The purpose of training men is not simply to fill pulpits. It is to develop a church capable of reproducing itself and carrying the gospel beyond itself.
Pray for these two men as they continue training and prepare to assume greater responsibility in the local church. This transition will allow one of our most mature believers to focus increasingly on evangelism, taking Course One throughout the Tiale villages and, Lord willing, into sister-language communities and other language groups.
The pattern we are pursuing resembles Antioch: a maturing local church develops leaders, releases mature workers, and participates in sending them outward (Acts 13:1–3).
The goal is not permanent missionary dependence. It is a healthy, autonomous, self-replicating church reaching beyond itself toward the unreached.
The missionary may help establish the pattern. But ultimately, local believers must become the ones carrying the gospel to their own people and beyond.
If everything still collapses when the pastor or missionary steps away, did we build a mature church, or merely a ministry dependent upon us?
https://youtube.com/shorts/YGv1XWhAnmw?feature=shared
Your feet to the Tiale people and the country of Vanuatu, Seth, Nicole & Selah Stokes.
Stoking The Fires 