Discipleship Commission Mission: Journey to Destiny

By APOSTLE MARK EXCEL

JOURNEY TO DESTINY: DISCIPLESHIP, COMMISSION, MISSION

THE DIRE NEED AND SHORTFALL IN CHURCHES AND MINISTRIES AROUND THE WORLD TODAY IS THE QUEST BY LEADERS TO "MAKE DISCIPLES". THIS SHORTAGE HAS TO A LARGE EXTENT MADE THE CHURCHES AND MINISTRIES DO EVERYTHING ELSE BUT DISCIPLESHIP. THERE IS A LOT OF UNTAPPED POTENTIAL WASTED IN CHURCH PEWS, SITTING UNPROVOKED, UNCHALLENGED UNTRAINED AND UNEQUIPPED AS DISCIPLES, PROBABLY BECAUSE THE LEADERSHIP IS LACKING ON THIS FIELD.
THIS BOOK, BY APOSTLE MARK ESSIEN EXCEL SURE IS AN ANSWER TO SUCH DEPRIVATION. IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A WORKBOOK OR TEXTBOOK ON DISCIPLESHIP, THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST. APOSTLE MARK'S INSIGHT AND WISDOM ON THE MATTER DOES FOR SURE INSPIRE FAITH, DEEPEN UNDERSTANDING AND EQUIP THE READER TO FULFILL HIS OR HER PURPOSE AND GOD GIVEN DESTINY IN THEIR LIFE. THIS BOOK CONTAINS A DEEP REVELATION FOUND IN NO OTHER.
I PERSONALLY THANK APOSTLE EXCEL, TOGETHER WITH HIS WIFE, FOR BEING OBEDIENT TO THE LEADING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THEIR LIVES. TO GOD BE THE GLORY.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Dec 26, 2013
• ISBN: 9781493155330

APOSTLE MARK EXCEL

Apostle Mark Excel and his wife, Pastor Ann Excel, preside over Voice of Freedom International Ministries, Inc., and Voice of Freedom School of Ministry, a mission and ministry oriented institution where disciples of Christ are trained, commissioned and sent to fulfill their mission. Called and commissioned as an Apostle, he breaks new grounds and plant churches. His focus is missions, global evangelism, revival, marriage restoration, deliverance and refugee ministry. Apostle Mark and his wife Pastor Ann Excel are blessed with six children and a grandchild: Wisdom, Blessing, Bright, Gods power, Gospel, Freedom and Precious. They reside in New York with their children. Apostle Excel and his wife co-host "Moment of Freedom" a regular TV program on Public Access Chanel 20. They are credited with one of the Best Books on Spiritual Warfare: CRISIS MANAGEMENT: A SPIRITUAL APPROACH. Connect with Apostle Excel on his web video: HYPERLNK http://www. voiceoffreedomim.org. Website: www.vofim.org.

Book preview

DISCIPLESHIP

COMMISION

MISSION

Journey To Destiny

Twelve Experiences Every Christian must have to avoid a

Broken Net Ministry

With Apostle Mark Excel’s Personal Testimony!

(A DISCIPLESHIP MANUAL))

Written By

APOSTLE MARK EXCEL

Edited By

EVANGELIST NINA GAMOTIS

And

DR. MICHAEL ALIQUO

Reviewed By

PASTOR ENO-OBONG SIMON ETIM

And

REV. TONY COLON

Copyright © 2013 by Apostle Mark Excel.

Library of Congress Control Number:         2013922905

ISBN:                  Hardcover                        978-1-4931-5532-3

                            Softcover                          978-1-4931-5531-6

                            eBook                               978-1-4931-5533-0

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted

in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system,

without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Unless otherwise indicated, Bible quotations are taken from The King James Version of the Bible. Copyright © 1975, 1988 by Thomas Nelson Inc.

This hand-book on Discipleship, Commission and Mission is a must read by every Christian particularly by those who desire to be a part of the great commission. It contains all the steps that Jesus took His disciples through to make them effective in administering the church after His departure.

