Nazarene leaders held the first training for lay leaders and pastors in Iraq 6-9 July, in the areas of leadership, evangelism, discipleship and church planting as part of the Power of One missional church initiative in the Eurasia Region. About 50 people participated, representing two Nazarene churches.

“We used the Power of One material for discipleship – the book was put in their hands,” said Jamil Monsour*. “They learned how to use it so that they will go back and use it with others – new Christians or family and neighbors – in discipleship.”

The training was combined with a series of revival meetings that saw more than 300 people attend, and 35 people indicate decisions to accept Christ. On Friday, 28 people were baptized.

“It was a great example for those who were in the training, cause they can use their discipleship materials with [these] new people,” Monsour said.

The participants expressed much appreciation for the training, saying it was the first discipleship training they have received.

“A couple of years ago when we visited Iraq, we realized that many evangelism and leadership development seminars had been conducted, but basic discipleship needed more of an emphasis,” said Lindell Browning, field strategy coordinator for the Eastern Mediterranean. “The hunger to know more about walking with Christ is evident and we want this process of making Christlike disciples to be ongoing.”

Monsour requested prayer for the churches in Iraq to be able to effectively implement what they have learned.

“I think if we always keep something in their hands, we give them more opportunity to continue the work.”

The Power of One: Eurasia Missional Church Initiative launched across the region last October. The initiative is designed to help local churches be more effectively involved in God’s mission, and includes resources for church planting, discipleship and pastoral training.

Training in the initiative and the use of accompanying resources continues across the region.

Learn more or download resources in German, Portuguese, English, Hungarian and Russian at: www.missionaleurasia.com. More translations are underway.

*Name changed for security reasons.