November 2012 | Vol. 1, No. 10
MMD: “It’s not about accumulation of
knowledge for the sake of knowledge.”
During his most recent visit to the U.S., Dr. André Chitlango, director
of More than a Mile Deep (MMD), sat down with Entrust president
David Goodman for an extended conversation about Scripture,
ministry and the uniqueness of MMD. MMD partners with Entrust to
provide a pastoral ministry training program in Africa. Here are some
highlights of that conversation.
DG: Paul talks in Galatians 4 about people “for whom I am again in
anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in [them].” Have you ever
felt anything like that when you were trying to develop a training
program for Africa?
AC: Yes. Actually my passion is to see the transformation of men and
women, to see Christ formed in people. That was one of my questions
André Chitlango and David Goodman
interacting
when André visited Colorado Springs
and dissatisfactions with some of the [existent] seminary processes,
because there was a lack of intentional discipling that would lead to transformation.
DG: What are some things that might surprise an American that you would see as evidence of transformation in an
African context?
Entrust’s African
ministry partner,
MMD, is initiated
and directed by
Africans, to meet
ministry training
needs in an
African context.
AC: I like to make reference to transformation at the level of worldview, from a traditional
worldview to a biblical worldview. Many people in Africa interpret reality based on a
traditional worldview, where misfortune would be interpreted as the activity of evil forces
or the spirits of ancestors that are not happy, and success would be interpreted as luck or
favor from the ancestors or spiritual forces. In that context, when someone’s worldview is
transformed at that level, you’d see the person finding new ways of interpreting what
happens in life, and finding ways to deal with affliction, with pain, with suffering, with
illness, with death, from a biblical point of view. If transformation is not there, people will
tend to go back to rituals and sacrifice that they think will help to solve problems. So that’s
the kind of transformation that I see, in terms of worldview — when Christian faith changes
the way the person sees, interprets and handles reality in prayer and commitment to Jesus.
DG: Why would any African prefer MMD over another way of being trained?
AC: I would point out a few reasons why I would take MMD training as an African and
African leader.
Continued on next page
MMD staff are
from and/or serve
in Burundi, Kenya,
Mozambique,
Nigeria,
Sierra Leone,
South Africa and
Zimbabwe.
Continued from page 1
One, I’d take MMD training because it helps me develop
practical skills of ministry. It’s not about accumulation of knowledge for the sake of
knowledge. It’s training that takes me through practical assignments in my ministry so
that I develop competencies.
The other thing that would be attractive for me is that I wouldn’t have to worry about,
“How do I leave the ministry, where do I get money for my studies, my family?” I could
remain in my ministry or in my job and [simultaneously] have this very valuable training
that will bring transformation to my local church.
And I would be very attracted because it’s a program that is designed and developed by
fellow Africans who know the kind of problems I’m facing. [The training provides]
practical, honest guidance for me on how to deal with those issues — serious issues
— that I need to come to terms with, for me to grow in my faith.
So those three elements would be appealing to me: station-based (church-based)
training, the transformation impact in my own life, in my family, in my community and
the fact that the courses are asking my questions [the questions I as an African pastor
face in my daily ministry].
A cup of soup in Jesus’ name
by Laurie Lind, editor, Engage
It’s mid-morning in a village in sub-Saharan Africa.
Laughing children stand in a rough semblance of a line
outside a small house near the edge of town. Each child
holds a cup in one hand, keeping the other hand free to
poke and jab nearby kids. All the commotion is in good
fun. They’re playful, hungry kids. Kids without parents.
Inside the small house, the pastor and his wife are
putting the finishing touches on this day’s pot of soup.
The aroma of okra, carrots, turnips, cabbage and
pumpkin bubbling together on the stove, fills the house and drifts out to the gathering children, making hungry
tummies rumble even more.
Eventually, some 40 children jostle each other in the yard. The pastor steps outside. He greets the children in Jesus’
name. He asks them all to bow their heads in reverence to the living God who provides all things. He prays aloud,
thanking God for these children and the food they will soon enjoy. After he says “Amen,” his wife appears in the
window with a ladle-full of soup. The first child in line steps forward to have her cup filled with warm soup.