By Apostle Mark E. Excel

For information on Voice of Freedom International Ministries, Inc. or Apostle Excel,

Contact us at: P. O. Box 899, Brentwood, NY 11717, or 631-428-1432; 631-522-6881; 631-630-6245; or [e-mail], [e-mail], [e-mail], [e-mail]

Websites: www.voiceoffreedomim.org, www.vofim.org

Rev. date: 12/19/2013

To order additional copies of this book, contact:

Xlibris LLC

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

[e-mail]

138339

Contents

Acknowledgements

Preface

Chapter 1       Introduction

Chapter 2       Repentance Experience

Chapter 3       New Birth Experience And Followership

Chapter 4       Mountain Climbing Experience

Chapter 5       Learning Experience

Chapter 6       Learning Experience Contd. (Jesus Christ Is The Word Of God)

Chapter 7       Coming Down From Mountain Experience

Chapter 8       Decision Experience

Chapter 9       Ship Entering Experience

Chapter 10       Storm Experience

Chapter 11       The Other Side Experience

Chapter 12       Christian Growth And Maturity Experience: Or Cross Carrying Experience

Chapter 13       The Pentecost Experience

Chapter 14       Victorious Christian Life Experience

Chapter 15       Commission And Mission (Ministry)

Chapter 16       Journey Through Life:

Chapter 17       Journey To Slavery At Calabar

Chapter 18       My First Office Job And Offering

Chapter 19       A Call To Mission

Chapter 20       Second Missionary Journey

Chapter 21       God Releases His Power For Service-God Uses Us For Miracles, Signs And Wonders

Dedication

This Book is Dedicated to Faithful Men and Women of God in the Front Line.

It is dedicated to all faithful missionaries in the field who have left everything to carry the burden of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the dying world, and to all friends of Jesus and ministers of the gospel who endure daily afflictions like good soldiers of Jesus Christ.

I pray that the Lord grant them the grace to run this race to the end, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Acknowledgements

I acknowledge the Almighty God for His love and mercy towards me and for His abundance grace that has brought me thus far. I acknowledge Jesus Christ the Son of God for accepting to come to earth and to die for my sins. Through His death on the cross I can proudly say, Heaven is sure for me and my household. I acknowledge the Holy Spirit for giving me the anointing to do what I am doing. There are many people with better educational qualification and oratory prowess who have not been able to sit down and put one and one together to form a book that people can read and benefit from. This book is completely the work of the Holy Spirit.

My thanks go to all our partners, home and abroad, and all those who have taken the pains to write letters of recommendations and endorsements to this book. I thank my producer, His Reality TV Ministries, Pastor Veama Braithwaite, Pastor Bassey and Ancient of Days Ministries, Rev. Dr. Edith Warford and Second Chance Family, Chosen Generation Church, Jesus Never Fails Church, Blessed Assurance Church, Consuming Fire Ministry, Bishop and Rev. Brutus and Remsen family, Rev. and Pastor Dimanche and family, Pastor Fritz and Elizabeth Jourdain and family, Pastor Matthew Udoka, Voice of Freedom, Lagos, Rev. Scott and Dianne Cuoco and family; Rev. Robert R.L. Searcy, Rev. Martins Kyei Effa, Ghana; Pastor Olufemi of Jesus Miracle Evangelical Church whom the Lord sent to my bed side as my body was ready to be sent to the mortuary when the Lord took me to show me hell and heaven. Special thanks to Dr. Joseph Ukpong, Arch-Bishop Jeremiah Ekanem, Pastor Selekere, Rev. Akpan, and my friend Rev. Fidelis Success and family, all in Lagos, Nigeria. Thanks to Pastor Tengue Boniface of EMISDA, Togo; Pastor Christian LaGrace, my God-sent interpreter; Our missionaries in Togo, Ministers Janet and her husband Evangelist Eusebio Afiss Festus. Thanks to Apostle Grace, Kathy, Prophet James Shrader, Rev. Tim Dwyer and family and all the members of the team that meet every Thursday in my house for worship service.

