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The Small Group


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#1 Andrew/Esther Schaeffer

Andrew/Esther Schaeffer

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  • Location:Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
  • Interests:Missions, Africa, Cleveland and Ohio Sports
  • Gender:Male
  • I am a Missionary

  • I attend an Alliance church
  • Northview Alliance Church, Wooster, Ohio

Posted 08 October 2021 - 08:17 AM

IEvery few months a pastor, in the city where we serve as missionaries, lets us know that he has secured property and is meeting with yet another small group of believers. The church that he pastors is not very large and has few resources. But he God has put it on his heart to plant churches. Last year he started an elementary school. He realized that in this outlying neighborhood of the city, where people live in temporary housing, there is a great need for community. There is also a need for affordable schooling options. He has stretched out in faith, sometimes securing a piece of property when there are only a handful of believers meeting. Our team works alongside this pastor helping with some of the practical things like roofs, chairs and benches. But we also want to encourage this man of vision by leading some of the Bible studies or attending the prayer gatherings. In this context the small group becomes the spring board for planting a church. By meeting outside in the open, others can easily see what is going on, join in, and find new life in Christ. Maybe you have hesitated to attend a small group or take on leadership of a Bible study or Sunday School class. But this is an important way to encourage pastors. Practical help is also important. Pray and ask the Lord to guide you to a growing ministry that needs some additional resources. 3 John 8 says, "So we ourselves should support them so that we can be their partners as they teach the truth." May we look for ways to support and partner with those teaching the truth of Jesus Christ.

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