This week, 17 pastors from Missions of Hope International’s Outreach Hope churches participated in a four-day, hands-on training at our Pangani center to learn how to use Logos Bible Software. During the training, the pastors were taught how to access library materials and other special features of the software for preparing sermons and leading Bible studies to further equip them to preach and teach Scripture.
The training was developed, coordinated, and implemented by MOHI’s partner, CMF International, and taught by Professor David Fish from Ozark Christian College in Missouri. Earlier this year, CMF arranged for the pastors to each receive laptops with the installed software. Each pastor contributed 25 percent of the total cost of the computers and software, a significant economic sacrifice for them. Private donors from the United States provided the remaining amount.
"CMF came alongside these pastors to provide high-quality training, equipping them for the challenging work they do,” said Dick Alexander of CMF, who was instrumental in arranging the training and engaging donors to assist with this effort. "Many pastors of MOHI’s Outreach Hope churches grew up in the slums, which gives them a natural connection with the people they serve but also places them in very challenging ministry situations. They are the ‘green berets’ of ministry, facing extremely demanding situations on a daily basis. Along with mentoring, continuing their formal schooling, and regular seminars by pastors from partner churches in the U.S., this new tool is one more way of helping Outreach Hope pastors become more effective in transforming lives and transforming their communities.”
Training came at the perfect time
Pastor Fanuel Lipapu Opisa, senior pastor at Huruma Outreach Hope Church, said that for him, the training came at the perfect time. "I’m currently completing my Master’s degree, and this software will help me with all of the research and writing that I’m doing,” he said. "Also, the commentaries on particular passages of Scripture will help me prepare my sermons and give me an added resource to teach and disciple other pastors in the community. I truly want to thank all those who made this possible because it is a timely blessing from God.”
Professor Fish, who traveled to Africa for the first time to conduct the training, said that just days before coming to Nairobi, he was cleaning out his office and found several instructional DVDs with additional, in-depth lessons about how to use Logos Bible Software. He had just enough DVDs to give one to each pastor at the training.
"The hands-on training provided this week, along with their use of the DVDs for follow-on training, will allow the pastors to build on their knowledge and effectively use this new tool in their ministries,” said Professor Fish. "Overall, the training was a very positive experience for the pastors and me.”
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