Today I'm meeting with convert pastor Arman, who serves as a pastor here in Central Asia.
I meet him with five other Convetite Christians, all pastors of house churches in the same area. They have come from far and wide to attend the theological training program supported by Danish European Mission donors and intercessors.
"The great thing about theological education is that it benefits the churches, not just ourselves."
We sit down at a table where the theological students are having dinner, and after we have eaten, I ask: "What do you get out of teaching Arman and do you think it makes a difference in your churches?"
Arman: "The great thing about theological education is that it benefits the churches, not just ourselves. I can see it in my own teaching in the church and also when the other pastors come to us as guest preachers."
"When it comes to theological education, we really badly need training for both existing and new pastors, as very few have a theological education and only a few months of Bible school behind them, so I am very happy that pastors can now finally get a good and sound education".
Lack of good training has resulted in unhealthy teachings and practices in house churches over the years.
"Persecution is not pleasant at all, yet I had a joy in me because Jesus just meant everything to me"
"Have you experienced persecution for your Christian faith?"
"Yes, many times! The worst persecution was right after I converted to Christianity at 17. Before I came to faith in Jesus, I was a Muslim. I was one of the first to come to faith in my city."
"I was very passionate about Jesus and shared the gospel with everyone. Many listened to me and some accepted me, while others got angry and threatened or hit me.
'Your Christian betrayer,' they shouted. 'May Allah's severe punishment befall you'!
Persecution is not pleasant at all, yet I had a joy in me because Jesus just meant everything to me!"
The Gospel of Matthew chapter 5 verses 10 - 11 says:
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when, because of me, they mock you and persecute you and lie all kinds of evil to you.
"These words strengthened me and I understood that hardship was a condition for me as a Christian, so I continued to preach and live as a Christian despite persecution, and as a result, many Muslims accepted Jesus every month and many house churches were started."
".... out of my jacket pocket, the policeman pulls out a small envelope with drugs! It was something they had planted in my pocket without me noticing!"
"Have you experienced other forms of persecution?" I ask.
"A few years ago, we experienced persecution from the authorities. Once I was taken to the police station for questioning after a raid on our house church. When I entered the director's office, I was suddenly searched and from my jacket pocket the policeman pulled out a small envelope containing drugs. It was something they had planted in my pocket without me noticing. I declared my innocence, but they mocked me and said: 'A priest selling drugs. Look at that' So I was taken into custody and brought before a judge.
But I had a peace in my heart all the time because I obeyed the words:
Blessed are you when because of me they mock you and persecute you and lie all kinds of evil to you."
"After a few weeks in jail, I was suddenly, and without justification, released! I'm convinced it was because the church prayed for me" smiles Arman.
"Do I know the 11 church planters! Yes, you bet I do. They all came from my church and have planted many churches!"
"In 2009, I taught a summer Bible school for new church planters to 11 young passionate Christians who live in your area. Do you know any of them, Arman?".
He looks at me in amazement and then exclaims "do I know them! Yes, you bet I do. They all came from my church and have planted many churches!", he laughs out loud. "That's incredible", we almost say into each other's mouths and are both equally surprised!
"How are they doing now and have they started any new churches?" I ask.
"They are all doing well. Some of them have since moved to other parts of the country, but they have planted many churches over the years. But you can actually meet one of them today! Her name is Leila and she's here for theological training! Unfortunately, her husband couldn't make it."
Arman calls Leila, who comes over to us. Leila is very surprised and I ask her:
" How are you Leila? ".
"We're fine," smiles Leila. "My husband and I are leaders of three house churches in our area, plus some smaller Bible groups."
"Did you get more education than summer Bible school back then?" I ask.
"No, not at all, so I'm very happy to be able to get a theological education, because it's really good education and very relevant and useful in service".
Time has passed and we say goodbye as Arman and Leila and the other students head back to theology class.
"It was great to meet you. Thank you so much for your support and helping us with education. May God bless you in every way," they say.
