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National Conference on Expository Preaching

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“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 – NASB95)

Preaching God’s inspired, inerrant, authoritative truth is an incredible privilege. Teaching others how to do it accurately, communicating the intent of the original author, is a privilege as well. That is what a group of us will be doing in October when we travel to India to lead a 3-Day National Conference on Expository Preaching (NCEP). It will be a whirlwind trip for Randy & Susan Leinen, Pastor David Hegg, my wife Diane and me (there are currently 3 or 4 more prayerfully considering going with us). Randy, David & I will lead the conference for 200+ pastors & church planters from all over India.

What is Expository Preaching?

Preaching in which the content, structure, and emphasis of the sermon reflect and are derived from the content, structure and emphasis of the biblical text. We will walk these pastors through the book of 2 Timothy showing them how to see what the author wrote, what he meant by what he wrote, how it would have been understood and applied by the audience he wrote to, and how they can then apply it to their lives today. After each time of instruction, they will meet in small groups to apply that instruction by studying the book of Titus. They will go back to their churches with a deeper understanding of those two books, as well as the passion and tools to study God’s Word and teach it accurately to their people. Imagine 200+ pastors all over India proclaiming God’s Word faithfully and powerfully to their churches.

NCEP Board in India, meeting to plan the conference

Ladies Conference

While we are teaching the men, Susan, Tammy, Diane, and Flory Kumar will hold a 3-day conference for the ladies. Those ladies will be challenged and equipped to go back and have a profound impact on others in their churches and communities.

Each evening during the 3-day conference, Randy, David and I will be preaching in 3 different churches.

Graduation

The day after the 3-day conferences end, we will hold a graduation ceremony for all the people who have completed our 2+ year Bible Training Centre for Pastors (BTCP) training program. That weekend we will have some important meetings with people associated with STN in India, and then we will preach / sing in some churches on Sunday. On Monday we will travel to another city where Susan, Tammy, Diane & Flory will hold a one-day seminar for the ladies, followed by a special graduation ceremony for all those who have completed the BTCP training in that part of India. We are expecting 268 graduates! 

It is exciting to think how the Lord is going to use the people coming to the conferences, and the BTCP graduates, to strengthen existing churches and plant new churches all over India and Nepal in the coming years. We currently have 450+ students in our BTCP training classes in India and Nepal. Each time we finish training a class of students, we start up new classes with even more students. We hope the next round will have 1,000 or more and grow exponentially every 2-3 years.

Would you prayerfully consider supporting us? We need your prayers as we prepare for the conferences, graduations, meetings, and church services. We also need your prayers for safety in all our travels. We also need financial support as it will cost about $3,000 per person for airfare, housing, food, etc., and some additional funds for costs related to the conferences and graduations. Total cost (depending on the number of people going) will be between $25,000-$30,000.

If you would like to donate to this specific ministry of STN, please go to our donation page and select the “Oct 2019 India NCEP Trip” donation designation. We so appreciate your prayer and financial support. If you have any questions, please email me at pbrown@tbbfchurch.org.

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

Bolivia Graduation

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I am thankful for all the opportunities the Lord has given me through Shepherding The Nations (STN) to resource and train people to reach their world with the gospel. Pastor Eddie Bueno has been heading up our ministry in Latin America where we have six training centers. At each training center students are working through an intensive two-plus-year curriculum to equip them to better serve as church leaders and/or church planters in unreached areas.

Our First Latin America Graduation

Three of those training centers are located in Bolivia. All three will be having graduation ceremonies this month. A team of five of us will be going to Bolivia, while there, Pastor Eddie and I will preach at special evangelistic services, special youth and church worship services, and graduation ceremonies. We will also meet with key leaders to determine the next steps STN will take to train more future leaders and see how we can help some of the graduates plant new churches in unreached areas. Please pray for God’s wisdom and protection as we serve these precious saints in Bolivia.

Flory Ministers to Ladies

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Last month, Flory had the opportunity to speak to a group of ladies in the village of Palakonda. The Lord answered abundantly, as 250 ladies gathered in the small hall there to hear God’s Word. For these women, it was the first opportunity to attend a women’s Bible seminar. Flory taught the Word and then they gathered in groups for discussion, and then shared testimonies. What a blessing it is to visit remote villages like this for Christ’s sake. Our continuing goal is to see healthy local churches flourish in these areas.

A special guest

One of the ladies who attended is pictured here. She is a 26 years old young lady who is handicapped and can’t walk or stand. She was brought to the ladies seminar at Palkonda village. This lady was at the podium to listen to God’s Word. She knows Psalm 119 by memory.

Special service

Seventy-five men defied the Indian culture by serving the ladies. They took care of the children, allowing the ladies to attend. These ladies from Palakonda village said it was first time they experienced such a blessing.

A serious incident

There are times when we encounter unforeseen incidents. This situation was not only unpleasant but serious as Flory lost consciousness. It happened towards the end of the session while 250 ladies gathered in the small hall. There was no fresh air to breathe during the mid-dayheat.  People around started splashing water on Flory’s face. The Lord brought her out from her distress. God is able. VK, IK, and the local pastors gave so much love and practical help. After the incident Flory traveled back three hours by car and the next day, being Sunday, she didn’t stay home but attended the three-hour worship meeting where Ryder preached three messages.

Pastors Study in Remote Indian Villages

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An graduate, V.K., has been coordinating and teaching in Palakonda village to a group of 37 pastors and church leaders. V.K. graduated from the BTCP training with STN in 2015 and is pastoring a church in southern India.
I am so encouraged today to see the diligence both in equipping and training exhibited by the teachers, as well as the desire to learn by the participants. When the STN International Board prayed on its knees, this is exactly what it envisioned for pastors and leaders in remote villages.
My dream is to see healthy local churches. Our goal is 50,000 dedicated learners beginning the course in many villages across the country by 2020-21. God is able! I thoroughly enjoyed the ministry of the Word and addressed several questions.

This group started in 2017 and meets twice a month.

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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SaveSave

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.

Women’s Luncheon Fundraiser – Save the Date!

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Update: This event, originally planned for October 13th, has been postponed. Please be watching for a change of date and be thinking of friends and family you can invite.

On Saturday, October 13th, 2018, the auxiliary board of Shepherding The Nations (along with a committee) will be hosting a fabulous Shepherding The Nations Fundraising Luncheon.

Please be watching for more details as the date approaches and be thinking of friends and family you can invite.

We’re striving to bring awareness to many more people about the work and mission of STN – to glorify God by training and resourcing indigenous pastors to plant healthy churches in unreached areas around the globe. Please plan on attending and inviting others – and being a part of this exciting ministry that is helping to reach the world for Christ.

Beautiful gormet salad bar from our 2016 Fundraising Luncheon