Finding Community in Bible Study

Just a few months after becoming a Christian, Joshua (name changed) had to put his new beliefs to the test.

As a visiting scholar, Joshua moved with his wife and son to the United States for six months. While there, he met Christian believers with roots to his home country in Asia. The Holy Spirit worked through these believers and Joshua professed his faith in Christ.

A few months later, Joshua had to return to Asia where he would have to find a new community to support him in his faith—a definite obstacle in this unique cultural setting.

“Many people who become believers overseas struggle to find a place where they belong when they return to this country,” says a CRWM missionary who serves in Joshua’s home country.

“There can be large differences in the language and congregational culture of groups in different countries, on top of the inevitable re-entry stress that happens when you move between cultures.”

Once back, Joshua began looking for a church and soon found the church that this CRWM missionary attends. He also began taking part in the English Bible study group that the missionary co-leads.

As English is a highly sought-after skill in this country, the church offers this group every week as a way to practice English, grow in faith, and build relationships.

During holidays, they often hold special activities such as visiting a park, cooking and eating together, or watching a movie.

Together, participants use a variety of activities to practice their English skills, ranging from a post-movie discussion to playing a board game.

For Joshua, this group quickly became a safe place for him to discuss his fears and questions about his new faith.

“The other members of the group quickly enfolded him, offering wisdom about living a Christian life in this country,” said the missionary.

Today Joshua is one of the English group’s regular attendees. Already, the group has seen answers to their prayers for Joshua’s relationship with his wife and son, as they do not yet share Joshua’s beliefs in the Christian faith.

Praise God that Joshua has found a community to nurture his faith. Pray that he will continue to grow and be equipped for leadership. Pray that the joy he has in his faith will be a positive example to his family.