Thomas’ Story of Spiritual Transformation
Complacency is something we’ve all dealt with. Sometimes we get stuck because we’re comfortable. Sometimes the fear of taking the next step or the thought of failure holds us back. Our friend Thomas stayed put because he didn’t know there was more. The beautiful thing about following Jesus is that there’s always more.
Prior to 4africa’s Disciple Making Movement (DMM) training, Thomas didn’t realize he’d only scratched the surface of God’s plans for him. With his willing heart and passion for people, he would soon become an influential leader in his community in Midigo Sub County, Uganda. He just needed the tools and connections to begin.
20 Now may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus — the great Shepherd of the sheep — through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21 equip you with everything good to do his will, working in us what is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Hebrews 13:20-21
“Before I knew about 4africa, I had very limited knowledge about scripture. I loved my role as a youth leader at Bugo Church of Uganda, but I was completely unaware that God had plans to use me mightily to touch the lives of many. And then 4africa held a DMM training which I was invited to participate in, and my life changed.”
Preparing for the Harvest | Investing in Generations of Disciples
In the DMM trainings, Thomas learned that his faith isn’t limited to his current role. Following God’s guidance, he could impact entire communities! After the sessions, Thomas was encouraged to go out into his community and find ‘persons of peace’ – compassionate and zealous people who could help him build up the church and make disciples. He also learned that a Person of Peace is someone who cares about people and is eager to equip themselves for ministry. If he was going to make an impact, Thomas couldn’t go at it alone. He needed fellow believers by his side to spark spiritual transformation in their community.
2 [Jesus] told them, “The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few. Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest. 3 Now go; I’m sending you out like lambs among wolves. 4 Don’t carry a money bag, traveling bag, or sandals; don’t greet anyone along the road. 5 Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this household.’ 6 If a person of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. 7 Remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they offer, for the worker is worthy of his wages. Don’t move from house to house. 8 When you enter any town, and they welcome you, eat the things set before you. 9 Heal the sick who are there, and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near you.’
Luke 10:2-9
“I fully understood the concept of the Person of Peace and wasted no time in implementing it. It didn’t take long before I found my Person of Peace through whom I started my first Discovery Bible Group.”
Modeled after biblical discipleship, Thomas and his Person of Peace began a community Bible study. And then another. And then another. What started as two friends coming together to study God’s word and pray together developed into a flourishing church!
“ Every time I go and visit this church, my heart is filled so much joy because through it, the good news of Jesus is being shared and more leaders like me are being developed. The DMM training changed my life and gave me a new perspective on discipleship and how I can contribute towards building the Church – I can do more than a single role in my church.”
Build a Church, Build a Community
Now, Thomas serves as DMM Cluster Leader, guiding and supporting small groups throughout his community using the training, tools, and resources he received from 4africa. As 4africa’s ministry teams continue to serve Thomas’ community, more DBS groups are added every day, taking the next step in growing His kingdom.
“Through the DMM ministry, many families are being reached with the word of God and are being restored and reconciled to their creator!”
On a personal level, Thomas has also experienced incredible transformation, including the ability to understand, interpret, and share the word of God with confidence, and the ability to lead others in the ministry.
“I have been completely transformed spiritually. When you have God in your life, everything falls in line. Today, I see myself as a leader in my community, and this is only possible through the investment of training and guidance that 4africa made in me. The DMM approach has been very effective in sharing the gospel. The trainings refresh our knowledge so we can be effective disciples.
Today, we are seeing the second generation of Persons of Peace in Midigo Sub County. I can confidently say that when 4africa leaves Yumbe, the seed that has been planted will be nurtured and watered to grow by the DMM leaders that you have raised. May God bless your work, and may he continue to multiply your efforts!”
Are YOU Ready to Take the Next Step?
Taking the next step can be hard. But your bold step of faith may be just the thing to transform someone else’s life for Christ. Are you ready to make an impact? Visit https://dev1.ardent.dev/4africa-updates23/agent4change/ to learn more.
