MINISTRY / How the Gospel Travels from Kitchen Table to Kitchen Table

From our home to yours

Take the teachings that you heard me proclaim in the presence of many witnesses, and entrust them to reliable people, who will be able to teach others also. (2 Timothy 2:2, GNT)

 When the apostle Paul wrote these words to Timothy, he described a chain of faithful teaching. Paul taught Timothy. Timothy faithfully taught others. Those disciples would, in turn, teach still more. The gospel and the love of Christ were never meant to stop with the next person. They were designed to be passed along until the end of time.

 A real-life example from Grace Bible Institute

We want to introduce you to someone we'll call Terry, to protect her identity. Terry lives in China, and this summer she opened her home to teach the children of four families the truths of the Christian faith. Twice a week from July through mid-August, twelve sessions in all, she and two other young mothers walked children through Luther's Small Catechism. It is the very same foundation Terry once learned through 316NOW.

 Here is how she put it: I often thank God for having the opportunity to receive education through 316NOW courses. Especially after I learned Luther's Catechism, I was able to apply it in family teaching.

 That is the heart of 316NOW. One believer taught, teaching another. One family strengthened, strengthening the next. What Paul described to Timothy is happening today, in living rooms and around kitchen tables, because God's Word does not return empty.

 A willing extension of ministry

Terry wrote to us afterward, too. I pray that, when God permits it, I can serve as an interpreter for you or other pastors, and fulfill my duty according to God's good plans. Thank you for your teachings and blessings. Peace and joy in Jesus Christ.

 This is where you become part of extending Grace Across China NOW. Every prayer you offer, and every gift you give, helps put the catechism into the hands of believers like Terry, who then pass it on to children and families we may never meet. Because of friends like you, 316NOW can keep equipping believers so the gospel keeps moving from one kitchen table to the next. You make it possible for her and so many like her to know Christ and to make him known.

 From all of us at 316NOW, thank you. You are part of a family passing on the faith.