Miles In Missions

Judy, Pastor Dogara & Wife

“Would you like to come to church with me?”  Last year, Judy, from Southeast Christian Church happened upon a Nigerian pastor named Dogara Gwana who was in Louisville for some seminary classes. Judy invited him to church and her bible study. It was at the bible study where Pastor Gwana met Dr. Tom McKechnie, founder of Teach to Transform. Teach to Transform (TTT) equips indigenous pastors and believers with basic medical training, farming and vocational skills. The hope is by using their new skills it will open doors for the gospel to be shared with others.

Dr Tom Mckechnie & wife Karen with board member Ken Wilson and a TTT participant TY Wiggins

But the exciting part of this story is how God had a plan. Judy and Pastor Dogara were one of two divine appointments. My mother had heard of TTT and asked for a meeting between TTT and the Foundation she works for. As she  listened to TTT share what they do with the Foundation’s President she thought of Nigeria. My mom told Dr. Mckechnie about her daughter in Nigeria and asked if they had ever considered going there. Having two divine appointments where Nigeria was mentioned, Dr. McKechnie felt he had to explore what God had in mind. He traveled to Jos, Nigeria, and met with SIM, Pastor Dogara and myself. After seeing the need, Dr. McKechnie committed to coming back with a team.

The Team

This past week I have had the pleasure of hosting this amazing team of 14 facilitators from Kenya, Texas, Ohio and Louisville, Kentucky (my home town). We had 59 participants who attended the training in basic medical skills. About 75% of the class passed as trainers. Each was given a medical backpack with all the necessary medical supplies and sent forth to spread the gospel through basic medical care. Our class of 59 had a higher pass rate then any class TTT has ever trained. The high pass rate testifies that Nigeria has the people it needs to truly transform this nation if given the education and tools to do so. This story is about the awesomeness of God! You never know when you invite someone to church or set up a meeting that you might be a part of a divine appointment orchestrated by God Himself.