WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? PART TWO. . .
Lisa: In the first part of my interview, we saw the need for the Tonga people to hear about the good news of Jesus Christ. In looking at an unreached people group, what are the logistical steps that have to be done in order to start a church planting movement among the people?
Scott: First of all an in depth study of the people has to be made so we can see the complete picture of the group. We made a survey trip to Mozambique in March and after narrowing down where we wanted to go, Antonio spent two weeks doing intense research for us. One of the first things that has to be done is registering with the government and making sure we do things legally. Our resources are limited and we lack man power, but God has blessed us with a church who shares our vision and is helping to put together a team for us. This team will then come to South Africa where we will train them in our philosophies, church planting strategies, and materials. They will then be sent into Mozambique.
Lisa: And once the team is set up there?
Scott: They will start in the population center and begin with a house church. We target the middle class because they will then take the gospel with them back to their villages. As a team, there are many aspects that have to be looked at. There is language learning, identifying leaders among the people then discipleship training for new Christians so they will in turn go to their villages and do the same thing among their people.
Lisa: This would be what will hopefully jumpstart a church planting movement?
Scott: Exactly. A church planting movement is rapidly multiplying of house churches among a people group. We don’t just want to baptize someone and move on. Each Christian is discipled and trained to go out and reproduce their faith in others. This is done by training up leaders and intense discipleship.
Lisa: Thank you so much for sharing and giving us an insight into this new work. If you are interested in partnering with African Outreach Ministries we need you! We need both prayer partners and financial partners with our ministry through individuals and churches. Please contact Scott for further information at sgharris@mac.com
Check back for more about reaching the Tonga for Christ in the weeks to come.
Blessings!
Lisa
www.africanoutreachministries.org
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