A Seed of Faith | Step Into the Story

The Story of Gathering Disciples

In 2023, God called a local pastor to work alongside us to plant a life-giving church in our partner village. That church, called The Gathering, quickly became a vibrant place of spiritual growth and community.

Just one year later, in the late summer of 2024, God stirred the hearts of four women in the village. Independently, each one felt led to begin a Sunday school for children; especially for those who didn’t attend church or have access to the Bible at home. Each woman, unsure and hesitant, felt unqualified to take the step. But as they prayed, each one reached out to 28:19 Ministries to share what God was placing on her heart. When their stories came together, it became clear that God had been weaving something beautiful. Gathering Disciples was born.

After months of prayer and preparation, the women launched Gathering Disciples in October 2024. Since then, they have faithfully served every Sunday. Week after week, they have overcome obstacles; from standing in long lines at the local market just to print lessons and coloring pages, to arranging transportation for children who live in remote, mountain-side villages. Despite every challenge, their love and commitment never wavered. They knew the impact they were making in the next generation was worth all of it.

In December 2024, God provided in an extraordinary way. Through a grant from the Dover Baptist Association, 28:19 Ministries was able to deliver a printer, ink, and eight beautiful children’s Bibles. The joy was overwhelming as the children held God’s Word in their hands for the very first time. The grant also made it possible to provide weekly transportation and even a small snack for each child after the lesson.

Almost a year later, between 12 and 20 children gather every Sunday to hear God’s Good News. The teachers have intentionally created a warm, inviting space where the kids feel confident learning. After a time of worship, they explore God’s power and friendship through a Bible.

During Christmas, the kids from Gathering Disciples learned the true story of Christmas. Then, they rehearsed and performed a Christmas pageant as an outreach opportunity and Christmas celebration for members of the community. It has been so beautiful to witness these little disciples on a mission to make more disciples.

After her very first Sunday, one little girl, Thalia, beamed all the way home. She couldn’t stop telling her mom everything about Gathering Disciples. She had so many questions about God, and she begged her mom to let her come back!

That’s the beauty of Gathering Disciples! The seeds that are planted in these kids will grow as they go home and share God’s power with their family. It will grow as they share with their friends in their village or classmates at school. 

The story of Gathering Disciples is a beautiful reminder of God’s faithfulness. He equipped four women who felt incapable, so they could equip the next generation with the hope, the truth, and the joy of knowing God – an investment that will bear fruit for years to come.

The story isn’t finished yet. When you become a Legacy Partner, you step into what God is already doing through 28:19 Ministries—sharing His love, strengthening communities, and changing lives for eternity.

Step into the Story, and Become a Legacy Partner.