Discovery Bible Study

Heal the Sick and Proclaim the Nearness of God’s Kingdom

Feb 19, 2025 | South Asia, Stories

In Luke 10, Jesus gave His disciples a strategy for reaching the lost. In verse 9, He instructed them, “Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The Kingdom of God is near to you.'” In South Asia, we witness disciples of Jesus fulfilling this command as they reach out to the lost, heal the sick, and proclaim the nearness of God’s Kingdom.

From Hating God to Loving Him
*Richard, a disciple-maker, shared how three generations of discovery groups began among Muslim families. “It all started with one family, *James and *Elizabeth. I befriended them and prayed for Elizabeth, who was ill. I invited them to learn more about Jesus. Initially, James wasn’t interested; in fact, he said he hated God. However, when Elizabeth was healed, she told her husband, ‘See, I was healed, so now we should give this a chance.’ After witnessing his wife’s recovery, James decided to start listening to the stories of Jesus. Both James and Elizabeth were amazed by these stories and noticed a real transformation within their family.

They then decided to share what they were learning. James and Elizabeth spoke to a distant relative about the changes in their family and shared some stories of Jesus. This relative was also captivated by the stories and experienced their own miracles, eventually passing the stories on to a neighboring family. Now, we have three generations of Muslim families studying the word of God and experiencing Jesus for themselves.”

A Baby is Healed
One effective way to enter a new village and share the good news is by meeting a need. In *Highland Village,access to clean water is crucial. While disciple-makers *Gia and *Paul were in Highland Village discussing water filters with families, they met *Raj and his parents. Raj, an eight-month-old baby, had been ill for a long time. Gia and Paul prayed over Raj and assured his parents, “Your child will be healed tomorrow,” promising to return the next day.

When Gia and Paul visited Raj’s home the following day, they found a happy and healthy baby who had been healed by God. This miracle has sparked interest among Raj’s family and many others in the village, who are now eagerly awaiting devices with recordings that tell the stories of Jesus in their native language. Through this miraculous healing, God is opening doors for the people of Highland Village to know Jesus for the first time.

After Being Sick for Years, *Alta is Healed
Disciple-maker *Paul shared another inspiring story about a woman named Alta who had been suffering from frequent bleeding for many years. Despite consulting local doctors, Alta found no relief. Paul shared the message of Jesus with her, and she believed. He prayed for her and she was healed—the bleeding stopped completely! Now Alta, along with her family, is eagerly awaiting a device with recorded Bible stories to help them grow in their new faith.

*pseudonym

Turkish Coffee, the Story of Job, and Listening Prayer

Feb 11, 2025 | Stories, Turkic World

A few days before Sue was set to leave her Middle Eastern home, she was walking back from the grocery store when she felt an unexpected nudge to stop by a nearby pharmacy. It was a place she often visited, where she’d formed a friendship with two employees. That evening, Aida, one of those employees, was on shift and greeted Sue warmly. She invited her to sit behind the counter, and together they shared Turkish coffee during the final half-hour before closing.

As customers came and went, their conversation turned to Sue’s work—helping people find healing from trauma through the story of Job. Curious, Aida mentioned verses about Job from the Qur’an and then asked, “What does the Bible say about him?”

Sue began sharing Job’s story. Partway through, the other young women who worked at the pharmacy joined in. Aida, eager to involve her colleagues, summarized what Sue had shared so far before letting her continue. This thrilled Sue, knowing that Aida’s retelling would help her remember the story better.

Although Job’s story isn’t the one Sue typically starts with when introducing spiritual truths, it resonated deeply with Aida. She even helped Sue explain parts of it more clearly in Turkish, which enriched the conversation.

As their discussion wound down, the women grew curious about Sue’s life. “How did you end up living here?” they asked.

Sue explained how she had prayed for direction before applying to various opportunities overseas. Then she turned the question back to them: “Have you ever prayed to make a decision?”

Aida nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, prayer is what led me to this neighborhood.”

“Me too!” Sue exclaimed, then shared how “listening prayer” had guided her to her current apartment. (Listening prayer involves inviting God to speak to a person or group, often about a specific question or topic, as they wait silently in His presence. Anything heard is tested to be sure it’s consistent with Scripture.)

Intrigued, Aida leaned closer. “Can you teach me how to do listening prayer?”

“Of course,” Sue replied with a smile. “When would you like to practice?”

Before they could plan, it was time to close the pharmacy. Aida offered Sue a ride home on her moped, since they lived near each other. As they turned onto Sue’s street, Aida gasped at the scenic view from Sue’s apartment.

“Now you really need to teach me listening prayer!” she said, marveling at the beauty. As they waved goodbye, Sue quietly prayed that she would get the opportunity to meet with Aida again. Join us in prayer for Sue and her plans to return to her Middle-Eastern home in the months to come. Pray for Aida, that the Holy Spirit will prepare her heart to hear what Sue has to say when she returns.

*pseudonyms

More Than Conquerors?

Feb 5, 2025 | South Asia, Stories

In a letter to his friends in Rome, Paul declared that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love—nothing at all. In every trial, he wrote, “we are more than conquerors” (Romans 8:35-39).

More than conquerors? In trials? In chains for Christ’s name?

Oswald Chambers put it this way: “The ‘things’ Paul speaks of here aren’t imaginary; they’re intensely real. Yet, in the thick of our hardships, Paul calls us ‘super-victors’—not because of our intelligence or strength, but because nothing can sever our relationship with God in Jesus Christ.” Chambers added, “I am sorry for Christians who have nothing difficult in their circumstances…” (My Utmost for His Highest, May 19).

These verses—and Chambers’ words—remind us of Brother Sagren, a faithful servant in North India who has found that nothing can separate him from Jesus’ love.

