Models for Training National Leaders
by G. R. French
SHENGTE CHRISTIAN COLLEGE was the first step of Daniel Hsu's spiritual journey that led him to Christ. There he met HIM missionaries Rev. Robert and Marsena Pelton. Their teaching as well as their Christian living created a hunger in Daniel to become a Christian. His next step was to the U.S. and Hobe Sound Bible College where his hunger grew until he came into a clear experience of salvation and heart purity. Daniel and his wife, Dorothy, since that time have had a wide ministry that has reached every province of Mainland China. He is now pastor of the Chinese Church in Boynton Beach, Florida.
Rev. Pieter Marais decided that he would model the teaching and training program in Lesotho, Africa after the example of Jesus. He organized his Christian workers into teams for evangelism and other ministries. This gave the team members the opportunity to observe their teacher in reallife situations. When questions arose, they would find a shade tree and discuss the biblical answer together. This kept the workers in touch with their culture and less dependent on foreigners. Workers trained in this manner are more fruitful and have a more practical understanding of doctrine and ministry.
The Spanish Bible Institute, founded by Rev. Sidney Grant at Hobe Sound, FL, keeps in close touch with its Spanish culture for a reason. It is aggressive in reaching the large and growing numbers of Spanish immigrants in the U.S. All of the pastors of the HIM Spanish churches were trained in the Institute which provides a sense of unity, loyalty, and faithfulness in sound doctrine. It is not uncommon for a church to begin training young men and women for various roles of leadership in the local church so that they have some experience in ministry before they enter the Institute. At least one new Spanish church has been planted each year. It is estimated that nearly one thousand have been led to Christ by the Spanish churches.
