Togo, Africa
Jim's focus ministry is on leadership development through a multi-level training program in a developing school called Baptist Academy of Theology in Africa (BATA). This school will reach out to the future leaders in the church to provide training for those with no formal education all the way to those desiring an accredited college degree.
In this way, the Gerharts hope to fuel a national church planting movement as they come alongside the African church to assist them in reaching Togo with the Gospel.
Christal works with the women and children in Togo.
LATEST NEWS:
Our Bible Institute continues to do well. Please pray for me as I write and then teach a class on Soteriology, Hamatiology, and Anthropology for the BI. It is the first time for me to teach this subject. Please also pray as I begin to teach OT survey to a class of 20 nursing students.
I continue to have opportunities to preach in our village churches and have had the occasion to visit a new work in Badou. Please pray for this church plant where a group of pastors preach on a weekly otation. Currently there are about 30-35 people who meet together each week in this town. Additionally, I have been working with a struggling church in the village of Xekpe since about June of last year.
They had lost their pastor due to illness (he had to move) and attendance had dropped to about 10-12 people each week. Since that time, I have been going out about once a month and sending someone on the other weeks to teach and preach. I was recently there and there were about 30 in attendance (which is now about average) so we are thankful to the Lord for His work here.
Christal has continued her Bible study with the ladies of the Kpodzi church. During Christmas time, Christal had a luncheon for the ladies. It was a great time studying God’s Word, a good meal, and fellowship. But the highlight was when the ladies surprised Christal with a series of skits that they had prepared (props and all!) to show what they have learned this past year in her Bible study.
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