BY BECKETT, EVA

Raising up Warriors

     Discipleship is the heart of GSM. The LORD, through them, empowers and strengthens young professionals so that they can grow as Christian leaders and bear witness to Mongolia. This mission aims to raise up warriors and train them for the battles to come.

     The downfall for the Church is when she brings people to Christ, but fails to disciple them. This problem inhibits those Believers and can cause falling away or heresy. Depression can also follow when faced with oppressive opposition or tragic life events.

     This need was laid on Pastor David Beckett, GSM Founder and President. After seeing the struggles Mongolian Christians dealt with when they returned home (from South Korean University David taught/pastored at), David understood what God’s will was for him. His main task was to mentor and disciple Mongolian Christians to face the trials of this world. Thus, when he established GSM, David made discipleship the purpose.

Spiritual Training: Pastor David Beckett leads the GSM
staff and Summer 2017 mission in a Bible study of
Colossians. From left to right: John Frye, David Beckett,
Amy, and Jo (jAw). Others present: Bogi Zorigtbaatar,
Nomin Tsedensodnom, and Eva Beckett. Photo by Eva Beckett

     Since 2013, whenever David is in Mongolia, he holds a Bible study with the GSM staff and others. During this special time, he teaches them how to study the verses. For example, how to have context, examine, delve deep, cross reference, understand meaning behind a word or phrase, and how it falls into the bigger picture, etc.

     Over time, one sees growth in those God raises through GSM. The staff has a deeper understanding of how to read and interpret Scripture, seeing the many layers the Word has. This discipleship brings the staff into a closer relationship with God and empowers them to empower others.

     One of the members of the staff is Amy, both a wife and mother. She is very intelligent and her mind easily makes Biblical connections, understands concepts, and dives into the Scriptures. She currently studies Greek and Hebrew online. With GSM’s discipleship, she has grown and has a gift to disciple others. She helps David put together and organize Crossing materials, as well as creates her own Bible studies for others. 

     During the 2017 Summer Young Adult mission, Eva Beckett and John Frye, saw GSM’s discipleship in action.

     On July 21, when all of the staff arrived at the office, they went through introductions, then gave an overview of what was on the docket. Afterwards, David led a study in Colossians. They did the first fourteen verses, digging deep.

     First, they read and then all silently observed the text. David then used the Socratic method, challenging and guiding them with questions. This way gets the mentored to think and understand on their own and eventually for them to come up with the inquiries.

     Discussions would follow and David would weave in ideas and/or concepts to drive the study and make important points. One such thing is application, a person must understand the audience of the passage, knowing when to think in terms of “we the Body” and/or “I the individual”.

     This kind of discipleship is needed everywhere and it is beautiful to see it in the GSM staff. Knowing how to use the tools and wisdom God has given us and understanding how to apply those things makes a warrior powerful, his sword keen, and his shield strong.