2018 Year End Report
“As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years, or if due to strength, eighty years, …”
Already?
Really? Here we are approaching the end of another year once again. Didn’t this just happen? At a conference we attended this summer, God confronted me with an uncomfortable personal deficiency. I don’t like writing these ministry reports. However, I have been challenged to faithfully and accurately report on a more regular basis what God is doing at Disciple Daily. So here it comes. But first, please watch this brief video.
Two Reasons To Report
First, it’s biblical. Scan through the book of Acts. Repeatedly, Luke reports on the expansion of the Church following Pentecost. Sometimes he gave a definite number like 3,000 and 5,000 people added to the growing Church (Acts 2:41, 4:4, 19:7). Other passages speak of the way the Spirit of God swept through large populations and geographic regions (Acts 2:47, 6:1, 7, 8:4-8, 10:44-48, 13:43, 19:10). Apparently, God wants us to know and proclaim what He is doing in concrete ways.
Second, whatever God does, it is for the purpose of glorifying Himself and for the good of those that “know Him and are called according to His purposes.” Recently, a basketball coach from Moldova commented:
“If we do not share God’s glory, we are stealing it for ourselves” – Eugene P. (Moldova)
WOW, that hit me hard. What God is doing at Disciple Daily, it is not about me. It is not about the people we are discipling. It is about the Lord and what He is doing through us. God is glorified when we report what is happening, by giving Him credit for all of it.
Year End Report – Multiplication!
This year God brought five new storytelling disciple-makers to Disciple Daily. They are taking responsibility for learning how to use our oral Bible discovery tools. In ministries of their own, these Jesus followers are actively multiplying in others the oral Bible discovery strategy they have been taught. At this time last year, there were five. Now there are ten. All of these disciplers are training small groups of 5-8 people domestically and internationally. God has doubled the number of people actively teaching others to use Bible storytelling as their primary disciple-making strategy.
In partnership with four international ministries, we presented our disciple-making strategy and resources to over 400 people from ten different countries (Moldova, Ukraine, Romania, Russia, Uzbekistan, Kazakstan, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, Belarus, Guatemala). Our training occurred one-on-one via in-person meetings and via video conferencing. We also trained disciples during several conferences and in schools.
Another 300 people participated in events and classes conducted here in the United States. Recently, several of the people we have been training hosted two events. One group was a Sunday school class, the other a Friday morning men’s group. Dozens of families enjoyed Rediscovering HiStory, a three-hour overview of the Old Testament built on Walk Thru the Bible’s memory system and our Stories of God series. Seven different teachers participated in these events. All of them are now making plans to do the same thing on their own next year. On December 8, another event is scheduled for an Atlanta neighborhood clubhouse. The host family will use this to kickstart a family ministry to neighbors and friends doing weekly oral Bible discovery meetings in their home.
Our Stories of God storyteller guides are now available in three languages (English, Russian, and Spanish).
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Looking Ahead
The people we work with are ordinary folks who love Jesus with their words and their actions. They understand the calling of Jesus’ Great Commission and His Great Commandment on their lives. If the commission and the command are at work together in concert, Kingdom objectives are realized.
United States
Through a small group of seven men, the Lord greatly encouraged us to redouble our effort here in America. After years of work, we are now seeing increased interest in Bible storytelling among American Jesus followers from individuals, small groups, congregations, and para-church organizations. Storytelling is a powerful disciple-making strategy regardless of race, ethnicity, or age.
Israel
On January 1st, we will escort nine young Jesus followers through the grand story of the Bible. For 15 days we will trace what God has said about His plan for all things from Genesis through Revelation. Our classroom will be Israel and Jordan, where much of the story took place. This tour is not your retiree’s dream vacation. Upon completion of this training, the group will return home equipped to teach others what Jesus taught the Apostles to teach.
Central Asia
On February 19, twelve men from Central Asia will take a very similar journey. Participants are already proven disciple-makers collaborating together in sports ministry. Over half of the men live in countries closed to Gospel proclamation and disciple-making activity. This group will explore how oral Bible discovery can be a primary strategy where people are imprisoned and fined for carrying a Bible in public. Disciple Daily is co-sponsoring the cost of this training trip with a Eurasian sports ministry partner.
Eurasia
In August, we will be in Belarus and Moldova in partnership with another ministry, Shepherds Support. Two conferences will be held for pastors, ministry leaders, and their spouses. The focus will be on building healthy marriages and families as a vehicle for evangelism and discipleship. Many of the participants have previously participated in our training. So it will be a lot of fun to see them in this context with Noemi by my side.
The Ask
Let me be very frank. We are asking God to open up the storehouse of heaven and provide the financial resources to accomplish the many things we want to do this coming year. As the Father’s adopted children, all that He has belongs to us.
I have two requests. First, if you are not already a monthly donor to our work, I am asking you to prayerfully consider becoming one. Monthly donations allow us to make long-term strategic plans. Second, would you consider making a year-end gift before December 31st? Larger year-end gifts enable us to bless others extravagantly, like the men we are taking to Israel from Central Asia in February. That alone will cost about $1200 each, for a total of $14,400.
Our Guarantee
We promise to strive for the highest return possible for your investment in this work. We do a lot with very little at Disciple Daily. We don’t own buildings or have staff. Your financial support equips and supplies disciple-making movement leaders here, near, and far away. Will you continue to help make all of this possible.
Thanks!
Arlie Francis – Disciple Daily
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Truly excellent report !! Amazing to see so much accomplished for the Lord in a single year.