Fruit of the Flame

The flame that was reignited during our COJ Pastors’ Conference in Lima continues to burn. As we reported last month, Pastor Bobbio of Piura has obediently submitted to the conviction he received of beginning leadership training and discipleship for the youth of his church. 

In humble obedience, 8 youth of Pastor Bobbio’s congregation have committed to participating in this discipleship and training group. Ranging from 13 to 23 years old, these youth represent various stages of faith formation and leadership positions, but the fundamental desire to seek the Lord is evident in each member. 

Inspired by the format of the conference, Pastor Bobbio plans to lead this discipleship group in a workshop style where they can not only spend time reading and reflecting on the topics, but also discuss their thoughts on the passages they study. His hope is that through this more casual format, the participants will develop a sense of comfort and trust with each other, furthering their bond outside of the class.

Some of the topics that God has placed in Pastor Bobbio’s heart include the Gospel of John and a book titled Choose Life. His hope is that through these readings, the youth can come to know and understand the core gospel message and “that the Bible is the story of God and His love at work in our lives.”

Furthermore, Pastor Bobbio hopes that this discipleship program will complement the youth’s ongoing daily devotional studies, challenging them to begin sharing the gospel in their own circles, sharing the love of God, and making Jesus known to their friends at school, in their homes, and in their communities. Already, there are plans to take these youth on outreach events, following him on church member visitations, and finding other local churches to support and partner with on evangelism projects, so that they may be able to learn and believe in the importance of serving in God’s work and obeying His command to preach and make disciples.

The road ahead will not be an easy task. Pastor Bobbio admits himself, “this will require effort, time, sacrifice, finances, and many other things from me so that they may become what God desires them to be.” We ask that you join us in lifting up this servant in prayer, so that he would be strengthened and encouraged to keep pressing on in this work that God has called him to do. We also pray that these youth will truly come to know Christ as Lord and serve God wholeheartedly and, as Pastor Bobbio hopes, that the 6 youth who are not yet baptized will make that commitment by the end of this year.