Discipleship | Beyond

God Chose the Lowly

Nov 6, 2025 | Longer Reads, South Asia, Stories

by R.Rekedal Smith

God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are. 1 Corinthians 1:27-28

In the early days of our ministry, we went to the town of D and did three or four days of training in the DMM (disciple-making movement) model of ministry. The roughly 20 attendees included people from a wide variety of backgrounds, ranging from well-educated and well-dressed to much less educated and humbly clothed.

A few weeks later, we returned to do a follow-up training with these believers. During the first two days of the second training, we noted a pattern of self-selection in the trainees’ seating. The educated and traditionally-trained pastors sat in the front, nicely-dressed and interactive, raising their hands in response to our questions. Another distinct group, less well-dressed, always sat quietly in the back and never raised their hands to respond to questions. We recognized them as low caste people and later learned that these trainees picked through trash for their livelihood.

We didn’t sense any animosity or negative feelings between the groups. Their self-selection and behavior matched the norms in this caste-oriented society. Those in each group knew their assumed place and played their expected role.

However, as we began asking trainees to tell us what God was doing in their ministry, we noticed a pattern in the stories. Both in one-on-one conversations and when we asked from the front for any ministry testimony from previous weeks, we saw a stark contrast. We recognized
that the poorly dressed trainees in back were the only ones reporting ministry fruit that reflected application of the DMM principles we had taught.

The nicely-dressed ones in the front, who had been very interactive and answered our questions, didn’t have any stories to share that actually showed they had applied the DMM pattern for making disciples. Meanwhile, the group of trash pickers had some exciting stories to share.

On the third day, my husband said, “We need to honor them; we need to bring them out of the back row to the front.” We brought them up to the front and he and I, along with many of the Indians in the room, washed their feet. It was a very precious moment.

So, the cultural norms were suddenly turned on their heads, based on the Kingdom value of fruitful obedience. The illiterate trash-pickers felt honored—both as fellow-members of God’s family and as God’s servants faithfully bearing witness to the gospel and seeing God work
through them. The Indians who had been seated in the front row also honored them, acknowledging that these brothers had the most notable fruit in ministry. That event had a huge impact on all of us—touching social, cultural, political, and religious values with a stunning
Kingdom perspective.

A 12-minute documentary, “Ordinary People,” describes the early growth of this movement and features some of these “ordinary” people. These low-caste, illiterate trash pickers became more fruitful than any of the most educated people in the room. These folks obeyed and experienced multiplying fruit—lots of fruit. God loves to use anyone who obeys, even those we might consider the least. Over time, they also learned how to read. The Lord taught them how to read, and improved their lives physically, even as they have continued to grow in Christ and serve him fruitfully.

R. Rekedal Smith and her family serve with BEYOND (beyond.org). Their application of DMM strategies in India has resulted in over 1 million house churches birthed from Hindu, Muslim, and Sikh background peoples.

Muslim Zealot Becomes Disciple of Jesus

Nov 6, 2025 | Austronesia, Stories

*Kuram was a devout Muslim, so zealous in his faith that community leaders sent him to another part of Southeast Asia to convert nominal Christians to Islam. Through his efforts, more than 100 people turned from Christianity to Islam.

When Kuram returned home, he was struck by personal tragedy. Instead of supporting him, his community judged and abandoned him. Disillusioned and broken, Kuram began to question everything he once believed.

In the midst of his crisis, he came across an ad from a media outreach ministry. He responded. A local disciple visited him, offering comfort and hope. Together, they walked through his pain. This disciple of Jesus helped Kuram release his bitterness toward those who had turned their backs on him. He also helped Kuram break free from a lifetime of occult ties.

Kuram made a bold decision: he decided to follow Jesus. Soon after, he was baptized.

Overwhelmed with joy, Kuram shared his newfound faith with two old friends. Both came to believe! Now they, too, are praying for their families to follow Christ.

Just three years ago, church planters described Kuram’s region as “too hard to reach.” But one movement leader believed differently. “No, it’s not,” he said. “There is always a door God can open. These three families will become the foundation for house churches.”

