If there’s one thing Martha and I have learned in visiting our teams around the world, it’s that theological education changes everything.
I remember standing in a classroom in Papua New Guinea, surrounded by students training to plant and pastor churches in the most remote corners of the country. These were men and women who had left everything to study God’s Word so they could faithfully proclaim it to their own people. The impact of their commitment was undeniable, and it brought to mind Paul’s charge to Timothy: “What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2).
Theological education isn’t just about gaining knowledge—it’s about multiplication. It equips leaders to disciple others, who then equip still more people for the work of ministry. As Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4:12, this is the very purpose of ministry: “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” When biblical truth is taught and applied, it produces lasting fruit that strengthens the church and transforms lives and communities.
This issue of Message will introduce you to several ABWE missionaries and the ways they are equipping pastors and ministry leaders around the world. From the bustling streets of South Asia to the rural villages of Uganda, these stories highlight the eternal impact of equipping the saints. We’ll also honor the legacy of a beloved pastor and partner of the Goroka Baptist Bible College ministry in Papua New Guinea, who dedicated his life to training others to know and proclaim the Word of God. Though he has gone to be with the Lord, his ministry lives on through the leaders and churches he discipled.
As you read these stories, I hope you’ll be inspired to pray, give, and go. Whether it’s through a powerful radio ministry in South Africa broadcasting the gospel or seminary students in South Asia planting churches despite persecution, God is using theological education to fulfill the Great Commission. By training leaders who can teach others, we ensure that the gospel continues to spread to every corner of the globe.
Together, let’s remain steadfast in this work, trusting that God’s Word will not return void but will accomplish what he purposes—for his glory and the joy of the nations.