I say a big thank you to the Ette’s Family. My special thanks go to Rev. Engineer Ette, his wife and children and my brother, Dr. Ene Ette, his wife and children for their love and continued support to our vision. It has been a blessing for me to be a part of this great and blessed family. May the Lord continue to bless and protect every member of Ette’s family.

Special thanks to my cousin, Dr. Jimmy Umoh, his wife and children for their encouragement and support.

Special thanks to my high school English teacher, Madam Margaret Ntiti whom God used to nurture me as a mother and in the proper use of tenses. Today, I have seen the result of her tutorship.

Special thanks to my umbrella Church: Bethel Gospel Assembly, Harlem, New York, Bishop Carlton Brown and his family, and the entire Bethel family.

I will not forget the Butler’s family. My special word of encouragement, appreciation and prayers go to Lilian Butler, her children and grandchildren for standing by me at all times. We say thank you Laura, Jason, Jacqueline and Mark for being a part of our family.

I will not forget to say thank you to some of my students in Voice of Freedom School of Ministry for their love and contribution towards the success of this book. Thank you pastor Eno-Obong Etim, pastor Florence Ekpenyong, Linda Uko, Ndifreke Nenty, Grace Osuagwu, Kathyann Louison, Brother Victor Udensi, Evang. Mercy Heyward, Ugo Ukasoanya, Charles Uko, Charlene BeBrun, Judith Kong, Lillian Beniquez, Titiloye Victoria, Elder and Evang. Mrs. Adekunle, and others that cannot be mentioned here because of space. May the Lord continue to bless each and every one of you. Amen.

I say a big thank you to Elder (Dr.) Andrew Omotoso, his wife and his children for their spiritual, moral and financial support. May they good Lord continue to uphold them. Amen.

A special thanks to a dear friend and sister Carla-Ann Dos Santos-De Boulay. We love you, and trust that the mighty hand of God’s protection will continue to be yours.

A special acknowledgement and a thank you message to my wonderful in-laws: Mr. Samuel Essiet, Professor Edem Essiet, Ubong William Essiet and their entire families for being there for us at all time. May the Almighty God bless you all.

Our thanks go to Rev. Tony and Pat Colon and family. Your help and support is highly appreciated.

My thanks go to Brother Paul and his wife Sister Priscilla Ukpah for their love towards us. Be blessed and highly favored of the Lord.

A special thanks to Pastor Utin, his wife, Deaconess Blessing Utin for kindness and prayer support.

Thank you to a great man of God, Dr. Leonard Onyiah wife and children for their love and support. May the Lord continue to bless them. Amen.

I will I not fail to say a big thank you to a beloved brother, Mr. Ukonne Samuel who usually calls to see how we are doing, it means a lot to us.

A say a big thank to Angel and Liza Prado for their love and prayers.

Finally, special thanks go to my blessed and wonderful family: my God-given wife, she is like a fruitful vine within my house, and my children: Wisdom, Blessing, Bright, Godspower, Gospel and Freedom are like olive plants round about my table. Thank God I have seen my children’s children, Precious Chidimma Uchendu and my son-in-law, Evangelist Collins Uche Ndu, and Voice of Freedom. Peace be upon my household. Amen.

RECOMMENDATIONS AND ENDORSEMENTS

BISHOP PAUL NYA-LOME, TOGO, WEST AFRICA

I have known Apostle Mark Excel for a long time. We share the same passion, and as a proven missionary, when I see one I recognize easily. Apostle Excel knows what he is talking about because he has not just been in the boardroom, but has been right there in the field fighting and results are evident.

The level of teaching Apostle Excel brought in to JOURNEY TO DESTINY, (Discipleship, Commission, Mission) is absolutely incredible and profound. He has made the topic of Discipleship easy to understand by all. This is a must read book for all workers and Leaders in all churches.

Bishop Paul Nya, Go Fetch Them Ministry International (Praise Chapel Churches), Lome, Togo.

