As I reflect on my years with GWC’s Explore training programme, I marvel at God’s hand throughout all the joys and trials.
The initial Explore training began at Christ Church Midrand, where we created a new teaching model through trained facilitators (mostly GWC alumni). From this very first facilitator group, we developed Explore, which is what it is known as today. During my time with Explore, I have had many opportunities to test this training model across 12 African countries. While some of our earliest mistakes involved training too many people and not having the required follow-ups, we subsequently developed a model that involved building
regional structures with key staff in a regional office and each country within that region. The selection of facilitators has also improved over the years and is now limited to people who are theologically trained and can oversee several small groups. Lastly, we have elected regional managers who supervise the training and quality assessment to ensure that all our Explore groups are led in the same way.
Two of my greatest challenges with Explore have been around translating the material and finding suitable resources to translate without compromising on robust theology. This expensive process has caused me many sleepless nights. That said, the many highlights of Explore far outweigh the frustrations. There are thousands of untrained pastors across the continent,and I have found great joy in watching them delight in the material we have created. Another high point of my journey has been witnessing the faithfulness of our partners, who, over many years, have blessed us with their financial support, allowing us to develop training groups across the continent.
I know that the future of Explore is in God’s hands, and I am certain that through our material many more men and women in Africa will come to know Him, directly and indirectly.
As I step aside for Mawonga Celesi, I will remain a resource to him and part of the team that supports him during this transition of leadership.
The development of Explore will continue to expand in sub-Saharan Africa under his guidance, and one of the most exciting new areas is a scholarship appeal, which we launched in July 2024 to provide sustainability to each of the regions we are developing. For R2 400 per annum or R 200 per month, a student can be supported in studying three modules of Explore, including examinations and facilitated group studies. Please consider committing to one scholarship.
Finally, as we have seen the establishment of Explore prayer groups throughout Australia, I would be delighted to see the same things take root here in South Africa. I am deeply grateful that our prayer support has increased every year. However, we always need prayer partners as we become more intentional about our prayer requests. When I read 1 Corinthians 1:27, I am reminded that God has used me, even when I was at my weakest, to serve His kingdom purposes so that there is absolutely nothing to boast about. The development of Explore has been the marching of the Lord across Africa, and may He continue for years to come. The pinnacle of my entire Explore experience was in every journey I made and in how the Lord put words in my mouth through the power of His Holy Spirit every time I had to teach.
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