I fondly remember this 2006 gathering in Verkhovina, nestled in the Carpathian mountains of western Ukraine, surrounded by church leaders dedicated to theological education. All of these men were leading CMI (Church Ministries Institute)
Bible schools that equipped believers to effectively serve in their local churches and to multiply disciples across Ukraine and beyond. Although I am no longer in Ukraine, I rejoice that God’s Word is still being faithfully proclaimed through the
disciples of these church leaders. This impact brings to mind Paul’s charge to Timothy:
“What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2).
Theological education isn’t just about gaining knowledge—it’s about multiplication. It equips leaders to disciple others, who then equip still more people for the work of ministry. As Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4:12, this is the very purpose
of ministry: “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” When biblical truth is taught and applied, it produces lasting fruit that strengthens the church and transforms lives and communities.
This issue of Message will introduce you to several ABWE missionaries and the ways they are equipping pastors and ministry leaders around the world. From the bustling streets of South Asia to the rural villages of Uganda, these stories highlight the eternal impact of equipping the saints. We’ll also honour the legacy of a beloved pastor and partner of the Goroka Baptist Bible College ministry in Papua New Guinea, who dedicated his life to training others to know and proclaim the Word of God. Though he has gone to be with the Lord, his ministry lives on through the leaders and churches he discipled.
As you read these stories, I hope you’ll be inspired to pray, give, and go. Whether it’s through a powerful radio ministry in South Africa broadcasting the gospel or seminary students in South Asia planting churches despite persecution, God is using theological education to fulfill the Great Commission. By training leaders who can teach others, we ensure that the gospel continues to spread to every corner of the globe. Together, let’s remain steadfast in this work, trusting that God’s Word will not return void but will accomplish what he purposes—for his glory and the joy of the nations.
