“So, we are going to tell the story of Jesus to my family, right?” asked Dirga*, a 28-year-old, as we studied the story of Cornelius in Acts 10. Praise God that he understood sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ is a command from Scripture! We promised to walk with him and train him for this.
A Divine Meeting at a Coffee Shop
We first met Dirga at a quiet coffee shop. Sitting alone, he welcomed us to share his table. After some light conversation, we turned to spiritual matters. When he expressed interest in hearing how our sins could be forgiven, we shared the Good News of salvation through the death and resurrection of Jesus.
Right there, Dirga professed faith in Christ. We prayed with him as he confessed his sins and accepted Jesus as Savior.
Growing in Faith
After learning what baptism meant and represented, Dirga publicly professed his faith through baptism.
We began weekly discipleship with him. Since he didn’t own a motorbike and no public transport reached his village, we picked him up each time. His parents often questioned where he was going, so eventually we met him outside the village to avoid suspicion.
During discipleship, Dirga memorized opening lines to begin gospel conversations and learned how to move from everyday topics to spiritual truths. Step by step, he began memorizing full stories about Jesus, preparing to share them with his family.
Everyday Life and New Friendships
Because Dirga doesn’t yet have steady work, we partnered with him to make soap and sell it in the village, splitting profits evenly. Though sales are slow, it provides him with daily work and a natural reason for us to visit his village.
Recently, we introduced him to Nanda*, another believer from his ethnic group. Both were overjoyed to meet each other. Nanda encouraged Dirga to rely on Jesus alone and not on amulets, a message Dirga gladly received.
Worship and Fellowship
We hold monthly gatherings for worship, fellowship, and training. Nanda is learning to lead these meetings. At the September gathering, he opened the service, taught a lesson about Noah, and closed in prayer.
Only a few believers were able to attend because of work commitments, but even so, fellowship was sweet. Each person brings unique strengths. Together, they are learning to strengthen one another in faith.
Please pray for Dirga’s continued growth in faith and courage to share the Gospel with his family, for Nanda as he develops as a shepherd and leader, and for the first believers in this area to remain strong in discipleship despite challenges. Also lift up all the believers, that they would mature in Christ, make time for fellowship, and boldly share Jesus with others.
