Passing of the Onion

When missionaries Beky Poteat and Jane Schmitz were introduced to Good Soil Evangelism & Discipleship training, they not only appreciated the benefits for their own ministry but wanted to share it with the pastors’ wives that they train in Togo. In the oral teaching method that they use with the women, many who are still illiterate, they teach two of the pastors’ wives who then train others, who then train others, and so on until the teaching is passed on to pastors’ wives all over the country. Beky and Jane were never quite sure if the concepts, especially that of peeling the onion, were quite understood. →

Engaging Kids in Bible Learning

Three of my “all-boy” great nephews and their sister grabbed their jackets and tore out the door, unusually eager to get to church for the Purim party their teacher had promised. Ages 12, 10, 9 and 7, they enthusiastically participated in the special activities. They had been captivated by their teacher’s message and methods and entered the party atmosphere wholeheartedly. Mothers on the sidelines commented, “We can’t get our children this motivated!” Yes, children can be captivated by the messages of the Bible, when connected to methods that fully engage them in the learning process. →

A Child's View of the Sufferings of Jesus

Karen Weitzel, who adapted The Story of Hope for kids, said that her sister showed her youngest grandson The Story of Hope--Kids and talked to him about some of the pictures. Ephraim said the “grossest “ picture in The Story of Hope--Kids was #20 which represents the prophecies of the Messiah. He didn’t like seeing Jesus being whipped. →

Grandfather Teaches His Grandson the "BIG Story" of the Bible

I have been using Good Soil materials since being introduced to them in 2005. Over the years, the Lord has allowed me to disciple over 20 individuals using these resources. This past year was one of the most gratifying and rewarding experiences doing so. My daughter homeschools her three boys and requested that I teach them their Bible class. I agreed and immediately thought of using The Story of Hope. I decided to use the Story of Hope Kids edition as it seemed like the perfect opportunity to disciple my grandsons. →

2,700 North Asian Leaders Trained in Good Soil E&D

Tan and John are members of the same church in Southeast Asia. As businessmen they have been using their business trips to equip believers around Asia, especially North Asia, since the 1990s. In 2009, Tan retired from his secular work and commenced MDiv studies at a local seminary. It was at this time that he made many new contacts with pastors and other students from North Asia who came to study a course at the seminary. →

Creative Methods for Making Bible Learning Fun for Teens & Adults

“The FUN theory” says that FUN is the easiest way to change people’s behavior for the better. In 2009, Volkswagen came up with this theory: “People prefer fun activities over virtually identical activities that are not as much fun.” Then, they set out to prove it by setting up a FUN stairway side by side with a normal escalator. The experiment: Would people rather ride up a boring escalator or walk up a stairway that is FUN? Here’s what they learned. →