The Grace Institute

Happy Saturday! Johy is hard at work presenting Agathos and Blaze to a network of churches located throughout Argentina and the UK.

“The teaching on the Kingdom, Covenants, and Canon of the Old Testament Thirdmill | Biblical Education. For the World. For Free. has greatly blessed my ministry and my teaching of God’s Word. The course’s clear organization has made it easier for me to prepare church lessons. My church members can now read and understand the Bible more easily and effectively, and they no longer view reading the Bible as such a heavy burden.” -Denis Siriwa, Babati, Tanzania

Years ago at Grace Evan Missions a Ministry Initiative Team was formed by Mike Heath for evangelism and discipleship. One of his locations of service was the Memphis Salvation Army.

He asked us to create a discipleship curriculum to cover the basic doctrines of the faith, and The Basics of the Christian Life was created.

He created a workforce of men to go and minister to the men of the SA. Today it continues and is led by Steve Smith because Mike moved to San Antonio.

Last night, I had the privilege of attending the San Antonio branch of Salvation Army where they study the Basics course as their primary discipleship course.

This effort that began years ago has expanded. Mike asked me, “How many workbooks have been bought and used in this effort to disciple the men of the SA.” I checked.

2,000

A couple of thousand men have heard the Gospel through this study - carried forward by some faithful men who give their time each week.

This past weekend I had the opportunity to serve with these two men, and others, at the Thirdmill Seminary graduation. Just one year ago, they were putting in their time with TGI Freedom Fest in Tanzania. Collaboration is key.
Chris Hatch Gregory Perry

Iglesia Emanuel Dios con Nosotros has launched its Christian Formation School using Agathos studies. This past Sunday, children, youth, and parents gathered to begin Thirdmill | Biblical Education. For the World. For Free. The Apostles’ Creed, starting with an assessment of what they already understand about the foundational truths of the Christian faith.

Pastor Ricardo Tun Santos shared their vision:

“Our desire is for every generation within the church to know what they believe, understand why they believe it, confess it faithfully, and live it out for the glory of God.”

This group is led by Tanzania facilitator called Loema John. These students, along with hundreds of more, recently finished their first course (Kingdom, Covenants, and Canon of the Old Testament). Here’s a testimony from one of the students:

“Praise the Lord Jesus!

My name is Jacob M. Ara, and I am a student in the TGI class at the Gawal Center.

I thank God for His grace, protection, and the many blessings He has given us throughout the time we have been studying the courses on The Kingdom of God, the Covenants, and the Old Testament Books.

I especially want to thank The Grace Institute (TGI), and I also thank our facilitator, Loema. Through these studies, I have experienced a significant change in my understanding.

I have come to realize that God’s purpose in creating Adam and placing him in the Garden of Eden was to establish His Kingdom on the earth. Although Adam failed to be a faithful steward, God preserved His purpose so that it would not be changed. In His perfect plan, Jesus came in the fullness of time to accomplish that purpose. Therefore, God’s purpose never changes.”

This week, Patrick is making a trip to visit groups to encourage them, deliver new study guides, and provide Bibles to the students who don’t own one.

The group in these pictures is led by our facilitator, Asanas. She’s doing a great job!

Pictures tell a story, and this one is no exception.

Here stands the Freedom Facilitators in Tanzania. They were selected to work for TGI after this past Freedom Fest.

The two men in the middle are Joseph Lacha and Wade Hooper. Lacha is TGI’s country coordinator in TZ.

Wade Hooper is a pastor from Rainbow Presbyterian Church in Gadsden, Alabama. For years he has been faithfully teaching and taking teams to TZ. Wade was the one who reached out and communicated the need for ongoing education.

Although he couldn’t attend the Freedom Fest which produced all of these facilitators, he is now standing in the midst of the fruit that the Lord produced through his diligent labor. These men and women represent hundreds and hundreds of Tanzanians that are now receiving ongoing Biblical education.

Thanks Wade for your resolve for Gods Kingdom even during various trials.

A group of men from Grace Evangelical Church Grace Evan Missions, led by Steve Smith, lead groups of men at the Salvation Army Memphis through TGI’s Basics of the Christian Life. Today, Steve was busy recruiting new volunteers to help this important effort.