International School of Missions
Location: Kampala, Uganda
Timeline: On-going
Status: Currently operating
Topics: Christian education of church leadership
The Description
The International School of Missions exists to glorify God by training and equipping pastors, evangelists, missionaries and teachers in order to develop leaders who are able to teach others and fulfill the Great Commission in Africa and around the world.
The International School of Missions (ISM) has students from many different countries, many of whom are pastoring churches with no Biblical training. Because of ISM, they can receive the training necessary to deliver Biblically accurate teaching to their churches. They attend two classes each morning, then one in the afternoon. This leaves time for them to take care of their other responsibilities, as many have other jobs or pastoral duties to attend to.
ISM develops the abilities of its students to understand and properly interpret God’s Word. It also strives to develop their Christian character and relationship skills. The curriculum ISM uses to accomplish these goals includes concentrated study of the books of the Bible, theology, ministry strategies, preaching techniques, Godly personal development, evangelistic skills, mission strategies and language skills.
The Need
Pastor Nizeye’s story is a a good example of the great need for discipleship and understanding of Biblical doctrine in Africa. It also demonstrates the effectiveness of ISM at meeting that need and planting the seeds of multiplication.
It was in the year 2000 that I was convicted by the Holy Spirit, and I heard that the day of Judgment was coming. This led me to repent of my sins, and I trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ. I immediately started a church in Kampala, Uganda but because I was untrained, I failed to teach and disciple my members. In six months, the church was closed down because I had no knowledge and experience of God. I knew God had called me, but I lacked the words to feed His flock. I wanted to serve my Lord with all my heart, but I had no knowledge of His word or how to share Christ with other people. I started preaching on the streets of Kampala without knowing God’s sound doctrine or even which book of the Bible to open. Because I had no biblical training, I sometimes preached heresies on the streets and in the market places.
While preaching on the streets, God provided me with a woman who became my wife. After our marriage, I continued with street evangelism and God’s favor was upon me because I heard how ITMI’s International School of Missions (ISM) was training and equipping pastors in Kampala. I praised God that I could be trained! The training from ISM has helped me realize my dream; to establish a national center of evangelism where we train evangelists and send them out to the whole world.By example, I have learned humility, discipleship and how to share Christ from the ISM leaders. Academically, ISM has prepared me to effectively know the Scriptures, know what it is to be humble, and know the way of discipleship. Now, I am gaining confidence in the Word of God and the discipleship of other believers from living examples and godly curriculum. Now I know what I didn’t know in the past. I am now learning how to start a church and how to disciple new believers.
I serve God in a cell group in Kampala where I apply the teaching I receive from ISM. Many have benefited from the teaching and are being transformed. One such person was Mama Richard. she was addicted to alcohol. Mama Richard had marital problems, was confused, and desperate. After repenting and trusting in Christ, her life has been completely transformed. She is now leading other women to Christ in her community.
Muhindo Kawede, Pastor Nizeye and Agnes
Another person being transformed is Agnes Iga. She had become a Christian, but was struggling. Agnes Iga was fighting with her neighbors. She believed they were bewitching her. For protection, she started consulting a witchdoctor. Agnes Iga joined my cell group and from the cell group, she learned about forgiveness and trusting God for His protection instead of turning to witchdoctors. Now Agnes Iga has found peace and reconciliation with God and with her neighbor. Recently Agnes Iga testified that for her first time she shared food with one of her neighbors.
Goals
- Train and equip many more local Christian leaders.
- Grow in influence in the community by bringing local churches together to accomplish common goals.
- Offer more scholarships and financial assistance to students.
Needs
- Personal support for Muhindo Kawede, ISM founder.
- Scholarship funds for quality students who cannot afford to pay tuition.
- Support covering ISM’s expenses.
- A large vehicle for ISM’s evangelism program.
Who’s Involved
- ITMI to provide US exposure and guidance.
- Local pastors to provide additional mentoring.
- National Ugandan Christian leaders providing support and publicity.
