Spring 2014 Update
Our Dear Friends and coworkers,
It has been awhile since the last ILT update, which followed Ion and his son’s fall trip to Afghanistan.
In December, Ion conducted training for leaders of immigrant churches in Atlanta where we continued coaching connected with the Disciple Making Movement (DMM). We realize that coaching must follow training for DMM to gain momentum. The goal of this training and coaching is to see new discipleship groups and new churches planted among the unchurched. A group of about 15 multi-ethnic pastors joined the training. Their testimonies were very encouraging and brought excitement to the conference.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWfksMD4PAg
Because of the decentralized nature of DMM, it’s difficult to assess progress. Houston is leading the way because of the efforts of Ivan Bychkov and Sergey Khripunov.
We are aware of new discipleship groups that have grown out of our DMM efforts in Georgia, California, Florida, Washington and Missouri.
In February: family and youth seminars in Spokane, Washington.
In March: DMM and Cup of Nation training through 5 Florida cities. The Cup of Nations is a soccer tournament used as a bridge to connect with internationals.
April, with a team of people trained by a DMM movement leader among Muslims in Southern Asia we where able to present the Gospel to about 200 Muslims. God allowed Ion even to share his testimony in a Mosque and developing confidence in sharing his faith using the Koran as a bridge to the gospel. From that time, ILT team has been visiting Mosques each week looking for persons of peace.
In St Louis, we’ve been conducting bridge events using our existing networks and social media like Facebook and Classmates to reach new people. The goal is always to find those who are interested in studying the Bible and begin new discovery Bible study groups. This involves beginning spiritual conversations in public places and following up with those who express and interest. New groups are forming from these bridge events.
The St Louis Cup of Nations is scheduled for July 18&19. Last year God allowed to bring together about 600 athletes from about 40 nations. We still are short of the workers open to be trained how to initiate discipleship groups with these people.
In late April, Ion hosted two pastors, one of whom superintends evangelical churches over a large region of Siberia. He shared the DMM principles with these men who have now requested a training seminar for Siberian pastors. They have taken DMM material back to their homeland and are excited about bringing the training to Siberia.
Upcoming Training Requires Funding
ILT team is planning for follow on DMM coaching in Afghanistan and the Caucasus and new training seminars in Cuba and Siberia. So far we have only 10% of the needed funds for those trips. We need your support for these trips to become a reality. You can send a check made out to ILT and sent to
2264 Crimson View Dr, Wildwood, MO 63011.
Or you can give online by credit card here online.
Please support us in prayer for upcoming trainings