As the founders of Transforming Lives Ministry, Lorena and I are dedicated to realizing Jesus’ command to make disciples of all nations.
See our latest updates at brianandlorena.blogspot.com
Mission Statement: Take seriously Jesus’ command to make disciples of all nations.
Personal History
For the past forty years, our journey has involved planting churches on three continents, training hundreds of missionaries and pastors, and having fun doing it! Our hearts are deeply committed to preaching the gospel, teaching the Word, praying for the sick, and encouraging the Church! We have a passion to see the lost come into a relationship with Jesus Christ and desire to see the Church equipped to reach the world.
Happily married for over forty years, we are blessed with five remarkable children and seven beautiful grandchildren.
Why we do do what we do?
While serving as missionaries in Africa, I (Brian) was deeply moved by the state of the Church. I saw that many struggled to grasp the truth of the gospel and the completed work of Jesus on the cross. To illustrate, some would attend church on Sunday and then visit a witchdoctor on Monday. When we asked (even) pastors, “How does one attain salvation?” we received religious answers such as “Join the church.” or “Stop sinning. Live a good life.” We rarely heard them mention the name of Jesus! This realization prompted a significant shift in our ministry approach in Africa. We recognized the urgent need to clarify the message of Jesus Christ to both teach and demonstrate the power of the gospel. It brings us profound joy to witness the moments when ‘the lights come on’ for believers as they understand how the work of salvation is complete and comprehend the authority and power they possess as believers.
What do we do?
Word
We teach the Word of God and equip others to first understand the Bible with personal applications, and then teach the Word to others. II Timothy 2:2, “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” We do this with discipleship booklets covering the foundations of our faith, simple enough for any pastor to understand and use with his/her people. These can be taught interactively over 2-3 days, used by teachers/pastors for sermon material, or just given to believers for their own personal growth. Some booklets are designed for pastors particularly in oral cultures, teaching them how to create sermons from Bible stories. Birthed out of Lorena’s experience in Mozambique, we also have a booklet accompanied with lessons, teaching how to create a vibrant, growing children’s ministry for all ages in an environment with basically no resources.
Power
Paul told the Thessalonians, “…our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction.” We too love to minister with the gifts the Holy Spirit has given us, and invite believers everywhere to discover and use the gifts God has given them. We go wherever God opens doors for us to preach and teach, leading others into a knowledge of the Word as well as an encounter with the Holy Spirit. The first miracle I (Lorena) ever saw was my own healing after falling down a flight of stairs in the middle of the night in the Philippines years ago. The next day I could not move. We didn’t know if my back was broken – there were no doctors or hospitals in that area. My teammates began praying and within 20 minutes, I was completely healed! I was then able to continue pain free with the team, traveling in a crowded jeepney for the next 8 hours on torn up bumpy roads filled with huge potholes to our final destination! Since then, (and now more than ever), we see God’s love and power touch and heal many throughout the world.
Conclusion
Jesus did not command us to go into all the world and make initial converts. Jesus’ command is to go into all the world and make disciples. This is why our mission statement is to “take seriously Jesus’ command to make disciples of all nations.”