Phone: [phone],

paulnyaministries.org

REV. DR. ISRAEL J. PONNAPPAH-INDIA http://o.aolcdn.com/cdn.webmail.aol.com/38129/images/common/space.gif

I could hear the utterance of Jesus Christ in the heart of Apostle Mark Excel. And because God wants every person to become HIS Disciple, commissioned and to be sent in the World Mission, I strongly believe that Apostle Mark Excel has gone through these twelve stages in his life journey from one continent to another one, as a true Disciple to fulfill the great commission in the Mission, which God has beautifully designed for HIS Disciples. So this book, Journey to Destiny, is not a subject of Apostle Mark Excel to write a book but it is his life because his heart has been knit together with the utterance of Jesus. No doubt this book will move the readers into the next level also. I strongly recommend this book to be taught in the Churches, Missions, Leadership and Discipleship programmes and Bible colleges.

May the Good Lord bless Apostle Mark Excel, his family and his ministry for bringing out this book.

REV. DR. ISRAEL J. PONNAPPAH,

FOUNDER CHRIST GUIDANCE MISSION, INDIA.

PASTOR MARK DELLOSSO—LINDENHURST, NEW YORK

Journey to Destiny is a much needed book written for everyone who longs for spiritual growth, and, an elevated, joyful and victorious life in Christ! Apostle Mark’s Divine insights will equip believers for life and ministry. There are few significant books on my bookshelf that are as important as this one. Journey to Destiny is a must read that deserves a place in your reference library, because it contains Godly teachings and biblical principles that many books today are lacking. The Lord calls each and every one of us to spiritual maturity. You will find that to be the desire of the author and the vision for this book. Everyone wants a ‘Mountain Top’ experience, but in order to go from mountain top to mountain top, you have to go by way of the valley! Right from the heart of God you will find renewed faith and hope for your personal journey when in the valley and in the storms! You will definitely want to read this book with a highlighter pen, for the principals within, are not only biblically practical, but come from the personal life and experiences of the author. Apostle Mark flows in the fivefold ministry, and is a valued asset everywhere he is sent! We are blessed at Heart of Worship to be called his home church! He is often heard saying, I know what I am talking about! and "God is faithful!" Why? Because he has been through some of the most violent struggles that you and I have only seen dramatized on television! We have been desensitized through it all, while he was being sensitized for us all! Through them all, God has been faithful to him and gotten him through! God has instructed, taught, granted wisdom, and raised up the man of God he is today! Apostle Mark has captured the very heart of kingdom principals in this book. The anointing of God upon this book is because of the anointing of God upon my dear friend, Apostle Mark. Personally, Mark Excel is a devoted husband and father. He is warm and caring, but when dealing with the things of the Spirit, he is serious and deliberate! This Apostolic Father has been such a friend and an inspiration to me and my family that I trust whole heartedly. I know that this book will inspire, encourage and enrich you as well! Because Mark’s understanding of the role of apostle in the family of God is so profound, I enthusiastically recommend this book to you. It will deeply touch your life and will come like a drink of cool water to the thirsty!

Pastor Mark Dellosso, Heart of Worship Church, 301 West Hoffman Ave. Lindenhurst, NY 11757—www.heartofworshipny.org

DR. MICHAEL ALIQUO-FARMINGVILLE, NEW YORK

I have had the great good fortune to personally know Apostle Mark Excel and his Family. He is truly an anointed Man Of God who has a deep message for the church found in the many chapters of this book. TRUE GODLY DIVINE DISCIPLESHIP is the blueprint sorely missing in today’s churches. Apostle Mark releases the intimate Logos-Rhema word of GOD in every page directly into the heart of each and every reader. GET READY to receive the acutely profound prophetic message of true Godly discipleship that the body of Christ has been thirsting and hungering to receive for years! IT IS TIME for the remnant to rise up and release their GOD ordained callings and gifts to the many lost souls. Apostle Mark has activated the connection of the heart of GOD to the Heart of every true disciple in Journey to Destiny: Discipleship, Commission, and Mission. NOW GO, MOVE IN YOUR ASSIGNED DESTINY, BELOVED ONES! Dr. Michael Aliquo, Seeking GOD’S Face Ministries, 498 College Rd, Farmingville, NY 11738 [phone]

