A Legacy of Discipleship
When Keith and Saundra stepped into retirement from 44 years of pastoral ministry, they were simultaneously stepping into a new calling to minister to The Wesleyan Church in a South Asian country*. As they embarked on this new endeavor nearly ten years ago, they had no idea what it was going to look like. They just knew that they had a call to go, so they went.
Saundra and Keith (far right) have regularly gone to South Asia to disciple, train and live as Christ-followers.
Entering a culture drastically different from their home culture, and an environment that was brimming with sights, sounds and smells, it was natural to feel a jolt of sensory overload. But both the call the Lord had placed on their hearts and their deep love for the people kept them grounded and moving forward.
As they became more familiar with the culture and joined hands with the local church, their love for the people only deepened – including their love for the National Church leader, Rev. Oren*. Keith said Oren has not only served the National Church with diligence and commitment – a true “godsend” to the Church – Oren also became one of his closest, most trusted friends.
The meaningful friendship is reciprocated, too. Oren said that Keith and Saundra’s encouragement, teaching and example have strengthened his faith and leadership, and inspired him to serve more faithfully.
Oren added that Keith and Saundra have encouraged and strengthened the Church in this South Asian country as a whole, as well.
“Their investment in discipleship and church growth has brought unity, vision and spiritual renewal,” he said. “Many leaders and churches have been encouraged to step forward in faith because of their faithful support and Christ-centered example.”
Because Christianity was only introduced to the country 50-70 years ago, many local believers are first-generation Christians. While Keith and Saundra spent time on practical needs like securing land for church buildings – discipleship, training and modeling Christian life all rose to be the heart of their ministry. This took shape in a variety of different ways.
Keith preaching by Oren’s side.
Keith began to help teach the seven basic courses for church leaders: the biblical concept of God, Old Testament survey, New Testament survey, pastoral theology, preaching, The Wesleyan Church doctrine/membership and the biblical view of marriage and family. With these courses, they felt that the church leaders were well equipped to lead their young congregations.
Keith and Saundra also sponsored annual youth conferences (bringing together 150-250 young leaders), and they recently saw a women’s conference and a children’s ministry conference come to fruition. All of these endeavors have proven to be excellent discipleship tools.
Over the years, discipleship, the spread of the gospel and the growth of the church have also happened organically.
For example, Keith recounted the story of a local leader, Jay*, who was an early convert in his village. After persevering through disapproval from his village leaders, he continued leading a Bible study, and began helping with a number of community improvement projects after a devastating earthquake in 2015.
Jay gained approval from his village leaders, became a leader himself, and then started identifying other villages to intentionally pray for. By developing friendships in those villages, he was able to show the JESUS Film and witness people get baptized and churches be built. And last year, two leaders from one of those new churches baptized at least twelve people.
Keith said the local Church credits the JESUS Film as a great tool, and from there, the Gospel spreads between relatives and neighbors. Disciples are making disciples.
According to Oren, God has moved powerfully in the Church over the last 10 years, as both urban and rural areas have experienced growth. Currently, there are 28 churches there (and counting).
“Many young people have responded to God’s call to ministry. There has been greater unity among church leaders, stronger discipleship programs and increased mission vision,” Oren said. He celebrates that God continues to build His Church, “just as He promised.”
Although playing a part in training and developing discipleship opportunities has been quite significant, Keith and Saundra said modeling Christian life among believers and non-believers has been their most important work.
Though they admitted they didn’t do it perfectly, Saundra said it was important for her to realize that her most important tasks weren’t necessarily those she could check off on a to-do list. “[The everyday tasks were important] but unless we are reflecting Christ and His goodness is flowing through us, it was in vain,” she explained.
Ben Ward, Global Partners area director for the Asia-Pacific Area, said that Keith and Saundra have been major advocates for this South Asian country and were “the catalysts to seeing many new partnerships form.”
“However, the greatest resource they brought was the love of God demonstrated through their lives,” Ben said. “Leaders commented about how they provided a vital example of what Christian marriage should be.”
Praise God for all He’s doing in and through the Church in this country, and praise Him for all He’s done through Keith and Saundra’s steady faithfulness.
The couple has gone back and forth to this South Asian country 4-5 times per year (and connected with the Church in other South Asian countries) for nearly ten years, to disciple, train and live as Christ-followers. Though they plan to slow their travels down in the coming years, the Church will carry on under the leadership of Oren and the movement of the Holy Spirit. A Global Partners missionary team continues to faithfully serve there as well.
Oren says his hope and prayer for the Church is that it will grow deeper in God’s word and stronger in unity.
“I also pray that the Church will not only grow in number but in holiness, love and mission – becoming a shining light in their nation and beyond.”
*Names changed / location omitted for security.