In 2015, Duke attended an East-West training in Southeast Asia. He learned the importance of sharing the gospel and raising up disciples who would be faithful to make more disciples and plant churches. The training resonated with Duke; he knew it was what his country needed for the gospel to reach every city and village. He also met Adam, an East-West field employee, around that time. Together, they began to strategize how to evangelize the lost in Southeast Asia.
Progress was slow at first. In Duke’s country, it is illegal to share the gospel, and Christians often face persecution from the government. Duke himself has been questioned by the police, and he knows believers who have lost jobs for following Jesus. This has made sharing the gospel difficult, but Duke rejoices at being counted worthy to suffer for Christ.
One day, Duke met a man named Bao, who eagerly accepted the gospel when Duke shared it with him. Duke discipled Bao in one of the churches he had planted. He taught Bao what he had learned at the East-West training years ago. Bao was faithful to follow this training, and he began to share the gospel with others and planted another church.
Bao eventually met another man named Vinh, who also accepted the gospel. Bao followed Duke’s example and discipled Vinh, teaching him the training as well. Vinh obediently followed the training and planted another church, filling it with believers he had discipled.
Today, there are four generations of churches in Southeast Asia that originated from Duke’s faithful obedience to raise up disciples who make more disciples. His big vision is to reach his entire country for Christ, focusing the most on reaching unreached people groups. Through multiplying disciples and churches, Duke and other followers of Jesus can one day see this happen.
Believers like Duke, Bao, and Vinh are making sure the unreached know the good news of Jesus.
Names have been changed for security purposes.
Stories From the Field
God is moving among the unreached worldwide. Eyes are being opened to the love and grace that Jesus offers to everyone. Read stories of incredible life change, miracles, and softened hearts on the East-West blog.