Today, that vision has become reality. In Kuram’s area, disciple-making fellowships have multiplied to the fourth generation! Praise God, for he is able to make the impossible possible. Pray for Kuram and these three families; pray that they will continue to make disciples who make disciples.

*pseudonym

THREE MAJOR HINDRANCES
Hanli* helped her husband track data describing their region’s largest family of church planting movements. After reading all the descriptions of transformed read more …

JOURNEY TO DISCIPLESHIP
Susi was interested in each of the Old Testament stories and asked, “Are these stories talking about the blood of Jesus?” read more …

GIVE UP YOUR WAY
Together the couple had sought the Lord on where they might live to be most effective in making multiplying disciples. And the Lord had answered. read more …

Three Women, Fierce Persecution, Unstoppable Faith

Oct 31, 2025 | South East Asia, Stories

Outcast But Chosen
Not long after *Asha chose to follow Jesus, tragedy struck. Her husband suddenly passed away. The people in her little village in North India were quick to blame her new faith. “Your God killed your husband,” they accused.

Fear and anger swept through the community. A village council was called, and the verdict was harsh—Asha was to be banished. Her neighbors threw her out of her home. They denied her food and water. They forbade her children from going to school. Every attempt was made to break her faith and force her to return to her old ways.

But Asha stood firm. Through tears and trials, she held onto Jesus. And God turned her suffering into strength.

Today, Asha leads 27 house churches and mentors 13 leaders who are multiplying disciples across her region. Once rejected by her village, she is now a pillar of faith—shining the light of Christ where darkness once ruled.

Pray that Asha will continue to stand strong and that the Lord will expand her influence to reach many more with His love.

Planting Churches Under Pressure
When *Riya began a Discovery Bible Study in a small village, she met regularly with a woman named *Sita. Life had been difficult for Sita. Her family was plagued by sickness, financial struggles, and constant worry. Though she fervently worshiped idols, peace always seemed out of reach.

As Riya shared Bible stories and prayed with her, Sita encountered the love of Jesus. Hope replaced fear, and slowly her family started to heal. Sita’s heart was transformed, and she chose to follow Christ.

But her new faith came at a high cost. When the villagers learned she had become a Jesus follower, they tied her son to a tree and beat him. They falsely accused him of a heinous crime and handed him over to the police. Still, Sita and her family refused to abandon their faith.

Despite ongoing persecution, especially from extremist groups like the RSS, (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh—an Indian right-wing Hindutva volunteer paramilitary organization) Sita has planted two house churches and continues to baptize and disciple new believers..

We praise God for how He has sustained this family through suffering and used them to spread His light. Pray that Sita, her son, and their growing community will remain steadfast as they boldly proclaim the name of Jesus. Pray that they would continue to be the city on a hill, a light that cannot be hidden.

Healed, Bold, and Unstoppable
*Javeria, a Muslim background woman, met Jesus through a Discovery Bible Study (DBS). Disciples from the movement visited her village, and through their witness, she encountered the life-changing truth of Christ.

At that time, her son, *Abbas was gravely ill. She had taken him to countless doctors, yet no one could heal him. When she began attending the DBS group, the women gathered around her prayed fervently for Abbas. God answered and Abbas was healed—completely and miraculously.

This miracle transformed Javeria’s family. She shared the gospel with all her children, and they too are coming to faith. But her strong faith has brought opposition. Many in the village treat her harshly, and local Muslim leaders repeatedly demand she abandon Jesus. Yet Javeria stands firm, serving the Lord with unwavering courage and boldness.

Despite being uneducated, she has planted seven house churches and is mentoring three new leaders. Today, her ministry spans three generations of disciples actively walking with the Lord and multiplying His kingdom.

Join us in praying for Javeria—for her protection, for boldness, and that God will continue to use her to raise even more disciples who make disciples.

Pray that God will continue to raise strong, fearless women throughout India who will not be ashamed of the gospel and will proclaim the Good News to those around them despite possible persecution.

*pseudonym

Faith Over Fear

Oct 22, 2025 | South Asia, Stories

*Veer, a 12th-grade Hindu student in India, struggled academically. He felt mentally overwhelmed and had trouble remembering answers during exams. The pressure became so intense that he grew anxious and even began avoiding school. Fear of being called on in class and not knowing the answers eroded his confidence, affecting both his studies and his mental health.

