Touching Lives Beyond the Classroom - NIGERIA

Written By Bart Physioc

by Lydia Ior

Lydia and Clement (top row, middle) with students from the University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

For me, being a lecturer has never been just a profession, it is a calling. The University is not only an academic institution; it is also a mission field where hearts, minds, and destinies are shaped. Over the years, I have come to see that every interaction with a student is an opportunity to touch a life for Christ. My husband, Clement, and I have committed ourselves to living with this awareness staying sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s promptings and trusting God to use our home and our lives to disciple students at the University of Jos.

HOSPITALITY - Our home has become a place of refuge for students—a space for friendship, growth, and transformation. Through our hospitality ministry, our doors are perpetually open to students who come for fellowship, counsel, or simply to find a safe place to belong. Some live with us, while others visit often. We share meals, talk about life, pray, and learn together.

One of the ways we nurture spiritual growth is through book reviews. Each student reads a selected Christian book, prepares a weekly review, and presents it to the group. These sessions often lead to deep discussions, honest questions, and moments of conviction. We also host movie nights where we watch godly films together and reflect on their lessons. At other times, we hold Bible studies, teachings, and one-on-one counseling sessions; both spiritual and academic depending on each student’s need.

BREAKING BREAD… SHARING LIFE - Through simple, consistent acts of hospitality, we aim to reach the whole person spirit, soul, and mind; trusting God to transform lives and prepare these young people to be salt and light wherever He sends them.

A Divine Connection

Two years ago, my husband met Bart Physioc, CEO of Disciplers International (DI). That encounter marked a new phase in our ministry. He went through the Step-by-Step Discipleship Training, became an Associate, and later a Ministry Partner with DI. Eventually, I was introduced to Natalie Fancher, who personally took me through the Step-by-Step training.

My experience with Natalie was life-changing, and it equipped me with practical tools and a deeper understanding of how to walk intentionally with others in discipleship. Soon after, I began leading one-on-one Step-by-Step discipleship sessions with two students. Later, seven more joined, and together we have been learning, growing, and deepening our intimacy with God and one another; what DI call “in-to-me-see”.

GROWING TOGETHER - More students are now showing interest, and it has been a joy watching their hunger for God increase. The Step-by-Step material has become a beautiful complement to our hospitality ministry, giving structure and focus to our discipleship efforts. I have been intentionally investing in one life at a time with the mandate of passing it on to other faithful followers of Christ.

EXAMINATION SEMINAR - After the exams, we organized a three-day retreat for some of the ladies. It was a time of thanksgiving, reflection and renewed commitment to God. We studied together, prayed, shared experiences, and strengthened our bond as sisters in Christ. It was a refreshing pause before they left for the holidays, and we plan to continue our meetings online while they are away.

At the close of the academic session we held a special one-day event: “Beyond the Walls 2025.” It was a time to learn, celebrate, laugh, cry and pray together. - a reminder that discipleship does not end at graduation, but continues on…

EXPANDING THE CIRCLE - Recently, God has begun to extend this work beyond the University. Recently, I met a woman who is deeply passionate about reaching teenagers. She expressed her desire to be equipped for that ministry, and we have since begun the Step by Step discipleship training together. It is a joy to see how God is connecting hearts and expanding the reach of this work to others who are equally eager to serve Him.

“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses, entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” (2 Timothy 2:2)

The Ior family: Lydia, Clement, Chivirter, Aondowase

GRATITUDE AND HOPE - Looking back, I am deeply grateful for the privilege to serve God in this way. To see lives changed, hearts renewed, and young believers equipped to disciple others is a constant reminder of God’s faithfulness. We are also thankful to Disciplers International for equipping, supporting, and strengthening us for this work. The Step-by-Step training has enriched our ministry and expanded our vision to reach more students and individuals beyond campus. As we look ahead, our prayer is simple: that God will continue to use us; our home, our work, and our lives; to raise a generation of people who know Him deeply and make Him known wherever they go.

“Freely you have received; freely give.” (Matthew 10:8)

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Bart Physioc

Bart’s interest in discipleship began at the time of his conversion in 1978, while serving in Guam as a Coast Guard officer. After reading the four gospels in the New Testament, Bart was moved to accept Jesus as Savior and follow Him as Lord. He wanted to be a disciple, but didn’t understand how discipleship was supposed to work, and no one took the initiative to mentor him. Bart’s early discipleship experience was limited to reading books on the subject and going through study guides. Although examples were evident throughout Scripture, but Bart did not have such an experience personally.

While attending Golden Gate Theological Seminary in California, Bart took several courses on discipleship. From those classes, he took the most useful and practical elements of each model and produced a guidebook of his own that was comprehensive in scope, yet concise in presentation. After graduating in 1983 with a Master of Religious Education degree, Bart spent three years developing a discipleship model specifically for college students at the University of Idaho, where he served as Campus Minister. Upon returning to Golden Gate Seminary for his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees, Bart tailored the discipleship model for church plants and then instituted that model in the church he planted and pastored in California. As an Army Chaplain, Bart used the Discipler/Disciple model which led many service members to Christ and provided new believers with a set of tools to disciple others.

Convinced that disciple-making requires a relationship between a mentor (“Discipler”) and learner (“Disciple”), Bart created the 14-Step Discipleship Process, which was launched in 2000 and has been used worldwide to grow Disciples of Christ into Disciplers for Christ. In 2022 he launched a new presentation of the discipleship process called Step-by-Step.

While still serving in the military, Bart helped to establish Disciplers International in 2006 to provide free Discipleship Resources and Training for all who follow Jesus, and obey His call to “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19).

https://disciplersinternational.com
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Ministry of Multiplication - ETHIOPIA