A paradoxical shift has occurred in India as the majority of people, both in the community and government, have become hostile to the Gospel. I say this because it has become a conspicuous fact in the media. Persecutions that were unheard of in the past are happening now on a regular basis. But the God of the Bible is sovereign and will not withhold His mighty hand of power. What has been accomplished by STN International team in the past is really a preparation and prerequisite of what is now occurring. The hard labors, long and tiresome travels and long hours of the daily routines have been rewarded in abundance.
As I write this there are eleven faithful men, from different tribal backgrounds going thru a systematic equipping program. They spend ten hours a day studying and engulfing themselves with course material all to be completed in the next two weeks. This is conducted and taught by two of our STN graduates: Pastor Ravi is a retired bank officer and currently shepherds a lively church, and Timothy is a computer engineer and currently runs a company.
Ryder teaches while Timothy translates
While these men are valiantly working, ten men from South India (all from s Hindi background) came from several remote villages a couple of days ago just in time for fasting and prayer. They began their systematic study program taught by Pastor Laxman Paul, who is a former attorney and was mentored by Pastor KB. The best part is that Laxman is a graduate of STN! How exciting that this is happening in North India in a state which is dominated by Hindu religion. Oh but there is more!
Laxman Paul leads new training group
The state of Odisha that became well-known for the murder of the Stains (a missionary family with two kids from Australia) houses a similar study program for 32 participants. Twenty men are expected to do the same in Nepal starting in October. For many years missionaries have tried to reach an area called Budh Gaya. This place is said to be where Buddha had his “enlightenment” that eventually proved to be futile. The same area is not only reached with the power of the Gospel, but a group of 10 men who have been captivated by the Gospel, are making serious efforts to study from one of our STN graduates. Jose Simon travels a long distance with many challenges, incurring all the costs for his own travel.
He works as a principal of a school with the responsibility the job entails, and leads a family with two young children making ministry very difficult. It is not easy for him to travel twelve times a year to a place, which entails 40 hours on a train plus surviving the rigorous bus journey and paying for the needs that arise during these trips. What the team from STN International have done in pouring out their lives to their ministry has accomplished more than just in the area of teaching. It has equipped these trainers and has demonstrated how things can be done when they follow the God who leads! Their commitment has displayed an accomplishment of ‘focus with perspective to multiplying God’s people’. We praise God for Paul Brown and Randy Leinen and the tremendous leadership they display and provide.
As we look to God for more resources as there are scores of servants waiting for an opportunity to be trained in the program. There is an equal number who are in need of financial support and need your help. Would you pray for God’s enabling? The King is coming soon! Would you partner with us? Philippians 1:5 “in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now.”
It is not a paradox when His power is awesome! Zechariah 4:6 “‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts.”
Ryder Kumar is serving as our International Director. As one of the founding members of Shepherding the Nations, it was Ryder's vision to see pastors trained and equipped for ministry that became the foundation of Shepherding the Nations.
Shepherding the Nations has identified qualified and called men who are already working in unreached areas of India and Nepal. We are providing the training to better equip them and the financial resources to support them in their ministries.
Our directors have been equipped to teach our ten-volume training curriculum. These key men are training indigenous pastors and church planters while also providing accountability, resources materials, and support. 
During our training program, we provide our ten volume set of curriculum from the Biblical Training Centre for Pastors (BTCP) in their local language. We also provide essentials resources such as Bible Concordance and Study Bible. We have been able to provide these books to all of our pastors through the generous donations of our donors. These books can be purchased for about $10 each or an entire set for $100.