Just when you are about to give up the search for that valuable item, you find it!  Then the “celebration and thankfulness party” begins! Finding something of great value, especially when I think I have lost it forever, is one of the best feelings I’ve experienced. Jesus describes this experience well through a couple of parables in the Book of Matthew:

The Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl

44 The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. 45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.

 Matthew 13:44-46 (NIV)

We use the parables of Jesus often in our Bridges training events as we equip indigenous grassroots leaders to use “oral Bible strategies” and the “oral arts” (Bible storytelling, music, drama, etc.) to reach others with the gospel.  Many oral learner’s beliefs have been matured in strong honor and shame cultures. Therefore, they react with a “celebration and thankfulness party” upon hearing the Bible stories in Scriptures In Use’s Bridges curricula.  Learning for the first time that grace is a gift and doesn’t have to be earned.

It is a true privilege to be overseas and witness these reactions in person.  It is just as exciting to hear these stories shared from staff on their return from training events. I hope and pray that I am able to place great value on what is truly important and keep our Father in Awe.

Is the “Kingdom of Heaven” of great value to you?  Is your desire for spiritual growth, bringing others to Christ and Christ’s return of great value and urgency?  If so, what are you doing to care for it, cultivate it and share it with others?

I’m interested in hearing from you and what these questions mean to you.

4 replies
  1. Martha Evans
    Martha Evans says:

    Right now I’m learning all I can about going and making disciples. My husband and I have been taking a class at our church, (Christ Community) on discipling. It’s been eye opening. I’ve been meeting with a mature women in Christ every week for a year now. Praying and studying Gods word. I’ve been doing a lot of investigating and praying where the Lord would have me go. I’ve been watching lots of Right Now Media on evangelism, and about the underground church, and missions. I’ve been involved with Tucson Refugee Ministry about a year. Reaching out to refugees. Went to Kingdom Keys workshop, about reaching muslims. Can’t get enough info on it. Got a lot of resources. I
    Have purchased interesting books on the subject. God is directing me with muslims.
    In the past I created a clown character and puppet ministry, that I’m considering starting again in several different ways. Sharing the Kingdom in fun ways with children.
    One of the ministries I’m real interested in being involved with is SOM. Spirit of martyrdom.Id like to teach some people at my church how to do Jesus style conversational evangelism. I have been mainly involved with Muslim women, and children. I’m reaching out to friends, I met here, who live in Dubai through e mailing and sending pictures. The women teaches Islam to third graders, the man is a banker. Two children. I gave her an Arabic Bible last time I saw them. 6 months ago.
    At this time I’m ministering mainly to my grandson, as we are fostering him. He is very ill. We can’t take him out except to Dr appointments, so I’ve been on the home front the past 5 months or so. Lots of prayer, fasting, And encouraging my daughter.
    I know that I must become like a child to understand the Kingdom of God. Having my grandson here has renewed the child within.
    I also would like to take your online course. Just keep getting little interruptions from my sweet grandson.
    Well, that’s a long enough answer. I’m praying I can get out some to share my heart with others. I am going to be teaching a Syrian women English once a week, she has five children. Hopefully will do some bridge building.
    Anyway, love how you allow God to use you, and the scriptures in use Ministry. Would love to be a part of what you all do.
    Nice seeing you at Kingdom Keys.
    Have a great day.
    Martha
    Tucson, Az.

    Reply
    • Kent Kiefer
      Kent Kiefer says:

      Hi Martha,

      Thank you for opening up and sharing your heart for discipling and reaching out to others with the hope we have in Christ and His eternal Kingdom. You are on a good path in seeking and learning from the Lord and we will be praying for you, your family and especially your grandson. Our Lord sees all and we can trust that His Kingdom is better than we could ever imagine! God bless, Kent

      Reply
      • Rose Muketha
        Rose Muketha says:

        Am encouraged by the scriptures and the strategy to reach the oral unreached people group make them disciples of Jesus Christ
        This was challenging me but through following this method of story telling,dramas and even composing songs from the bible verses it has helped me reach out digo,durumas and many oral people living along coastal area
        I love this strategy.

        Reply
        • Kent Kiefer
          Kent Kiefer says:

          Hi Rose,

          So excited to hear this! I am following all of your postings on your recent trainings in the harvest fields of Africa. Keep up the great work! God bless, Kent

          Reply

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