and administration, he has been well acquainted with all the tasks and responsibilities. He also conducts orientation for the new classes in the country.
Prashanth, along with his wife, has attended prayer meetings week after week with Flory and me. Having developed a great interest in the ministry of STN, he was further trained and mentored to undertake the position of Director for South and Central (Odisha) India. In addition, he assumed responsibility for media communications. He is used in regular teaching and occasionally translates.

Please pray for these men.

These men have families; and yet each month of the year, they move out of their homes for the ministry of teaching. Daily, they are responsible for counseling and praying with others over the phone.

Please pray for their safety, for their faithfulness in the ministry, for effectiveness in teaching, and for their family lives to be fresh and a fragrant honor to the Lord.

The Lord in His excellence orchestrated for Shepherding the Nations to enter the sub-continent at exactly the right time. Two decades ago, when the ministry began the country reached 1.4 billion in population. This year, it will be the world’s most populous country. God knew that false teachers and false prophets would be on the rise as well. While theology is being strangulated, and the message of prosperity preachers has mocked biblical theology, STN stepped in with an uncompromising stand on the truth of the Word.

As a result of the labors, lives are changed, pastors’ preaching is transformed, people have started coming out of false teaching, church plants have begun, and thousands are reached with the truth of the Gospel. 

2022 was a great year and 2023 is off to a great start!

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by Paul S. Brown, President, Shepherding the Nations

2 Corinthians 8:1-5 (NASB95) “Now, brethren, we wish to make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the churches of Macedonia, that in a great ordeal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality. For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave of their own accord, begging us with much urging for the favor of participation in the support of the saints, and this, not as we had expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God.”

Can you believe it has been three years since the Covid-19 pandemic started?

A few months before it happened, STN was experiencing significant growth in India, Nepal, and Latin America. Nearly 300 BTCP students graduated, we had an incredible conference on expository preaching in India, and churches were being planted. Then the pandemic began, and everything slowed down. But the Lord has heard our prayers and He has opened doors for STN to impact even more people in India, Nepal, Mexico, Honduras, and Bolivia.

2022 was a big year with over 1,000 students in our BTCP training classes and over 450 of them graduated.

Several of those graduates are planting new churches and others are preparing to do so. Pastor Eddie Bueno (director of STN Latin America) made a few trips to Mexico and Bolivia to train new trainers, encourage current trainers, and participate in graduation ceremonies. Ryder Kumar (director of STN SE Asia) also made trips to India for strategic meetings, training conferences, and a series of graduation ceremonies.

2023 is off to a great start.

Pastor Eddie recently went to Honduras for a graduation of BTCP students and spent time with some of them that are planting new churches. Pastor Ryder just got back from a trip to India where he met with key leaders, helped lead some training conferences, and met with committees who are planning some major conferences in 2024 and 2025. They are also preparing to expand to other countries in SE Asia (possibly Pakistan, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka).

Please pray for the Lord to provide wisdom, key leaders with integrity, favor with governing authorities, and necessary finances. Some new churches and individuals joined in supporting STN in 2022, but with the growth of the ministry, our current expenses are $75,000 per year more than income. We are using reserves to make up the difference, but we would love to see more people and churches become ministry partners. Please share the ministry of STN with family, friends, bible studies, and churches. And if you know of any foundations that support ministries like this, please tell us how to contact them.

Thank you for joyfully and generously participating in this work. We love you and are grateful for the privilege of serving our Lord and His people with you.

“Having come to these classes, our ministry and preaching is transformed.”