NTM

Thanks for taking the time to learn more about us and the vital ministry of MK (missionary kid) discipleship. 

We firmly believe that anyone can teach but it that it takes individuals who are willing to make personal sacrifices to disciple young people.  These sacrifices come in the areas of personal time, finances and energy.  Discipleship takes place in the context of everyday life.  Therefore to disciple students we must be willing to allow them to follow us as we follow Christ.  This entails living alongside them in the classroom, in athletics, in leisure time, in community service projects and evangelism and in formal worship times.  We have dedicated our lives to the discipleship and shepherding of MK’s and other young people who attend the Christian international school that we serve in. 

We have taken Jesus’ words, in John 21:15-17, to heart.  We believe that a true measure of our love for Christ is our willingness to shepherd his sheep.  MK’s, the children of expat business people, as well as the children of local citizens are all sheep in need of shepherding.

David Pollock has written an essay entitled: “Discipleship: The Kingdom Perspective”.  In this essay he has identified the four jobs which we believe are crucial to the role of a shepherd.

1) Defend – It is our responsibility to defend students from things that will negatively affect their physical, emotional, mental and especially spiritual well-being.  This could mean protecting them from other unkind students or threatening situations.  It could mean protecting them from discouragement and doubt.  It also may mean protecting them from sinful aspects of their home or host culture.

 2) Disciple and Develop – It is our job to see our students be and accomplish.  We pass on ideas and help our students grasp a vision of what they can become.  As we walk through life experiences with our students we demonstrate our dependency on the Holy Spirit and our own spiritual growth and encourage similar growth in them.

3) Dream – While sheep are on all fours, head down to the ground and concerned with the here and now; the shepherd stands tall on two legs and sweeps the horizon for better grass, the best trail to take as well as potential danger.  Our students will most likely have a tendency to focus on the present, it’s joys and trials.  It is our privilege and responsibility to dream for our students, for their protection and for what they can become through the power of the Holy Spirit.

4) Demonstrate – Students need to see Jesus Christ working in and through us.  They need to see us demonstrating the love of God to believers and unbelievers in our community.  As they witness the dynamic power of the Holy Spirit in our lives they will learn how be a disciple in practical day to day living.  We must echo Paul’s words, “Follow me as I follow Christ.” I Corinthians 11:1.

Do you believe in the importance of discipling young people so that they will choose to be disciples of Christ?  Would you like to learn more about partnering with us in discipling students at Grace International School in Thailand?  If you would like to partner with us through prayer and/or finances please contact us.  We look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

The Templetons