APOSTLE GRACE MAIALE-BOHEMIA, NEW YORK

I have been blessed to personally know Apostle Mark Excel and his family. He is a truly anointed, faithful, and steadfast man of God. His contribution to the body of Christ and me personally is indescribable. His enthusiasm of preaching the word of God is an endless supply of great joy. The body of Christ has been given a gift of deep revelation through Apostle Mark’s life, straight forward discussion that gives us a plumb line. God is restoring the powerful ministry of the apostle to His end-time Church. Apostle Mark has planted many churches and his book on discipleship is truly a blueprint for the body of Christ to follow. It will help many by bringing out their calling, election, and destiny for their rightful place in the body of Christ. If you are one who has determined to put your head on the block for truth, then I encourage you to read this book that will catapult you forth into a deeper spiritual journey. The church is an apostolic company. This book is relevant to every believer seeking greater service in His Kingdom. It brings clarity to the move of God and the role of disciples today. I recommend this book to you.—Apostle Grace Maiale, Gushing Rivers Of Life Ministries Intl. 105 Saddle Cove Road, Bohemia, NY 11716-(631)-521-7218

BISHOP MEL MALTO-QUEENS, NEW YORK

This is a necessary book written by Apostle Mark Excel that brings authority and credibility of the word of God through the life of the author and writer. Praise God for this new resource book for Discipleship, Commission and Mission. May the blessing of God be upon you as you absorb every chapter of this book.

In this day of change and unrest, we often ask ourselves: is there a way to live in this age and still be a strong witness for Christ? Apostle Mark since I have known him for quite a number of years since he came to America is one with an overabundance of blessing. He is a man deeply committed to Christ and His cause. He not only wants to tell us what has made his life different but what he is willing to give us, new life in Christ. The years have passed by since I met him and he is still on the same journey, the journey of teaching the word of God in a deeper and extraordinary way. His personal teaching and ministering the word of God has resulted in a generation of witnesses for the cause of Christ. Only one conclusion is possible when a man leaves his homeland and goes out to a foreign land to preach, to teach, to minister, to be a missionary and evangelist. He feels a Divine call to make such a sacrifice. Part of his song goes; I have fire, fire, fire, fire down in my heart today I have the joy in my heart to meet an oracle of God in this last hour of the last day.

Pastor/Bishop Mel Malto, Glory Tabernacle Healing and Deliverance Center, 79-11 Caldwell Ave. Middle Village, NY 11379, www.healingrooms.com

PASTOR JAMES LEBRUN-NEW JERSEY

I am writing as a student of Voice of Freedom School of Ministry and on behalf of all the students past and present who have learned under Apostle Mark Excel. My co learners in Christ and I can attest that what is written and taught in this book has not only had a profound impact on all of our lives but we are still learning while trying to teach others these same truths. The Man of God has himself been discipled and is fulfilling the Great Commission that The Lord Jesus Christ asks of us all. With the ability to offer these teachings in print form to millions and millions of people, the Lord has given us an advantage over many who did not live in the days and age where writings were readily available for anyone to obtain. I implore all to take advantage of what The Lord has given to us in this book and give God praise for the manifestation of what is to come from these teachings.

Pastor James LeBrun, on behalf of all students of Voice of Freedom School of Ministry and for Feed My Sheep Ministries Worldwide, New Jersey

REV. SUSAN BRENNAN-NEW YORK

My husband and I have been acquainted with the author Mark Excel and his family for ten years. We have watched Apostle Mark and his wife Pastor Ann minister tirelessly, day and night, to countless numbers of people, giving their all for the Gospel. In his testimony, Apostle Mark shares some of the Lord’s incredible workings that have led to, and supported, the call of God on his life. It is one that shows a specific leading of God which results in the building of great faith, tremendous commitment to the body of Christ, and obedience to the voice of God. In it will you find principles to live and grow by, and will be encouraged as you watch the plan of God unfold through his life. We see the blueprint of God being revealed, and can learn that there are no shortcuts in God to those who will give their lives to Him. By reading the personal testimony written within these pages, and by watching the way he and his family conduct their lives for the gospel’s sake, we feel comfortable recommending this Christian literary work to those who desire to read it.

