During September we’re focusing on learning to disciple. Please see the Monthly Prayer Focus page to read our strategic prayer request for this month.

By Lori Witham

I’m sitting here pondering who have been my mentors as I grew up in Christ. I can’t think of anyone specific, but those who come to mind are the leader of my first Bible study, the sponsors of that study, pastors along the way, elders, and Bible college professors. They were all mature Christians, knowledgeable in the Christian way and strong in Christ. As I was around them I heard what they said as they talked, watched their behavior, and learned from their knowledge. Christ walked beside me and discipled me through His Holy Spirit. But I’ve considered that it also would have been helpful to have someone deliberately discipling me along the way.

Because of that, I also can see why this month’s prayer is important, “that God will help us to deliberately disciple and mentor our national co-workers.” Do you notice the word “deliberately”? We all need to deliberately mentor other young Christians around us. It is especially important here in Papua New Guinea, as there are fewer strong mature Christians who the young Christians can look to. We also in PBT need to purposefully be discipling our eager young Christian co-workers so they will grow strong in Christ, and then can mentor other young Christians throughout their lives.

Lori works in the Publications Department, serving remotely from the USA as a desktop publishing specialist.