Pat’s focus in missions was meeting people’s physical needs as a way to show them the greatness of God. But in Burundi, Africa, Pat learned that he not only needed to provide for physical needs but spiritual needs as well.
He realized that many who considered themselves believers in this region lacked even the basic knowledge of the Bible. They did not know they were called to forgive as Jesus did or love as He loved. It became clear to him that discipleship was needed. So, Pat started small groups to teach the Word and so hearts would be transformed through the Gospel.
Through a missions pastor, Pat learned about Renew World Outreach and the tools they offer to spread God’s Word. Knowing these resources could meet the growing discipleship needs, Pat took 10 lockable micro SD-cards and 10 solar-powered Torch Audio Bibles into the communities. The micro SD-cards, small memory cards that contain Gospel media, were discreetly shared with phone users. The solar-powered Torch Audio Bibles provided not only light for people’s homes but also a way to charge their phones while listening to Scripture. Each small group leader received one of these tools, and the equipment was so helpful that they wanted more!
Soon, Pat’s team began receiving requests from pastors in other countries. In total, 250 additional micro SD-cards were distributed in four languages.
Pat shares, “The micro-SD card is small and can be sent where other methods might not be allowed. Because of this, some work we do is with communities of ‘the main religion of Saudi Arabia’ and they have converted to the Christian Faith. Our pastors can’t always carry a Bible, but they can carry their phone with the micro-SD card.”
Pat saw the power of the Gospel transform the hearts of that community in Burundi. The Truth of the Gospel is life and peace. People are hungry for something as eternal as Jesus, said in the Gospel of John:
“Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:13
Please continue to pray for missionaries like Pat that are boldly sharing the Gospel. Pray that lives will be transformed through the power of discipleship and that the Lord’s eternal life will continue to overflow!