All becomes quiet, save for the sound of slurping and metal spoons on metal cups. Within half an hour, the kids’ cups
are empty. They run off to school or the fields where they work. For some, this is the only meal they’ll eat today.
They’ll all be back again tomorrow, for another cup of warm soup.
* The pastor and his wife are students with MMD (More than a Mile Deep, Entrust’s partner in Africa). The MMD
course Pastoral Guidance and Counseling for HIV/AIDS awakened a sense of responsibility in their hearts. Observing
the great number of orphans in their community and wanting to apply the MMD principle of Action-Reflection-Action,
this pastor and his wife decided to provide something for the children from the blessings that God had given them. So
they began to prepare soup from the produce in their garden for the children.
Every day at 11 a.m., 30 to 40 children come to their house for a cup of soup. While only a small gesture, it is sacrificial
on their part, and is transforming some little ones’ lives, providing nutrition, energy and awareness of the living God
who sends good gifts, including a Savior named Jesus.
South African leaders seek to further the reach of MMDSA
by Arthur Alard, National Director, MMDSA
South Africa is a unique country with a unique history and a diversity of people not
easily comparable to any other African country. Therefore, ministry in South Africa
needs to be approached in its own unique way.
More than a Mile Deep South Africa (MMDSA) is positioned to impact our churches
for transformation so they in turn can impact our South African society.
Transformation starts with each of us as church leaders. As the word of the Lord
transforms our hearts, minds and attitudes, we are able to invest our lives in
discipling and mentoring others. The MMDSA program is a vehicle through which
we are able to facilitate the learning process for pastors and church leaders,
allowing them to develop ministry competencies rather than simply acquiring
knowledge about ministry.
Arthur Alard
The MMDSA board of governance plays an important role in advancing MMDSA’s
ministry. Therefore, we are in the process of developing a board that is representative in gender, ethnicity and
denominational affiliation and includes board members with specific skills and experiences which will benefit MMDSA
on all levels.
One of our newest board members is Dr. Roney Ndala. Dr. Ndala holds advanced degrees in business administration,
industrial relations and labor law, with specializations in quality and productivity improvement, management and
team leadership. Dr. Ndala has worked in the private sector in executive and management roles and serves as
chairman of the Captains of Industry Forum (COIF), a business networking group.
Current board member and former national director of MMDSA, Dr. Tshililo Liphadzi, is passionate about contextual
transformative theological education which molds critical consciousness in African leaders, preparing them to serve as
catalysts for change for the continent and for God’s kingdom. When Dr. Liphadzi and I discussed MMDSA with Dr.
Ndala, his first response was, “Why have I not heard about this MMDSA ministry before? We need to spread the word
about MMDSA.” Dr. Ndala has already opened doors for MMDSA to gain more exposure and build meaningful
relationships with Christian business people, especially through COIF.
L to r: Rev. Magodi, Dr. Ndala, Dr. Paswana, Rev. Dlepuma,
Rev. S. Nefefe, Dr. T. Liphadzi
Not pictured: Mr. Kewana, Dr. Ravhudzulo, Rev. Lekalakala
Our goal as a board is to ensure
the MMDSA program will remain
financially and geographically
accessible for all church leaders in
South Africa. I have had the
opportunity to speak to South
African pastors’ forums and have
been encouraged by their interest
in partnering with MMDSA. Again
and again, area pastors tell me
they appreciate the fact that
MMD is a training system they
can own and manage and
continue to develop.
MMDSA was birthed in South
Africa by South Africans. As we
advance in building a strong leadership board, and as we pray in unity together, we trust that God will guide us in all
aspects of this unique South African ministry training program.
Continued on next page
MMDSA Board of Governance
• Dr. Tshililo Liphadzi, chairman; principal of Heidelberg Theological Seminary
for the Reformed Churches in South Africa Synod Soutpansberg
• Dr. Roney Ndala, secretary; pastor in Springs, chairman of COIF
• Rev. Thomas Magodi, vice chairman; chaplain in the South African military
• Mr. Phila Kewana, treasurer
• Rev. Silas Nefefe, board member, past chairman; director of Iyani Bible and
Training Institute
• Rev. Jack Lekalakala, board member, past secretary; pastor in Brits
• Dr. Anniekie Ravhudzulo, board member; education consultant in the
directorate for curriculum and learning development at the University of
South Africa
• Rev. Simthandile Dlepuma, board member; director at PNS Computing
• Dr. Paswana, board member; pastor in Limpopo
Dr. Ndala, Rev. Magodi and Mr. Kewana form the executive committee and work
closely with MMDSA National Director, Arthur Alard.
