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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.

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.

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.”

 

 

Latin America is Opening Up Again!

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by STN President, Dr. Paul S. Brown

STN began its work in Latin America in 2016 under the direction of Pastor Eddie Bueno (Hispanic senior pastor at The Bridge Bible Fellowship – Iglesia Cristiana Puente de Vida). At one time we had a total of six training institutes in four countries offering BTCP courses. Several groups completed the 10-volume curriculum, we held some graduation ceremonies, and we were ready to offer courses to new people. Then 2020 came and most of the work came to a halt due to Covid-19 restrictions. Pastor Bueno and I were supposed to travel to a graduation in Tapachula, Mexico in late March 2020 but all flights were canceled.

The Lord has once again opened the doors! Classes are being offered again in Bolivia and Honduras. By the time you read this, Pastor Bueno will have gone to Santa Cruz, Bolivia (Sept. 26 – Oct. 1) to offer a Teacher Training Workshop (TTW). BTCP requires this training for anyone who is going to use their curriculum to teach others. One of the men attending the TTW already has a group of 20+ students waiting for their new class to start in October.

Pastor Bueno will also be going to Tapachula, Mexico (Dec. 1-4) to preside over the graduation ceremony we were supposed to have 2 ½ years ago. The trainer in Tapachula is preparing to start a new BTCP class early in 2023 with 20+ students. There is a possibility that I will join Pastor Bueno early in 2023 for a graduation ceremony in Honduras. And there are other men and locations we are evaluating for possible STN Institutes in the future.

Thank you for your prayers for STN’s ministry in Latin America. Please continue to pray for Pastor Bueno’s health, for wisdom in restarting some of the Institutes and launching new Institutes in new regions. Ask the Lord to use STN’s training to raise up many new church planters who will go to currently unreached areas all over Latin America. And give Him praise for allowing us the privilege of resourcing native workers to reach their own countries with the gospel. To God be the glory great things He is doing!

Concern for the Local Churches

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by STN International Director, Ryder Kumar (SE Asia)

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

The STN organization was born in a local church.

Most of the International board members are either pastors or elders and their wives. Others on the board are significantly involved in the ministries of the local church. I delight in talking about these facts as the Lord has put on our hearts to focus on local churches right from the inception of Shepherding the Nations.

Pastor Suresh with his wife, Mercy

About 18 years ago, even before STN was established, when we first launched out into India, we had about half a dozen assemblies (churches) in India with whom we were closely associated and ministered. The Lord increased the number; today, STN is partnering with about 60 churches in various parts of India and Nepal. On the left, we have Pastor Suresh with his wife, Mercy. Our team worked for several years with this church in North India.

While we labored in North India, we also had a great opening in South India. Left is a picture of a local church on the left where Pastor Ravi Rathan Kumar, along with one of his elders named Timothy, participated in the study courses of STN and graduated.

Everywhere STN has operated, we have worked with local churches. In Nepal, the Lord led our regional director, Jose Simon, to work with local churches.

Jose Simon, center

A Pastor from Nepal says,

“I could learn how to stop the wrong teachings from spreading in our area. I learned what true gospel is and how to keep a church record. Through church history, I could learn to avoid the faults of the previous generation.”
-Dil Bahadur Dharti

In one of the growing assemblies (church) in a remote location in South India, we have a dear brother who resigned from his lucrative bank job to be a pastor of his church.

Having no biblical training, he not only joined our study program but also provided the use of the church facilities and food to all the participants from the beginning to the end of the program. He graduated and continued to serve the Lord at the same location. (Photo on left.)

India has a population of 1.3 billion and will have the largest population in the world by 2023.

We look forward to tens of thousands who will be trained and equipped to catch the vision. We came in contact with one senior pastor who came into the grip of this vision. Brother Paul Chepa, a senior pastor, says, “STN has been pivotal in planting and establishing new local churches in remote and tribal villages of Andhra Pradesh. I can proudly say that STN training shaped, equipped, and prepared the ministers for effective and healthy churches. I found a mentor in Ryder, International Director, who personally prays, speaks, guides, encourages, and challenges with daily devotions and different biographies and his testimonies. We are always indebted to the STN ministries for blessing us with training”.

Is the Church in India growing? Yes!

  • New churches are planted.
  • The Word is preached.
  • STN stepped into these nations with God’s provision, enabling us to serve His people.
  • There are many needs to be met, and this can’t be done without the partnership of churches with a vision for Missions!

1 Corinthians 16:9 – “For a wide door for effective service has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.”

The STN training and equipping is not limited to study programs. The International team that goes to India has been involved in counseling to resolve conflicts in interpersonal relationships. The leaders’ relationships in the local churches were restored.

One of the blessings has been to be an example to the local churches in keeping New Testament practices. On the right, we have prayed over those baptized by laying on of hands. On the left, we have a photo of a child’s dedication. This attests to the teaching that we do dedication but not child baptism.

We do praise God for the local churches that are partnering with STN. Philippians 4:19 – “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”