Rev. Susan Brennan 516 850-7398.

Amazing Grace Ministry,

P.O. Box 711, Sayville NY 11782

REV. CELESTE LOSARDO-OLD BETHPAGE, NY

I have known Apostle Mark and Ann Excel for 10 years, since they were called to live in New York. The Lord has given Apostle Mark Excel great revelation into the scriptures through a life of commitment to prayer, fasting, and love towards the Body of Christ. His book is a calling to help believers understand where they are in their journey with God. Apostle Mark feels a responsibility to put the tools in our hands to help us experience a life of victory. The Holy Spirit has truly inspired him to write this book for our benefit. Apostle Mark has sacrificed much of his life so we could walk in freedom. This book will help you identify your season of life, and discover the destiny to which God is taking you. It has helped me identify the time and season I am in my person life and in my ministry. It will do the same for you. I thank God for the wisdom and counsel that God gave Apostle Mark to write this book.

Reverend Celeste LoSardo

Director of Abiding In The Vine Ministries

3 Lois Lane, Old Bethpage, NY 11804

[phone]

REV. CRAIG AND PASTOR YVONNE NEAL-YONKERS, NEW YORK

My wife and I are delighted to offer our recommendation for a book that should be required reading for all who have died to flesh and set upon the road to follow Christ wherever he may lead. We have known Apostle Mark for 10 years and have found him to be a man of INTEGRITY, GREAT FAITH, AND CHARACTER. We have watched him travel through many trials and tribulations over the past decade as he sought to find stability in the land to which God had sent him and because of his faithful walk, we have increased in our faith. We have witnessed the miraculous way in which God has answered each and every one of his prayers, fulfilled his desires, and made upward paths for him and his wife Ann in the ministry of the Gospel. The very writing of this discipleship manual is proof positive that God is with this Man of God, speaks to his through deep revelation of the scriptures, fights every battle, and to Him belongs the Glory forever and ever. May God richly bless you, Friend, and reward your obedience in this life and in this country.

Bethel Gospel Assembly, New York, NY

914-258-1102; 6465849151

PASTOR DAMEN HEYWARD-NEW JERSEY

While learning as a student under the tutelage of Apostle Mark Excel, I can say you never know what a person has endured or the many trials and hardships that life has shown a person that the Lord and only the Lord could have brought that individual through. While reading through these pages and especially the personal trials that Apostle Mark Excel and his family went through at his very young age, one would think these trials would have damaged his life, mental capacity to love people, and function as a normal person in society. This is proof that God can take what was meant for evil and use it for His plan and take a land so violently filled with murder and cannibalism in a time of war, and show that what was not known then is that this land would be the stepping stone to launch Apostle Excel’s ministerial greatness.

Pastor Damen Heyward

Voice of Freedom School of Ministry

347-344-1580

REV. DR. CHERYL BARKER

It is with a deep sense of pleasure that I highly recommend the Discipleship Manual by Apostle Mark Excel to all Bible scholars, pastors and church leaders. I have had the opportunity to personally know Apostle Mark Excel and his family. He is truly an end-time messenger to the body of Christ. Apostle Mark is a Bible teacher and a dedicated educational reformer, guides us through the necessary steps for true discipleship training. The entire manual is based on the Word of God and the examples that Christ has given to us. This manual is an asset that will enhance our study or teaching on discipleship. God’s richest blessings!

Rev. Dr. Cheryl Barker

Consuming Fire Ministries Intl., Inc.

718-887-6933

REV. MARTINS EFFA-KYEI BALFOUR-GHANA, WEST AFRICA

When Apostle Mark Excel writes the way he has; it is only natural, having gone through the thick and thin in life-both secularly and in Ministry!

I remember when, about two decades ago he told me that God was sending him to Togo on missions and we began to pray and talk things over (I knew a bit about Togo as a Ghanaian who incidentally had moved to live in Nigeria).