Sagren serves the Lord in North India, an increasingly hostile area where Hindu nationalist groups like the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) maintain offices. Hundreds of house churches are part of Sagren’s network, and he has been arrested three times. With police assistance, one nationalist group managed to intimidate at least 300 families into turning away from Jesus. Officials searched the homes of new disciples for Bibles, and any family found with one faced severe beatings. Many were denied jobs and government-supplied essentials, such as rice, flour, and oil. Local leaders even threatened to cut off access to basic utilities unless families renounced their faith.

Despite these obstacles, Sagren has stood firm, continuing to encourage local believers to obey Jesus’ command to make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). Risking arrest, beatings, and more, he courageously ministered to the 300 families who had turned back. Within six months, he saw 134 of those families and their house churches re-established. He baptized 643 new believers and trained 39 new “Timothys”—house church leaders who are now carrying the gospel forward.

Sagren is a victor, not because he’s the most educated or boldest, nor because he has financial security or health insurance, but because he has taken Paul at his word, “In Christ we are MORE THAN CONQUERORS!

Join us in praying for Brother Sagren and these disciples, that they, like Paul, would know nothing can separate them from God’s love. Nothing! May they continue to share it boldly.

For those of us blessed with education, security, and opportunity, we have much to learn from these faithful disciples.

*pseudonyms

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THE LORD SAID, IT’S TIME!
Arjun* went to visit a house church near his village. As this dedicated disciple-maker walked read more …

BREAKING BARRIERS WITH THE GOSPEL
Sharitha* was the house helper of movement catalysts Ethan* and Nicole* while they lived in India. read more …

WOMEN IN INDIA …
*Mahima was already a dedicated disciple-maker before attending the meetings, but something in her heart read more …

Vignettes From a Thriving Church in North India

Dec 31, 2024 | South Asia, Stories

Even amidst intense hardship, persecution, and resistance, the church in North India continues to thrive.

Proclaiming the Name of Jesus Despite Persecution
*Kay Devi hails from a village in Uttar Pradesh, where she has repeatedly encountered hostility from Hindu radicals. Six months ago, her family embraced Christianity, which has sparked tension in their village. Recently, Kay started a conversation about her newfound faith with some villagers, who took offense. Since then, she has faced persecution from the community, her family, and her husband. Despite this, Kay remains steadfast in her faith, sharing the gospel with those willing to listen. She has planted three house churches, even as she remains a target of the RSS, a fundamentalist Hindu group.

Three Generations Deep: A House Church Movement
*Poonam, a resident of Bihar, experienced intimidation from local police who discovered her house church meetings six weeks ago. Her husband was detained, and their family threatened. Yet, Poonam stood firm, declaring that no one could harm her because she knows the truth. Despite continued oppression and limited income, she persists in hosting gatherings in her home. She now oversees 18 house churches, some reaching three generations deep.

Nineteen House Churches Born from One Woman’s Obedience
In Haryana, a disciple maker encountered a couple who were believers but not actively making disciples. Encouraged by her husband to take on this role, the wife began leading two Discovery Bible Study (DBS) groups, which eventually grew into churches. When questioned about her role as a woman in this ministry, she explains that her husband supports her and that they work together. Her unwavering commitment has resulted in the formation of 19 house churches, with seven women serving as co-leaders. She asks for prayers for the ongoing work and the disciples.

A Request for Prayer for a Resistant Village
*Rebekah resides in a village where most people oppose the two house churches that have formed there. The villagers criticize the churches for transforming their members, noting that Rebekah’s husband no longer drinks or behaves as he once did. Despite the resistance, especially from the village women, Rebekah continues her outreach efforts. She requests prayers for strength for the house churches and for the growth of the Lord’s work in the community.

Join us in praying Ephesians 3:16-18 over these faithful brothers and sisters as they count the cost of loving and serving a faithful God. Pray for an increase in provision, favor, stamina, and perseverance as they face persecution and suffering.

*pseudonyms

RELATED STORIES

MEERA’S MOMOS
*Meera’s story is like many others the team in India often hear. She married young to a man her parents chose for her. read more …

BREAKING BARRIERS WITH THE GOSPEL
Sharitha* was the house helper of movement catalysts Ethan* and Nicole* while they lived in India. read more …

WOMEN IN INDIA …
*Mahima was already a dedicated disciple-maker before attending the meetings, but something in her heart read more …

A Father’s Faith, A Son’s Impact

Dec 4, 2024 | South Asia, Stories

*Samir’s father, *Nuh, has been faithfully pastoring several churches for over 20 years. After witnessing his son Samir’s success in rapidly multiplying healthy disciples, Nuh was eager to incorporate Disciple Making Movement principles into his own churches.

Nuh began by teaching his congregations how to conduct Discovery Bible Studies. He then divided them into smaller house churches, encouraging each group to obey God’s Word. As they embraced this approach, group members shared, “This is the first time we feel we are truly learning and obeying Scripture.” Since all the members of these groups were already followers of Jesus, they are referred to as Generation Zero groups.

This month, Nuh gathered the Gen Zero leaders for further training in Disciple Making Movement (DMM) principles. As these leaders apply what they have learned and reach out to start new groups among the lost, these new groups will be known as Generation One groups. Praise God for Nuh’s willingness to relinquish control, empower others, and implement simple, reproducible, and multiplicative principles. Pray that the newly trained leaders will equip their groups to establish Generation One groups in neighboring Muslim and Hindu villages.

*pseudonym

READ RELATED STORIES AND MORE ABOUT OUR WORK

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CAN CHRISTIAN MESS UP THE PLAN
After Bahar became a disciple, he, Samir*, and Frank* planned to do additional flood relief in Azville,* Bahar’s old village. read more …

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