Measuring the Benefits of Biblical Theological Training

How do we measure the benefits of the training Middle East Theological College (METC) in N. Iraq offers its students? Many possible answers exist, but a student’s testimony provides a beautiful response to that question:

M. has taken most of our courses and doesn’t remember which one it was that Dr. Miller discussed the power of the Spirit through the Word, as we witness. At one point, he remarked on Jesus’ assurance that we would be given what to say when we need to speak.

In the course of her ministry, M. had to travel to a region where she had previously faced persecution and dangerous threats. She didn’t want to go, but finally agreed. She and her husband were visiting families in our Child Sponsorship Program and as they arrived at their first home, she hoped she would not have to say anything. The family invited them in so that they could receive their food supply. As they talked, her husband asked if they could pray for them—the family was Muslim, so there was no certainty how this would be received. But the father immediately expressed his pleasure and then began to cry and asked if they could pray for the family’s oldest son, who suffered from seizures. As he begged for prayer, M. didn’t want to say anything and kept silent. But then, she remembered what she had learned about the Spirit’s help, and quickly asked for it. Then she began to share with the father and family.

She said, “In the Bible, there is a story of a father who brought his son to Jesus with the same kind of problem!” And she told the story of the demon-possessed boy and his father who said, “Lord, I believe, help my unbelief.” She finished by saying that Jesus would want them to pray for this and that he could even heal if that is what Jesus wanted to do. They prayed, and the family expressed great happiness that they had been able to hear this story and have this prayer. As you can imagine, we are all praying for the family to trust the Lord, and that Jesus will, indeed, heal that young man. Your prayers and support enable this ministry to continue, providing vital training to the next generation of Christians.