BCM International Update by Erika A. Bruckner
The truths of God’s Word are the most important lessons one can teach. Effective Bible teaching and discipleship for children around the globe is a vital ministry. BCM International has been committed to children’s Bible teaching and discipleship since the organization’s inception in 1936.
Equipping Teachers for Ministry Multiplication
To equip children’s ministry leaders to carry out this important mission in their own neighborhoods, BCM provides training through our program “In Step With the Master Teacher.” Following the example of Jesus as the Master Teacher, ISMT provides people with tools to teach children the life-giving truths of Scripture.
“The strategy of ISMT is about ministry multiplication,” explains Stephen King, BCM’s regional director for Africa and Asia.
BCM International’s three steps of children’s ministry training multiplication:
- Through ISMT, children’s ministry workers learn effective teaching methods for children.
- “Train the Trainer” goes a step further, equipping people to teach ISMT to others.
- Finally, “Mobilize” teaches people to be lead trainers – the ones who pass along their skills and knowledge to multiply vital children’s ministry.
“A big-picture goal of Mobilize is to help the lead trainers to be catalysts for children’s ministry in their areas,” shares Stephen.
Mobilize Global 2025
Mobilize Global took place this May in Kampala, Uganda. A select group of passionate children’s ministry leaders from Africa were chosen by their lead trainers or BCM national directors. These leaders were invited to Mobilize because of their excellent commitment to teaching the Bible to children and equipping other teachers through ISMT in their own nations. Nearly 30 attendees hailed from Kenya, Uganda, DR Congo, South Sudan, and Ecuador. Mobilize reaches far beyond BCM, as most of the participants and some volunteers are from churches and organizations that partner with BCM. Each plans to bring what they’ve learned back to their own regions to continue teaching others about bringing the Bible to children.
Pat Govender, BCM’s global ISMT coordinator, organized and facilitated the extensive, multi-day training event. “Our mission is to reach all children and disciple them,” she says. “We provide vision and tools to equip and support them, as well as for them to go and pass on to and mentor the trainers and workers they train.”
“Under the good leadership of Pat, this exceptional week-long training empowered leaders with the tools needed to return to their home country and train others well,” explains BCM President Dr. Rick Rhoads. “It was a real gift to watch key leaders like Pat, Jane and Stephen King, and Bekah Querfeld (director of global education) participate in key resourcing and training.”
Cross-Cultural Collaboration
Another benefit of this in-person, multi-country training is the fellowship, collaboration, and camaraderie it produces around a common ministry goal. “This event helps our trainers connect with trainers from other countries who have the same vision and passion, to help children know, love and obey God, and to equip the workers to know how to do that well,” Pat summarizes. “Building community, learning, sharing stories, discussing challenges faced, helping one another and sharing ideas – it is amazing to see people become family. They are so encouraged and spurred on to go back and even want to do more.”
Josephine Galdayan is a lead trainer for ISMT and Train the Teacher in Africa who attended the event. “The training is so relevant in our times as it’s a matter that’s at the heart of God. We were literally mobilized for the big picture – going to all the world for His kingdom come, in the world of children,” she said.
Josephine described Mobilize as people with the same heart beating for what God values all under one roof together. She described a spirit of collaboration, encouragement, idea sharing and prayer. “It’s heaven on earth,” she summarizes. “It’s a gathering that God is felt.”
Josephine especially appreciated starting each day of Mobilize with devotions and prayer. “It was my best moments of the day! The devotion felt like God directly speaking to our hearts.” Meal times were especially meaningful to her because she was able to eat with others from different countries and cultures. “The conversations were rich and very eye opening. For me it felt like removing my own lenses and seeing God’s world in God’s eyes. It made me pray for countries and issues I’ve never thought of praying for before. It made me feel God’s heart for children everywhere. I am grateful.”
New ISMT Africa Coordinator Appointed
At Mobilize, Pauline Mwangi was named the new ISMT Africa coordinator. This follows the promotion of Pat Govender to her global role. “Pauline has a significant history of strong visioneering and ministry in Nairobi, Kenya, and has demonstrated character, integrity, and a passion for the training and the African church,” says Rick. “Pauline is a strong addition to our African team and is a recent answer to prayer.”
Additional Uganda Leaders Equipped
Following Mobilize, a one-day Pastors and Ministry Leaders Conference was led by Joshua Anguyo, BCM national director of Uganda. Continuing the strategy of equipping and ministry multiplication, Joshua designed the event to provide local church leaders with ministry tools. Archbishop of Uganda, Rev. Dr. Henry Luke Orombi was one special guest in attendance. Main sessions, collaboration times, vision casting, and global church care and support comprised the significant event.
Mobilize Launches Leaders Internationally
For the attendees, Mobilize is just the beginning. In the weeks following the event, participants have already begun ministry multiplication – nationals reaching their neighbors for Christ! Two leaders trained 59 children’s workers in Rwanda. They met with church leaders to explore theology of ministry to children and how they can be catalysts of effective discipleship in their communities. 20 people were trained for children’s ministry in a small town near Nairobi. Trainings are planned New Zealand and Austrailia in the fall.
“Mobilize is very strategic in following Jesus command for the Great Commission,” notes Josephine. “I believe God gave me a chance to be part of this for a great cause. I submit to the adventure with Him – for his Kingdom.”
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