How DI has Transformed My Life and those I Disciple
by Chioma Theophilus - ABUJA, NIGERIA
My personal journey with Jesus took a dramatic, meaningful turn when I came in contact with Discipleship International (DI) through the help of the Holy Spirit. What happened is simple: “I was discipled, my life changed, and now I am helping others experience that same transformation.”
Chioma - Discipler for Christ
Chioma Theophilus is a Nigerian woman, wife, mother, Discipler, and DI Ministry Partner. She and her husband are blessed with four children. Her life and ministry demonstrate a growing commitment to helping others know Christ, grow in their faith and become disciples equipped to disciple others.
The Step-by-Step Discipleship Process has greatly influenced the way I relate to people. Rather than keep this training to myself, I embrace the opportunity and responsibility of passing it on to others, especially women and children.
The transformation I have experienced personally through The Process extends beyond me to my family as well. As a wife and mother of four, I am accountable before God to demonstrate discipleship in my home.
I currently serve as a Discipler and Ministry Partner with DI, using what I have learned to encourage others in their walk with Christ. My story is a testimony of how Step-by-Step Training can shape one’s faith, character, conduct, ministry, and personal relationships.
Chioma with eight disciples in training from Bwari
As a DI Ministry Partner, Chioma is committed to helping women grow in their faith through Step-by-Step Training. By taking the time to invest herself (character, competence, conduct) in others, Chioma helps them to grow spiritually and then pass on what they have received. Some of the women spoke about changes in their understanding of God, their relationships, and the way they approach everyday life. Others described how the discipleship process has helped them understand their faith more deeply and equipped them with practical lessons they can apply both at home and in their communities. Their stories showed the impact of consistent discipleship.
Equipping Others to Disciple
I invest myself in young girls so that they can grow in their faith, apply what they are learning, and eventually reproduce the training they have received through the lives of others. This mirrors Paul’s guidance to Timothy - The things that you heard from me through many witnesses, entrust these to faithful people who will be able to teach others also (2 Timothy 2:2).
Outreach in Niger State, Nigeria - Reaching out to communities with Love and Hope
I organized an outreach program in Niger state recently with the aim of reaching people (especially women and children) in that community and making a positive difference in their lives. My approach is simple - minister with compassion and a heart for service to those interested in receiving what I have to offer, which is encouragement, God’s word, training. The attentiveness of those gathered reflects an atmosphere of learning, fellowship, and spiritual openness.
One of the most significant parts of this outreach was the opportunity to reach Muslim women with the message of Jesus Christ. I give thanks to God for those who made the decision to received Jesus as their personal Savior and Lord.
Chioma and her husband, Theophilus - Serving Together
The vulnerable women standing in this photo received gifts and practical support as part of the ministry’s effort to show Christ’s love not only through teaching, but also through compassionate action. These gifts are to encourage women who are facing difficult circumstances, reminding them that they are seen, valued, and not forgotten.
One of the most significant impacts of these outreach has been the opportunity to support five children in returning to school. Through assistance from DI, these children are given the opportunity to receive basic education. And through the Step-by-Step Process, I help those who are willing to understand and apply God’s word to their lives. Outreach goes beyond teaching as it also opens doors of opportunity for people to grow in faith, receive encouragement, and discover how they can do likewise.
Thanks to support from Discipleship International, Chioma is helping to create spaces where families can hear God’s word, ask questions, share their experiences, and learn how to live out their faith step-by-step.
This outreach demonstrates that discipleship can reach people at every stage of life. Through the support and resources of Discipleship International, Bibles were shared with adults and children, giving them an opportunity to learn about God’s word to grow in their faith.
Chioma’s work goes beyond simply providing food or materials assistance. She is giving the children in this photo a sense of belonging and reminding them that they are seen, valued and loved. Simply being with the kids - eating together, playing together, and showing them love and attention has a powerful, positive, personal, priceless impact.
Spiritual Intimacy just as God intends for us to experience with Him and each other.
This photograph captures a very special and memorable moment during the visit of Pastor Bart and Brother Craig from America to Nigeria (from left to right: Lydia, Bart, Chioma, Samuel, Craig, Clement). Their visit was a very personal, meaningful time of fellowship, encouragement, discipleship, and spiritual intimacy; i.e. a deep sense of fellowship, unity, and connection in Jesus Christ.
One Life. One Family. One Community.
Chioma’s story illustrates the multiplying impact of discipleship.
She was discipled.
Her life was changed.
She began to disciple others.
Those trained are training others.
Children and families are being reached.
Communities are being touched.
This is the vision of Disciplers International. Through the Step-by-Step Discipleship Process, practical resources, training, prayer, and the support of ministry partners, DI is helping Believers in Christ become Disciplers for Christ. Chioma’s ministry in Nigeria is one example of what can happen when discipleship moves from one life into another.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” — Matthew 28:19
We thank God for what He is doing through Chioma, the women and girls she is discipling, especially the children and families being reached, and the many others whose lives are being touched through this ministry. Please continue to pray for Chioma and the Disciplers in Nigeria serving with her —pray for God to strengthen them, deepen their faith, and multiply their ministry as they make disciples who will, in turn, make disciples. May the seeds being planted through Disciplers International continue to produce fruit in Nigeria and beyond.
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