It was an emotional moment the day he left, leaving behind his wife and children trusting only in the Lord, as he knew no soul in Togo. Thus began the teeth-cutting of this great Apostle of our time in Missions, and I believe that with his great wealth of experience and insight, this book will both challenge, encourage and guide Million of Saints who want to be counted among the soldiers of Christ to reach the un-reached beyond the comfort zones of their home countries looking unto the Captain of our salvation. God richly bless you!

Rev. Martins Effa-Kyei Balfour

Mountain Moving Ministries

E-mail: [e-mail]

[phone]/ 265075175

Preface

DISCIPLESHIP, COMMISSION, MISSION

A few years ago, I had a dream that would later translate into a ministry gift. In that dream, I was teaching a few faithful students in a kiosk (a small structure with a roof made with leaves and grasses without walls round about). I remember using a blackboard and a piece of chalk to write on the board as I talked. The place was near an open market where many people were passing by, some entering into the market and some leaving. Suddenly, it began to rain. At that moment, a man passing by turned into the covered kiosk where I was teaching in, apparently to protect himself from the rain. I observed that the man was becoming interested in my teaching. Each time I faced the blackboard to write something he would turn and face towards me. When I finished writing I would turn to face him and the class. Each time I turned towards them, he would turn his face away, to avoid eye contact. This kept happening until the rain subsided. When the man was ready to leave, he turned and said to me, Teach them, continue to teach them, and don’t depart from teaching. Behold, I have many preachers but few teachers. Teach them, not only these, but as many as I shall send to you.

When I awoke from my dream, I understood that the Lord had committed unto me the ministry of teaching. He helped me set up a school of ministry where His elects are trained and nurtured in the word. Many have been trained, commissioned and sent to go and do the works that the Master had called them into.

Therefore, I will love to preface this book with a title: JESUS, A GIFT FROM GOD THE FATHER TO THE DYING WORLD.

Jesus is a gift from God the Father. The Bible says, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son . . . ." John 3:16.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given . . . . Isaiah 9:6.

Jesus needed to pass through a woman in order to identify with man through human nature. Therefore, a virgin known as Mary, a lady betrothed to Joseph from the tribe of Judah, found favor with God and was chosen to bear the Son of God.

And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. Luke 1:26-27.

The angel Gabriel was sent to Mary with a specific message.

And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. Luke 1:31

The angel Gabriel also told Mary the nature of the baby.

He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David. And He shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of His kingdom there shall be no end. Luke 1:32-33.

Mary, without a husband, needed to know how the baby was going to come. She did not doubt God like Zechariah did, but she was anxious since she did not know a man.

Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? Luke 1:34

The angel Gabriel was able to address Mary’s concern right there.

And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. Luke 1:35.

Mary believed, made herself available, and received!

And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her. Luke 1:38.

Eventually, the prophecy of the birth of Jesus was fulfilled, as the Holy Ghost put the Word of God: the Son of God, Jesus Christ, in the womb of Mary. And the child was born like you and me.

And she brought forth her first-born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7.

Throughout Jesus’ earthly life and ministry, Jesus rarely used the word I was born; He talked more about being sent or I came.

For Zaccheus, Jesus said, For the Son of man ‘is come’ to seek and to save that which was lost. Luke 19:10.

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: ‘I am come’ that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly". John 10:10.

Then Jesus cried in the temple as He taught, saying, Ye both know me, and ye know whence I am: and ‘I am not come’ of myself, but he that ‘sent me’ is true, whom ye know not. But I know Him: for I am from Him, and He hath ‘sent me’. John 7:28-19.

Then said Jesus unto them, Yet a little while am I with you, and then I go unto him that ‘sent me’. John 7:33.

