Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. ~ Proverbs 19:21
READING: Acts 8:26-40
A Kenyan leader, Dr. Francis Kamau, asked me to speak to about 100 church planters, pastors and spouses who are involved in a School of Ministers. We didn’t discuss what he wanted me to teach. He just asked me to share my heart. I’d been praying about what the Lord wanted me to teach and felt led to share the Twelve Biblical Principles of Church Planting. The group of men and women were very attentive.
Then, I got to Principle #4: “Every Church Planter Needs a Mentor.”
Francis laughed. Evangelist Teresa laughed. Everybody laughed but me. I knew something good had happened, but I didn’t know what it was. The biblical foundation for developing leaders through mentoring was emphasized. I taught that our conviction at DCPI was that every church planter should have a mentor. How to find a mentor was covered. Being a mentor to others by sharing with them what you know was discussed. They asked excellent questions . . . the same questions that church planters in different countries of the world (including the United States) have asked.
My allotted time ended and I sat down. Francis Kamau stood up to close the meeting. He said, “This morning one of our primary prayer requests was: ‘Lord, teach us about mentoring. Show us how to find mentors.’ That prayer was answered this afternoon. Praise the Lord!”
Isn’t that encouraging! Kenyan church planting leaders had a need for teaching on mentoring. The LORD purposed to meet that need by using an American who was almost halfway around the world from his home.
Dear Lord, Thank you for knowing our deepest needs for help in church planting and for arranging divine appointments when we need them most. We praise you and give you all the glory. Amen.
