From Australia to Kenya: Equipping Gospel Workers Across Continents

In Australia, we often take it for granted that our pastors and gospel workers are well-trained. In many parts of the world, it is common for pastors of local churches to have limited training or none at all. It is estimated that this is the case for over 80% of pastors. 

As it turns out, Vocational Bible College is able to start meeting this need. Thanks to VBC’s practical online training, pastors and laypeople in Kenya are gaining confidence and skills for ministry and evangelism.

In 2024, five trainees have enrolled all the way from East Africa—and they are benefiting greatly.

Joseph is a ministry apprentice in his local church. Over the past few months he’s already seen fruit from his training with VBC.

“So far we are at week 13 and already I have benefited much. I have got more knowledge of the Bible, I have learned more about how to speak to non-believers about Christ. I have learned how to give time for everything in my ministry, and by the end of the training I hope I will be more equipped.”

For Galagalo, training with VBC is an answer to prayer.

“It has been my long time desire to study the Word of God and learn more about the gospel in order to stand firm in Christ,” Galagalo explains. “I have the desire to share it with others (at the church and to non-believers), so I wanted to learn more about faithful Bible teaching, so that me and my hearers will not go astray.”

The specific answer to prayer for Galagalo related to something very practical.

“On 31 December, 2023, one of my requests to God was to help me to make good use of my time, because I had challenges with time management,” he says. “Surprisingly, this VBC course gave me insight on how I should plan my time, and how it is God's will for us to always make good use of it. The unit is very helpful to me in regards to time management.”

Galagalo has a long list of what he’s appreciating most about his training so far:

“The humility of our trainers in their service delivery, this in itself is a lesson worth emulating. Discussion—learning from each other as students and from the facilitators, different views from different perspectives. Every class is guided by Biblical references. The notes and recording of class is very helpful in case we miss a class. Holistic gospel: our training tackles spiritual matters, social life, family, and making good use of our time which is a God-given resource to equip all aspects of our lives. This is inspiring and an eye-opener.”

Moses decided to start training with VBC because he wanted to grow in his knowledge of God’s Word and gain some practical ministry skills.

“The thing I enjoy most is the classes,” Moses says. “You get to know each other. I also enjoy having some chances to share the Word together and discuss our life questions together.”

Moses is confident that the training he’s doing now will equip him in his role.

“This training will help me to know more about how to share the gospel with non-believers. It also helps me in my ministry—how to preach the gospel without going out of line, and it helps me on a daily basis, like how to spend my time for godly purposes.”

Elias serves as a youth chairman in his local church. He’s grateful for the opportunity to be equipped for sharing the gospel in his context.

“Being surrounded by Muslims whose lives need Christ, I've seen Vocational Bible College will equip me with great skills and tactics of sharing the gospel,” Elias explains. “I've been enjoying the Two ways to Live story—I've seen it's a great tool that's useful in guiding me to share the gospel in a very simple, clear and interesting way.”

Ultimately, these five men from Kenya are being equipped by VBC in the same way Aussies are: being trained for Christian ministry similar to how an apprentice carpenter becomes a skilled craftsman.

As Elias says: “VBC is the right place for someone who's willing to gain more knowledge of the Bible and also the right tactics of bringing more people to Christ our Saviour.”

Please pray for our Kenyan brothers:

Moses

As I am currently a volunteer evangelist, I need to know more and more about Christ and get more energy to preach the gospel despite many challenges like harsh climate and lack of support from colleagues. I also need a tent making job to cater for my family’s needs. Pray for me as I am making disciples—that I will find disciples who can be teachable and also have passion to know Christ.

Galagalo

Pray for God to give me understanding of His will and to grow in knowledge of His word to impact myself, my family, the church and the world around me, so that in everything, CHRIST MAY BE SEEN for the glory of God.

Pray for my young family as we have a lot of plans, but we know that God will accomplish them all in accordance with His will.

Pray for the northern part of Kenya, as majority of them are Muslim and they're sometimes harsh on the gospel ministry. 

Joseph

Pray for God to continue changing more souls to Him as I am leading a new church and the Lord is doing great things.

I’m doing a lot of ministries in more than five schools and in church. Pray that God would continue helping me.

Pay for God to raise more people to work alongside me.

I would like to study theology. Pray for doors to open for me.

Elias

I'd like to get reliable income source that's maybe through business or employment, so as to aid me in ministry and family. I'd like the Lord direct me as I lead youth, so as to carry out various activities that will aid us in gaining more experience in reaching out to non-believers.