Teams become churches,
coaches become pastors
by Tom and Sues Hess, co-directors, Coaches2Pastors
By the numbers
23
denominations and
ministries taking
part in the MMD
training in
Zimbabwe
300
kilometers some
students must
travel to an MMD
leadership training
center in Zimbabwe
God has brought about something new, both for us as a couple and for Entrust as a ministry: Coaches2Pastors. It
seems He has been preparing the two of us for this all our lives.
We both worked in the sports industry early in our careers. We’ve participated in recreational team sports and worked
many years in high-profile Christian ministry.
In the world of professional tennis, Sues wrote books and distributed world rankings to the press. She also found
softball a great way to befriend women in rural Austria, where she was a missionary.
Later, on behalf of the International Bible Society (now Biblica), Sues helped launch the global Whole Life Coaching
movement. Sues worked with a ministry partner, Group Publishing, to create a training booklet and a supply of soccer
balls. This movement, launched in South Africa, now thrives in more than 100 countries. Some of the balls, signed and
prayed over by American children, are still used by volunteer coaches and fatherless children around the world.
Sues has attended sports ministry meetings worldwide, building a global
network of sports ministry leaders. She has spent time in Africa, Europe,
Latin America and Asia, training church leaders in disaster preparedness,
and how to provide emotional and spiritual care following disasters.
Tom’s first job as a 15-year-old newspaper sports writer gave him insight
into the power of sports to unite a community. After receiving the gift of
salvation in his 20s, Tom served at Focus on the Family, where, for 20
years, he learned about the power of faith to transform politics, culture,
marriages and family life.
Tom and Sues Hess
Together, we see the potential of sports ministry to reach fatherless
children on every continent with the hope of Christ. We also see the
dangers coaches face as their ministries grow into new church plants.
Continued on next page
Engage is the monthly
e-newsletter of Entrust.
Athletes and their coaches
huddle for spiritual discussion in South Africa
Many coaches receive no denominational
support, do not have the time or resources to
attend seminary and must train others to meet the overwhelming needs of
their flocks. They’re also vulnerable to false doctrines and other temptations.
Send comments and suggestions
to: [email protected]
Copyright © 2012 by Entrust
All rights reserved
Continued from previous page
Sues became familiar with Entrust when she lived in Europe (1986-1996), even
attending some of Entrust’s family conferences. In 2011 Entrust staff member
Dwight Ekholm introduced us to Entrust’s current president, David Goodman,
and his wife, Nancy. Soon it became clear that launching a ministry to coaches
was something that would meet a huge need and was something we were
uniquely equipped to do. This new concept fits well with Entrust’s vision –
providing seminary training without walls and helping to multiply leaders for
multiplying churches. The name for this brand-new ministry is
Coaches2Pastors (C2P).
We plan to move to South Africa as soon as we’re fully funded, to spend at
least a year doing in-depth research. C2P will launch in Africa, and will have
the capacity to go into all 100 countries where the Whole Life Coaching
movement is established.
We believe Entrust’s facilitator training will help prepare coaches to effectively
teach adult volunteers in their ministries and churches. A course like Entrust’s
Walking with Christ will help coaches become better disciples and pastors.
Entrust’s women’s curriculum could help the coaches’ wives understand their
role in these new churches. We also hope to incorporate some of the Africaspecific courses that More than a Mile Deep (Entrust’s African partner
organization) has developed.
On a recent trip to South Africa, sports ministry leaders observed us interact
with coaches from around the Rainbow Nation, and asked us to return soon to
mentor them. We are ready to go.
Entrust (formerly BEE
International) is a Christian,
non-profit organization
financed by contributions from
groups and individuals.
Managing editor:
Laurie Lind
Editors:
Deborah LaPorta, Carol Crom
Production coordinator:
Gae Cusbert
www.facebook.com/Entrust4
www.youtube.com/EntrustMedia