Author: carlosn20i
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Making Disciples in Chad
I accepted the Lord in 1997 in Ndjamena after an open-air evangelism event. I have been part of several church ministries and have served as a leader in different roles. I became a pastor in 2011. My passion for discipleship is to help Christians from Muslim backgrounds grow into strong disciples who can reach their…
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From 12 to 12,000
In January 2014, when the Lord launched Network 20, He encouraged me to gather 12 guys for a promotional photo. I gathered 12 guys on Calvin University’s bridge over the East Beltline in Grand Rapids. They made a great image, even though I only knew 4 of the 12 guys. (See photo.) That was then.…
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Paul’s Approach
Over and over again we talk to our Network 20 disciple-makers about “walking with” the young men they disciple. It is important to be present for the guys as they experience life moment by moment. Recently, I was reminded of Paul’s instructions to the church of the Thessalonians, specifically his words found in ! Thessalonians…
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From Hopelessness to Purpose in Christ
As a disciple-maker, I have experienced God’s power in amazing ways. Through prayer, obedience, and walking closely with Him, my faith has grown deeper, and my heart has been changed to love and serve others more intentionally. God continues to teach me to rely fully on His grace and guidance each day. Being part of…
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Being a Steward
This month’s lessons are titled “Being a Steward.” Jerry Schutte, a Network 20 friend, wrote the series. In the first lesson titled “Learning Generosity,” Jerry writes, “Often people are self-centered. Most people like to receive things, but we need to learn to give. We must learn how to be generous. In Acts, Paul writes that…
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Testimony from Kenya
Being a disciple-maker has made me more active in evangelism. As I meet young men, they often ask me many questions, and I must give them correct answers. This leads me back to the Bible, where I search for the truth to share with them. At the end of the day, I find myself growing…
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Testimony from The Philippines
I prayed for some of the young men I disciple who stopped attending our group because of school and personal struggles. I reached out and invited them for coffee. I was surprised when they all responded! I came to see how crucial it is to always check in and extend an invitation. By God’s grace,…
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Globally Young Men Need to be Discipled
This month we are launching a 10-month project titled “Discipling Young Men in Former Soviet Union Countries.” The countries included in the project are Armenia, Belarus, Estonia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The purpose of the project is to grow the Network 20 disciple-making movement in the former Soviet Union…
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Testimony from Benin
This young man, Barnabé, has been coming to my church for almost eight months. He recently joined the preparatory class for water baptism. This Thursday, I was working in one of the mission rooms when he came to see me. He said, and I quote, “Pastor, pray for me. I have been coming to church…
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Testimony from Zambia
Recently, I met Wisdom, a 28-year-old young man struggling with alcohol and smoking addiction. His journey began in 6th grade, when his own father—his role model—introduced him to these habits. Now, Wisdom longs for change. I shared the gospel with him and I continue to pray for his transformation, believing that God’s Word will renew…