Baptist Theological Institute in Africa to Become Self-Sustaining

January 14, 2009 – 1:30 pm

Baptist Mid-Missions (BMM) reports that the Baptist Theological Institute (Institut Théologique Baptiste in French: ITB) in San Pedro, Ivory Coast will soon become self-sustaining due to the recent creation of a business center. From the BMM “news” section:

The business of discipleship: An African Bible institute becomes self-sustaining

Disciple-making is foundational to any missions work. That’s why Steve and Gayle King started the Baptist Theological Institute in San Pedro, Ivory Coast in 1999. By God’s grace, the institute is training students to reach the lost and see new churches born.

Having served in Africa for nearly 20 years, Steve and Gayle also understand important it is to make ministries self-sustaining. For years they’ve prayed for a small business that the Institute could operate to keep income flowing long after they leave. In late 2008, their prayers were answered, as related in a recent prayer letter:

The Center of ITB [Institut Théologique Baptiste, or in English, Baptist Theological Institute] has been created for a special purpose and under special circumstances. The overall purpose is to glorify God (1 Cor. 10:31).  Our prayer is that through this business, the Bible Institute ministry will be able to continue training men and women according to 2 Tim 2.2, as well as to be a lighthouse and outreach to the lost.

The idea of this business center begun when we considered how ITB could become self-sufficient. The Bible Institute is currently funded by gifts of friends and churches in the United States. In order for the Bible Institute to function without the missionaries’ presence one day, a way was needed for it to be financially self-supporting.

A photocopy center was the original idea, since there are a number of colleges in the area where students need papers typed and copies run off…

Entire article.

It is encouraging to see the process of indigenization being implemented in church planting and training institutions around the world. This desire to establish self-sustaining ministries is always best for the ministry and the missionary in the end, even though it is often difficult to transfer leadership and direction over to nationals. It is wise to begin implementing national leadership ASAP, which the King’s have done with this institute. It is encouraging to be able to commend this indigenous work. Praise the Lord for the great things He has done for the sake of His Name!

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