School of Missiological Studies Chad

An exciting new initiative is taking place in Chad. A new school has been created that is designed to offer a higher level of training to our Chadian leaders than that which they have been able to receive to date. The stated purpose of this school is as follows:

The School of Missiological Studies Chad (SMSC) is a training center that shapes Christian leaders through a biblical worldview in order that they will be able to effectively communicate the gospel in diverse African cultures.

Larry DeArmey was asked by GBIM leadership to be the coordinator of this new program and the onsite mentor to the students who participate. This innovative program is designed not only to give the student a thorough understanding of Scriptures but also to help him reflect more deeply on the way that those Scriptures lead to life transformation and more effective ministry.

The students will set aside three one-month periods each year for the next four years. Trainers and students will live in community during those times. Each one month session will focus on one theme and will be discussed during the entire month through teaching, group dialogue, guided reading and personal reflection on application to life and ministry.

In January 2011, an introductory session was held in Moundou. Twenty four candidates gathered in hopes of being selected to participate in the school. Through testing and personal interviews 12 men were received into the program. We praise God for His leading over the four days we were together and are excited about those who have been set apart for this course of studies. We are convinced that God has called men who are already strong leaders in our Chadian Churches, men who have the potential to guide our churches to internal spiritual growth and to the spread of the gospel across the heart of Africa.

Among those who will participate are six pastors, two evangelists, two pastor/evangelists and the entire teaching staff of our Bible Institute. Each of these men has proven his effectiveness in ministry. The first classes of the School of Missiological Studies will be held in September 2011 followed by sessions in January and May of 2012.

Larry DeArmey will be working with Betelmbaye Yerima, Professor at the Bible Institute and recent graduate of the Brethren Seminary at Bangui, CAR.  Yerima will help steer through the many cultural issues that will confront the leadership in this program. Yerima is already a respected leader of our Chadian churches and will provide precious input as we discuss the issues at hand. Mark Sims will be joining the September session. The theme that he will be presenting is "The Biblical Story." Some of the subjects he will develop are: a Chronological View of the Bible, Biblical Theology, the Centrality of the Gospel and Missions in Scriptures.

We would like to invite you to become a partner in this exciting new venture.

In recent months, God has been at work in a very significant way in our family of Churches in Chad. We sense that a new day of opportunity has dawned for these churches. You have the privilege of investing in this ministry.

An immediate need was the construction of a dormitory to house the men who will be living onsite for a month at a time. Through a generous gift that building is nearing completion and will be ready for use in September.

Now we are facing the challenge of raising the necessary funds for the school to begin on schedule.

Would you consider being involved in one of two ways?

1) Investing in the life of one of the 12 students.

For the amount of $110 per month (or $55 for a half sponsorship) you can support a Chadian leader participating in the program. This will be done through allocating gifts to The Timothy Project CHAD. We ask that you commit to pray weekly for your student. We will send you a prayer card picturing your partner along with pertinent information and will provide periodic correspondence from him. You are invited to write; and your personal notes will be hand delivered at the beginning of each session.

Click here to learn more or sponsor a student.

A donation to this fund will be used in a number of important ways:

• Creation of a library of books in French that can be consulted by the men as they pursue their studies.
• Purchase of computers and Bible software that will facilitate research.
• Honorarium for Yerima, the Associate Director.
• A stipend for an Administrative Assistant who will be the onsite contact person for many secretarial duties.

Above all, we would ask you to pray for this new ministry. Here are some specifics:

• Spiritual protection on the students and their families.
• Good health for both leaders and students as we live together in community for a month.
• That these men will become effective leaders in our Chadian Churches and will be used by God to spread the Gospel across Chad and to the surrounding countries.
• That Mark Sims will have clear guidance as he writes his course and will have discernment as to the key issues that need to be addressed.

Thank you for your interest and support for God's work in the Chad!!

For further information, you can write to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 614-906-3156.

Click here to view a video update following the first session of the School of Missiological Studies in Chad!