Never in a million years did I ever imagine myself taking a trip to Zambia, Africa—but God did. A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to travel to Zambia to be part of the teaching team at a disciple making conference in Zambia Africa called “Flashpoint.” Now that I have returned to the United States I have had a few moments to reflect on disciple making in Africa. Here are a few observations that make me more committed to a life of disciple making then ever before.
First, disciple making has lasting impact. If my trip to Zambia had simply been a teaching conference on a specific topic the content would have Africa left when our team left. However, training in disciple making leaves a movement of disciple making behind that keeps going long after our team is gone. That makes good sense.
Second, disciple making works in every culture. Making disciples based on the mission, model and method of Jesus works in every nation. Jesus gave us a plan that worked in 1st century Jerusalem that also works in 21st century Africa. The plan works if we are obedient to work the plan.
Finally, disciple making is the answer to our problems. If we do what Jesus told us to do and we make disciples of “all nations” it will change the planet. Just imagine a world full of people on every continent that have the same character and conduct of Christ is what the world desperately needs. If we fill the earth with people who have love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control the world becomes very different than it is now.
Government will not change the world. Economics will not change the world. Education will not change the world. A world full of people living like Jesus will change the world. Let’s get busy making disciples everywhere we can.