Matthew 28:19-20 have been some of our key scriptures in the work we do in Uganda. After Jesus’ resurrection, He commands his disciples, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

This is the call for every follower of Jesus, whether around the world in a different culture or in your own home, workplace, neighborhood, or village. We are all called to make disciples of Jesus.

Leland and I started our first discipleship groups in August 2017 and January 2018, respectively, to help disciple and train others to truly be disciples of Jesus and live like Him. We know the groups aren’t ideal since we bring these men and women from their village homes and communities to come together, but it’s the best we can do for now since we can’t be in all the many different places.

So while we know there are weaknesses in this way of group meeting, we have also seen the wonderful work of the Holy Spirit using our meetings together to glorify and expand God’s kingdom in the different villages represented in the groups. Those first groups finished meeting in December 2021. The groups went much longer than expected due to Covid lockdowns, but most of the group members were patient and faithful to God’s calling in their lives to be disciples and to make disciples. Leland and I were blessed at the beginning of 2022 to hear from many of the discipleship group members about how God has been using them since we stopped meeting together.

So with joy in our hearts and anticipation for how God is going to use more of His people to expand His kingdom in Uganda, we began new groups Fall 2022. We have been very intentional about helping the groups know that these large groups are not what discipleship looks like in the village setting. And we have been using Jesus’ parables to help show them how Jesus did practical ministry using everyday examples and walking alongside people in discipling them. Please be in prayer for us as we lead these new groups, and please be in prayer for each of the group members to allow God to transform their hearts for His work and not their own glory. Currently, my group consists of 10 women and a co-leader Agnes Akwii. Leland’s co-leader is John Buyinza, and their group consists of 9 church leaders in an area that has been having issues and division among the churches for many years. It should be an interesting, challenging, and hopefully, fruitful time for God to work in all their lives.

And please pray for all those who are already making disciples in their communities. Here are a few past discipleship group members who are requesting prayers as they continue to serve God in their homes, churches, villages, and communities.