As you may already know, I am participating with Evangelical Friends Mission (EFM) and North County Project (NCP) in what they call a Disciple-Making Apprenticeship from January through October 2024.
I am excited about this opportunity to learn more about what discipleship means and gain valuable disciple-making skills. This apprenticeship, which takes place in Southern California, will give me the benefit of training from people experienced in this field, both in the form of information and guidance in applying techniques learned. There are two other EFM future missionaries in my cohort.
Since my last letter in January, we have continued training in how to lead people in Bible Dialogues; asking questions to encourage people to form their own analysis of Bible passages. We have also finished reading The Master Plan of Evangelism by Robert E. Coleman. His main emphasis, in this book, is how Jesus focused on teaching and forming relationships with a relatively small group of people, his disciples; rather than focusing on convincing the masses, and how we, as Christians, should be doing the same. We have since started reading The School of Christ by T. Austin-Sparks. In the first two chapters, he presents Christ as our foundation and the Truth; we must empty ourselves and be filled with Christ. If you would like to hear more about what I am learning and/or would like me to teach you what I am learning, please reply to this email, and I would love to tell you more!
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The other big thing that we have been doing is going to the California State University, Fullerton campus and having conversations with students about their lives and interests. The point of these conversations is both to get to know the students and the campus culture, but also to potentially broach the topic of spirituality and whether they would be interested in reading the Bible. We hope to plant seeds in people’s minds, give people books of Mark, and encourage them to join an on-campus club or a Bible dialogue as seems applicable based on their level of interest and background. One thing that makes this kind of ministry difficult on the Cal State Fullerton campus, however, is the presence of numerous cults. We do our best to differentiate ourselves from these groups by not approaching people on their way to class or who are obviously doing homework. We take the time to hear their stories and let them decide to contact us later, rather than asking, as our first question, for their phone number or if they want to be baptized, as the cults do. On some days there is also an oversaturation of people vying for students’ attention on the quad. This looks like people setting up tables to promote their political agenda, often as well as people using megaphones and large signs to try to convince students of their coming doom if they ignore their need for Jesus. Thankfully, the presence of true Christian groups on campus is growing, but so is the number of students closed off to having conversations with people. Much prayer is needed for the hearts and lives of these students!
All three of us apprentices have been placed at a church here in Orange County. When Friends Church Fullerton heard about the NCP apprentices coming to town, they requested that I join their church for the ten months that I am in Southern California, and they have been so welcoming!
I received a request after my last letter for more information about the other apprentices and realized I should have done that earlier. They are both also future missionaries with EFM and a pleasure to be in a cohort with.
Garry Norton (right) is from Bethel Friends Church in Kansas, and has been attending East Whittier Friends Church, here in California. He is currently interested in being a missionary in Western Europe, but open to wherever God calls him. Erik Nilsen (left) is from Rose Drive Friends Church here in Orange County and has been attending Glendora Friends Church. He is currently unsure of where God is calling him, but is excited to get going.
Please pray for Nick Ward, North County Project’s Apprenticeship Director. He broke his shoulder a few days ago in an accident while he was riding his bike. Pray for quick healing and strength as he is in a lot of pain and has two young children.
I stayed with a family from Friends Church Fullerton for the first three weeks that I was here and now have moved in with some other Christian women in Fullerton. I am so glad to be living with them, it is such a blessing, especially after hanging out with the guys all day. 🙂
I believe that God will use this apprenticeship to better prepare me to become a missionary. One possible manifestation of this may be God using the skills that I gain to help fill the disciple-making need among the Shuar people in Ecuador.
Thank you for your continued prayer and support!
In Christ,
Grace Anderson
I currently have 165 prayer partners with a goal of 250. If you know anyone who would like to pray for my apprenticeship, please forward this form to them.
I am currently 81% fundraised for my ten-month apprenticeship. If you are a current monthly supporter, thank you. If not, it would bless me tremendously if you would sign up for a recurring gift. I am currently looking for financial supporters to support me through October 2024. Would you please prayerfully consider supporting me as I participate in my apprenticeship?
There are four ways to partner with me:
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