I have always enjoyed reading John Maxwell’s wisdom on leadership. One of my greatest aspirations has been to finish well, and after 17 years in Tasmania, I have faced just that challenge! Over the past three months, I have poured my heart into doing all I can do to prepare workers for our departure: training, encouraging, equipping, and praying–with as many people as I can. I had envisioned taking some last-minute trips to see our favourite sites and enjoy Tasmania’s beauty one final time, but I’ve opted instead to invest in people as much as I can.
The past few weeks have challenged us with head colds and sore throats, fatigue from packing, and an enormous black cloud of logistics in our international transition. But we’ve pressed on despite the struggles, and I have peace about what we are leaving behind. Here is a summary of what’s been happening in the past 3 months:
- In mid-May I began training people at a small Baptist church here in Hobart. With 4 eager participants, I knew I had little time to inspire them with the challenge of multiplying disciples. But after just a few sessions of TFT, I’ve been so pleased to see their passion and obedience on the rise as they translate Jesus’ commands into action! We concluded yesterday with a 3-hour session of training and prayer, giving attention to “Four Kinds of Disciples” and the barriers which we must overcome in order to move forward.
- Fred, our Congolese partner, left in late May for Africa once again. This time he has set his sights higher as he wants to start training groups in 4 countries, and I don’t doubt for a moment that he will do just that. He also has begun taking teams to remote places around Tasmania, literally reaching to the “uttermost parts” as he involves new workers in this venture.
- Carlos & Josephine are also moving forward. Despite challenges that put Carlos in hospital twice during May, they continue to break new ground. Just last night I was pleased to see them conclude a Reboot group with several young Nepalese men, and among these, Isaac is aspiring to start yet another group (3rd generation). They are preparing to start a new group in New Norfolk, one of our outlying towns near Hobart. In August they will be going to the Philippines to foster the movement in Manila/Quezon City and to start new groups in Visayas.
- Jared (head of campus at Seabrook Christian School) is not only training his high school students using TFT but taking them out to nearby Risdon Vale to witness to the locals there. Among those he’s training, two new groups have emerged (4th generation) led by teenagers. They have been asked by the state school at Risdon Vale to start a “God club” and are now fully prepared to step in and do it!
- Erik & Natalie continue to disciple many believers as well as train folks from local churches. Despite frequent setbacks, they resolutely keep their eyes on the goal and are beginning to see fruit. Some of Erik’s training takes place via Skype and telephone as he equips people in mainland Australia.
- Paul has seen his Nepalese congregation grow, not so much in number but in faith as most of them are now sharing the gospel boldly. This coming weekend, he will be taking another team to a town in the north of Tasmania to train disciples and start yet another group. Using TFT for the past 15 months, he has more than quadrupled the number of disciples and now has a great vision for starting groups and churches. In July he plans to return to Nepal to train the leaders who are starting groups there.
- Aileen not only started a new group at their church, but is now equipping others and helping them start new groups. TFT may very well be the key that unlocks the future of this small and struggling church, and we are anxious to see what God does with their faithful obedience.
- Beyond Tasmania’s borders, the work continues to move forward in these past weeks. Josh has started a new church in a low-income part of Melbourne. Janvier reports growth and excitement in the new church in Adelaide. Tony and Brian have started several new groups in New Zealand. Deepak recently wrote about new groups starting in Nepal. The work in Manila is progressing, and Vher is planning a TFT Summit in July to inspire and train many more people. Time fails me to tell about the many new groups popping up in Europe in the past few weeks.
Later today, we will say goodbye to Tasmania as we wing our way toward London. But we go with peace, knowing that when we leave, the work will continue. I urge you to work hard, invest in people, stay on the critical path, and finish well.
“But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.” 2 Chronicles 15.7
