By Clement Ior

Witnessing what the Lord is doing in the lives of undergraduate students at the University of Jos through our discipleship ministry has been a great source of encouragement to Lydia and I as we watch these students grow from “Reeds to Rocks” in their faith.

What follows are brief stories of some of our disciplers that have learned the transformative power of Discipleship.

Luther Makwin

Luther is a graduate of Pharmacy at the University of Jos. Discipleship has profoundly changed his life and he has shared that growing under our guidance has been one of his greatest privileges . Luther says, As a young believer, I had many struggles, questions, and issues troubling my heart that couldn’t be addressed by my traditional church environment, which focused primarily on ensuring a person gives their life to Christ and gets baptized, but little else. Entering into discipleship has strengthened my walk with God, enhanced my fellowship with believers, and made me aware of the need to reach out to others. Clement and Lydia made it clear to me that the Christian life is a continuum that requires a particular spiritual diet for the various stages of growth. They emphasized the need to mature and embrace all the Lord has made available for my development in Him, and also to replicate this growth in others. Initially, reaching out to others felt more like a burden than a responsibility. Working with the Iors and observing their outreach and follow-up efforts has helped me to understand the dynamics of evangelism. I have put this into practice by sharing Jesus with my colleagues in school, with clients at the Pharmacy where I worked, and with people in my community.”

During his final year at university, God brought some younger men and women into Luther’s life, and to the glory of God he has been following up with them. In this photo, Luther (in the middle) met Lawrence (left) and Seth (right) when they were in their second year. The Lord has helped them stay connected as they progress in their studies. Although their background did not initially support a discipler/disciple relationship, Luther has been working with them as the Lord leads. Another friend (Joshua on the right in the photo above) has someone else discipling him, but he approached Luther for guidance while on campus. God has helped nurture this relationship, providing meaningful interventions in times of need.

Other students I have had the opportunity to mentor include Buetna’an, and Godwin. Additionally, I have been able to share the insights I receive with my friends, many of whom see me as a confidant in whom they share their challenges. In my professional practice, I have counseled countless women who sought abortifacient drugs. Not only did I refuse to provide the medications, but I also counselled them on why those drugs were inappropriate and how they contravene the will of God. Discipleship has enabled me to stand firm in God’s truth and share it with others. - Luther Makwin

Ribetnaan Moses Tenshak

Ribetnaan, a graduate of Pure and Applied Chemistry from the University of Jos, Nigeria, is currently undergoing his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Yobe State, Nigeria. His deployment to a secondary school in a predominantly Muslim area has provided him with an opportunity to teach Junior Secondary School 1 and 2 classes. Despite the school's primarily Muslim population, Ribetnaan is building relationships with the few Christian students there. His aim is to win them over for Christ and then follow with discipleship.

Recently appointed as the Zonal Evangelism Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Corpers Fellowship (NCCF), Nguru zone, Ribetnaan attributes his vision for discipleship to me and Lydia, whose life and mentoring have greatly inspired him. Ribetnaan is currently progressing through the Step-by-Step Discipleship Process, focusing on Step 2, which emphasizes the Guide to Worship. Through this process Ribetnaan has learned how a person is restored to God through repentance and faith in Christ. He has also learned the place of worship in the process of cultivating intimacy with the Lord and hearing His voice. Ribetnaan's journey underscores his commitment to discipleship and evangelism amidst challenging circumstances, aiming to impact lives positively in his community.

Luimommei Zethan Kpasham

Luimommei, a Veterinary Medicine graduate from the University of Jos and post graduate student at University of Ibadan, met Lydia and I in 2022 shortly before graduating. Our meetings, both online and in person, have profoundly illuminated her life, particularly in her understanding of the significance of discipleship in today's world. Through our personal interactions Luimommei grasped the primary purpose of discipleship, which is fostering spiritual intimacy with God and fellow believers. Engaging in the Step-by-Step Process solidified her understanding of worship and God’s Word as pathways to intimacy with the Lord.

Luimommei has also connected with like-minded young people eager to deepen their relationship with God through discipleship and adherence to His Word. During training sessions, Luimommei learned about Discovery Bible Study and implemented it successfully. Recently, she has been guiding Rahab Jonah, who is new to reading and understanding English, through these teachings. Despite initial challenges, Rahab's enthusiasm and willingness to learn has been encouraging. They have already discussed the importance of salvation in Christ, which led to Rahab rededicating her life to the Lord. Now they are focused on understanding Discovery Bible Study and preparing to access a simpler Bible translation to aid in comprehension. Luimommei trusts in God’s guidance as she continues her journey of learning more of Him through discipleship.

Martins Paul

Martins credits Lydia and I for profoundly impacting his life during his university years, and we are both humbled and grateful. Under our mentorship and discipleship, Martins experienced holistic guidance that transformed his perspective on life. Currently serving as a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member in Warji Local Government of Bauchi State, Nigeria, Martins Paul continues to make a positive impact on the younger generation. He attributes this ability to the lessons learned from us highlighting the growth he experienced during our time together. Martins is currently undergoing training through the Step-by-Step Discipleship Process and he is eagerly putting into practice what he is learning.

Michael Stephen Sanda

Michael began his journey at the University of Jos with a pre-degree program in 2014, eventually pursuing Agricultural Economics and Extension. Despite academic challenges at first, Michael embraced this path as part of God's plan. Joining the Fellowship of Christian Students marked a turning point, deepening his spiritual journey and sparking a desire for discipleship. In 2018, a significant encounter with our family accelerated Michael's growth in Christ.

Under our guidance, Michael has embraced the Step-by-Step Process that prioritizes intimacy with God and others. He is currently serving as a NYSC member in Gombe State, actively participating in the local assembly, and serving as evangelism secretary in the Nigerian Christian Corp Fellowship (NCCF). Michael focuses on nurturing Christ-centered youths through discipleship training and leading his colleagues through the Step-by-Step Process.

As students bid farewell to the recent graduates, they eagerly anticipate receiving inspiring stories of their accomplishments in Christ. Meanwhile, the harvest remains plentiful and they are steadfast in reaching out to students, trusting the Lord for a bountiful yield. These committed disciplers look forward to connecting with newly admitted students this September!