While Veer was caught in this cycle of stress and discouragement, he noticed something different about a few of his classmates. Impressed by their progress, he asked them the key to their success.

To his surprise, they shared that they too had once struggled—but everything changed when they began praying to Jesus. “It is only by His grace,” they told him, “that we are now able to pass with good marks. Our Heavenly Father is faithful.” They shared James 1:5 with him: “If anyone lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.”

Veer was moved by their testimony and asked them to pray for him. Soon after, he experienced a shift—his mind felt clearer, he could focus better, and a deep sense of peace filled him. He began to feel God’s presence and strength in a way he never had before.

With new confidence and determination, Veer not only improved in his studies but also opened his heart to Jesus. He accepted Christ as Lord and became a faithful follower. That year, he passed his 12th-grade exams with good marks. Today, Veer is preparing for India’s National Eligibility Test (similar to the MCAT in the U.S.), with hopes of continuing his education in the medical field.

Veer is grateful for the friends who pointed him to Jesus. Now, he shares his testimony with the other students in his household, encouraging them to seek wisdom and help from the Lord as well.

Please pray for Veer:

Pray for courage and boldness as he shares his new faith with his family and friends.
Pray for his continued spiritual growth.
Pray for success in his upcoming National Eligibility Test.

*pseudonyms

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From Rebellion to Redemption

Oct 15, 2025 | Austronesia, Stories

*Ron was born into a Christian family in Indonesia, but faith in his family’s home was shallow and hollow. As a young man, he rebelled hard. By his twenties, he was demanding his father sell family land to fund his lifestyle—partying, drinking, and other reckless behaviors.

When his father refused, Ron lashed out angrily. In a fit of rage, he burned the boat his father had been building. And then spiraled out of control.

While rummaging through some old boxes, Ron found his grandfather’s notes on black magic. Intrigued, he began experimenting with mystical powers. Soon, he was tormented by dark spiritual forces that fueled his pride, aggression, and self-destruction.

Amid this confusion, he fell in love with a Muslim woman and converted to Islam—not out of belief, but out of rebellion and spiritual chaos.

But even in Ron’s darkest moments, God was working.

One day, Ron was invited by a pastor to attend a church service. He went, drunk and defiant, not to seek truth, but to challenge God.

Yet when the simple hymn “I Surrender All…” filled that little church, the Holy Spirit moved mightily. Ron wept and fell to his knees. While on his knees, he had a vision of Jesus on the cross, His blood flowing to cover Ron’s sins. In that moment everything changed.

The very next day—despite a fierce storm—he was baptized. Afterward, Ron rode his motorbike six kilometers home, drenched but singing songs of thanksgiving all the way. His new life had begun.

Ron was discipled by an Indonesian missionary (serving cross-culturally within his own nation) who taught him how to share Christ’s love in a simple but profound way.

Eventually, Ron quit his job. He told his boss, “I’m resigning because I want to live out Matthew 28:19–20.”

Today, Ron serves as a full-time missionary—six days a week, eight hours a day. There is no salary, no retirement plan, no worldly perks—only the joy of obedience and a heart on fire for the gospel.

He says plainly: “I’m willing to die for the gospel, because life in Jesus is far more meaningful than life in sin.”

Pray for Ron’s faithful witness to all those around him and that he would make multiplying disciples wherever he goes.

*pseudonym

FROM GANGSTER TO DISCIPLE MAKER
Pastor *Wint was from a mixed Muslim-and Hindu-background area of Bali, Indonesia. One of his concerns was the unreached tribe on the mountains bordering where he lived. read more …

DID GOD ANSWER THIS PRAYER?
Recently, Brian and Allison*, Beyond mission catalysts in Austronesia, learned of answers to prayers they and their partners began praying back in 2004! read more …

LACK OF HARVESTERS …
Recently Reina*, a BEYOND field worker, was approached by a foreign worker from another organization. “I want you to let me know if you have any local workers in your network read more …