2010 Faculty Workshop Testimony

Proverbs 16:9

Theme Verse

• Proverbs 16:9 (Paraphrased)
• Illustration of the theme through David's testimony and Steve's life

Early Life and Discipleship

• Born into a Christian family
• Influences of grandfather, father, and mother
• Discipleship through Bible Memory Association and Christian Service Brigade
• College professor's influence and introduction to Francis Schaefer

College and Setting Life’s Direction

• Disappointment with pulpit teachings
• Decision to pursue good Bible teaching
• Decision to attend Dallas Seminary
• Initial reluctance towards missions

Shift Towards Missions

• Encounter with Danny Hayes and the influence of a map of West Africa
• Challenge to consider cross-cultural work
• Influences of missions classes and Luis Palau's challenge

First Mission Experiences

• Short-term mission in Liberia
• Decision to pursue long-term mission in Africa

Team Formation and Challenges

• Formation of a mission team with Danny Hayes, Ken Baker, and Mark Wilson
• Initial plan to serve in Sudan
• Unexpected closure of Sudan and redirection to Ethiopia

Mission in Ethiopia

• Arrival in communist Ethiopia
• Official and unofficial roles in the country
• Underground Bible program and church growth

Post-Communist Ministry in Ethiopia

• Changes after the fall of communism
• Expansion of theological education programs
• Establishment of the Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology

Further Studies and Contextualization

• Pursuit of a PhD at Trinity to address theological contextualization
• Approach towards contextualization in theological education

Return to the USA and Leadership

• Serving as the United States director for SIM
• Focus on becoming a mission for the whole American church
• Adjunct teaching opportunities and experiences

Invitation to Teach at DTS

• Invitation from Mike Pocock to teach at DTS
• Decision process and redirection by God

Conclusion

• Reflection on God's guidance and redirection
• Importance of staying nimble and dependent on God
• Final thoughts on trusting God's plan and direction

*The above summary is AI-generated, so discrepancies may exist. Please refer to the audio or video file to verify accuracy.