Growing Disciplemakers

Ray* is an eager disciplemaker in one of our nation’s military service academies, always looking for opportunities to grow and influence others. For example, when he finished the third Design for Discipleship Bible study book, he wanted to start on the next study right away. John*, Navigators Military staff, who meets with Ray regularly for Life-to-Life^™ discipleship, encouraged him pause to process what he had learned before moving ahead.

This hunger for learning more about Jesus and investing in others has resulted in the spread of the gospel through Ray’s service academy unit. Ray has led several of his peers to Christ and discipled them in following Jesus and sharing what they learn with others. Currently he is discipling a fellow student and also leading a Bible study in his unit.

During high school, Ray came to faith in Jesus from another religion; since then, he has been diligent about spiritual growth. Ray spent a few years in military service before going into the academy, so he is a few years older than most of the other sophomores. During his years in the service, he was discipled by Navigators Military staff. His maturity and desire to grow and serve is shaping him to be a leader among leaders.

As Ray looks forward to this school year, he shares his vision with John: “I can’t do it all by myself. I want to grow in community and learn to team with others in ministry.”

John, who has served for a number of years in Navigators Military, reflects on what God is doing: “We see a movement of the Holy Spirit in our ministry. We know that many of the units have Bible studies that are now being led by students who are part of The Navigators ministry. These students are actively and respectfully sharing their faith with those who are interested and making disciples of Jesus. Ray is one of these leaders with a heart and passion for ministry. We continue to pray that the students will reach out to others where they live, work, study, and play. We are also praying for spiritual protection over the ministry, as we know that where God’s work is advancing, there will be opposition.”

The verse that John and others on the Navigators Military team at this service academy are praying for the 2018-2019 school year is Acts 9:31: “So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied” (ESV).

*Names changed.

Pray for the ministry of Navigators Military at service academies and bases around the country and the world. Pray that followers of Jesus will have a vision for disciplemaking as they use the influence God has given them for spiritual generations.