It is only one time in the gospel that Jesus used the word, born. Rather, in the place of born, Jesus preferred the word, son of man. Many may not know why Jesus talked less about His humanity, and more about His divinity. When you talk about birth, you also talk about death. But when you talk about mission or being sent, you talk about fulfilling the mission. Therefore when Jesus talked about being sent, He demonstrated that He had a mandate or a mission to fulfill. When Jesus used the word born it is found in St. John’s Gospel, He used it to demonstrate to Pilate that He was born for a particular purpose; to die. It happened during His trial by Pilate when He was being questioned.

Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. John 18:37.

In the above quotation, Jesus shared Isaiah 9:6 with Pilate. He let him know that He was born as son of man for the purpose of death, (To this end was I born, to carry the judgment of the world and to die in their place). As Jesus was standing in Judgment before Pilate He continued to share that He was sent by His Father in defense of the truth; (The truth that He was the Son of God sent to take away the sins of the world), And for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Note that Jesus had earlier told Pilate in John 18:36 that if His kingdom was of this world, His servants would have fought to save His life, but His kingdom was from another place. Therefore, EVERYONE THAT IS BORN WILL DIE ONE DAY, except those whom Jesus promised would not taste of death until He comes. BUT EVERYONE THAT IS SENT WITH A MISSION MUST HAVE TO FIGHT TO FULFILL THAT MISSION TO BE ABLE TO SEND A REPORT BACK TO GOD, THE SENDER OF THE MISSION.

During the training process that Jesus took His disciples through, He clearly told them this:

Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, He may give it you. John 15:16.

The above statement by Jesus could be analyzed and placed within three segments: 1. Chosen, (Selected as Disciples); 2. Ordained, (Commissioned); 3. Go (Mission). It could further be broken down as follows: I Jesus have selected or appointed you as my disciples, and have ordained or commissioned or empowered you that you should go on a mission or an assignment which will produce abiding fruit when you pray to the Father in My name.

Therefore, this discipleship manual is written and made simple, as a hand-book for those individuals—pastors, leaders, all children of God who may or may not be attending Bible School. It is for all Christians who are interested to know at a glance what discipleship is about. The underlining discipleship training is derived from Saint Matthew’s Gospel with supporting scripture reading from other books of the Bible. It covers the twelve experiences which Jesus took His disciples through before commissioning them to go and preach. Jesus would love today’s disciples to go through this process. It also contains my personal training, testimony and my walk with Jesus for more than forty years. Those experiences include:

Where the Journey in Christ Begins-Repentance Experience; New Birth Experience; Mountain Climbing Experience; Learning Experience; Coming Down from Mountain Experience; Decision Experience; Ship Entering Experience; Storm Experience; The Other Side Experience; Christian Growth and Maturity Experience; Pentecost Experience; Living a Victorious Christian Life Experience, and commissioning rules in relation to missionary activities.

My prayer is that God would help everyone who reads this book by giving them the grace, humility and patience to study it. That they would also be given understanding, revelation knowledge, and wisdom to apply what they learn to their lives, so that they might be called, Pillars in God’s own house, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20

As a missionary, I often wonder whether Christians understand what it means to be called to serve as a missionary in a foreign land. Many seem to equate missions with evangelism: of course, evangelism is a part of missionary activities. A missionary is that DIVINELY UNIQUE person called and commissioned by God to serve in the capacity of an ambassador for the Lord Jesus in a foreign country away from the land of his birth. Although generally speaking, every believer is an ambassador of Christ in the world, but a missionary is Christ’s special ambassador with a portfolio. On the other hand, a minister who moves to or is sent to another part of the country of his birth on ministry work may not qualify to be called a missionary in the original sense of the term. In that case, the name messenger or servant fits well. A missionary is also a messenger or God’s servant, but the fact that he has crossed the borders of his country of birth into another country qualifies him to be called CHRIST AMBASSADOR.

During the time that Jesus was on earth, He never sent out any missionary to a foreign nation. He trained missionaries who would later be sent after His departure. He himself was the greatest missionary who did all the works of mission, going from one country to another. When He decided to send His disciples to go and preach, He strictly charged them where to enter and where not to. He charged them not to go into the Gentile’s nations but to go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. This was to give the Israelites the opportunity to accept or reject Him and God’s message so that they would have nothing to