TLT's Ministry Grows

In the fiscal year that just ended, the Timothy Leadership Training Institute (TLT) conducted 38 leadership trainings in 18 countries, teaching at least one TLT course to about 600 students, and starting work in Mali, according to Charles Powell, president of the TLT.

In TLT’s June 2011 newsletter, Powell also says that with the help of its various partners, the organization has been able to reach thousands of students in various ways. All participants who are trained with TLT materials make action plans to bring about changes in their churches.

TLT materials, which are taught in modules, focus on teaching biblical and church-growth concepts to pastors and others in countries where theological training is difficult to access. TLT’s fiscal year ended June 30.

“Timothy Leadership Training is created and tested around this model: building the local church, equipping and unifying teachers in faith and knowledge…”

The continuing growth of TLT, which is based at Calvin Theological Seminary, is made possible, Powell said, by “people of faith responding to the call from their God. 

“It is an honor to be part of this ministry,” says Powell, who was named president of the institute earlier this year. He replaced former president Rev. William "Bud" Ipema, who retired after serving the institute for several years.

One of the highlights of the last year was being able to conduct a TLT program in Japan following the earthquake and tsunami that devastated part of the country on March 11.

There were other highlights as well, such a pastor in Peru, who underwent TLT training,  experiencing his church attendance rise by 10 percent and giving grow by 30 percent. Being able to bring TLT to the first 10 students in Mali was also a highlight.

Another high point: Dr. Annah Kitavi, regional director for Uganda, reported how she met a man who was ill and undergoing struggles in his family, but then they were able to spend time together at a TLT session. Following the TLT class, the man’s illness eased and he was able to use what he learned to talk through the family struggles.

After taking the TLT course, the man said: “I thank God now after the TLT program. I visited my family and the community in Jesus’ name. Today I start cultivating my land with maize, cassava, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, beans, etc., and I am planning to settle and build a house and a store in Jesus’ name.”
 

Another highlight comes from Bangladesh, where a man underwent TLT lessons and created an action plan to start a Sunday School in his church. When he presented his plan to his congregation, 90 percent were opposed for various reasons.

But the 10 percent who favored the idea helped him to start a Sunday School program. Only three students showed up the first day. Even so, the man didn’t give up.

In subsequent weeks, he used drama, stories and songs to teach and preach the gospel to children. Today, because of his efforts and those of volunteers, nearly 50, elementary-school-age children participate in the school on Sundays. The hope is that the man’s teaching will help to bring transformation into the lives of his students.

“The Holy Spirit is moving people to serve God in all parts of the world,” says Powell. “Christ is inspiring people to action.”

Only months on the job, the former businessmen continues to be amazed at the reach and acceptance of TLT around the world.

“I simply cannot convey to you the joy and delight that comes from this,” says Powell, adding that his heart tells him that people in Bangladesh and elsewhere “need the transforming power and love only Christ can bring.”  For more information, visit: Timothy Leadership Training Institute.

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