Letter of love from Suzie - Spring 2022
Suzie Klein, Director of Disciplers Bible Studies
My dear fellow Disciplers,
Lately, my thoughts and prayers have been centered around what the Lord would have me share with you in this newsletter. Increasingly, I’ve felt the need to uplift our spirits, but at the same time present a challenge. Thinking of lifted spirits and being challenged, my mind drifted back to a time almost 35 years ago when Pearl Hamilton started the first Disciplers Bible Studies class. It was the fall of 1987 and Pearl had just arrived at Rolling Hills Covenant Church in Southern California to be Director of Women’s Ministries. I had met Pearl about two years previously in San Antonio, Texas where I attended leadership training at Bible Study Fellowship headquarters. Arriving at the San Antonio airport, I didn’t know a soul. Someone from BSF was supposed to be there to pick me up, but I didn’t know who it would be. I was unsure, and a bit fearful. As I rode down the escalator leading to the airport lobby, I anxiously scanned the faces below. Then I saw her – the radiant welcoming smile of one woman stood out from all the others. She looked straight at me, our eyes and smiles connected, and my apprehensions faded away. It was my first meeting with Pearl Hamilton.
Pearl was Deputy Director of BSF at that time and was one of the people who led the training classes. During that week in San Antonio, I hung on every word of Pearl’s teaching.
She had a passion for God and His word and shared her knowledge and wisdom with conviction, joy, and her wonderful sense of humor. I couldn’t get enough. When I returned home, I actually asked my husband if we could move to San Antonio to be near Pearl. He laughed. But just a couple years later, God led Pearl to my church to lead Women’s Ministries.
Pearl’s teaching and encouragement through the years taught me that going to Bible study is never enough. Only to know is never to grow. And God calls us daily to grow more like His Son. We must take the time and make the commitment to submit to God’s word so it becomes a part of us, part our own daily experience. But that’s not all. We’re also called to share what we’ve learned with others. We cannot just be disciples. We’re called to be disciplers! And that is the purpose of Disciplers Bible Studies. Through the daily questions, we’re called to linger in the Scriptures, pray, ask for wisdom, and be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit who applies God’s word to our lives, guiding us to live what we are learning. Then we are called to share what we have learned with those in our discussion groups. This in turn encourages us to share with others -our families, friends, neighbors – and even with strangers. Thus, we become disciplers of others.
My prayer for myself and for all of you is that the Lord Jesus Christ may become the passion of our lives. Completing a lesson each week is not an end in itself. It’s not just for our own edification. It is just the beginning of an intimate and satisfying relationship with Him and a discipling relationship with others. As we allow the word of God to become alive and active in our lives, we grow in the Lord year by year, loving what we’re learning about Jesus and passing it on to others. The things we learn in Disciplers each week, in the presence of many witnesses, we faithfully pass on to others. (See 2 Timothy 2:2). We become Disciplers, like Pearl, and like the Apostle Paul and Timothy.
♥ Suzie
meet the o'neil family
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Charity and Shane O’Neil and their family live in Hunstville, Alabama
I First met Charity in 2014 when her three boys were studying and memorizing the Book of James. At that time, Charity was a busy mom (as she still is) to a growing family, and she regularly downloaded studies for herself and completed them faithfully. With young ones to care for and homeschooling the older ones, this worked better for her than leaving home to attend a class. Over the years, it has been a joy to get to know Charity better and watch her family grow. Those boys who intently memorized the Book of James many years ago (Hudson, Bram and Grattan) are now doing Disciplers studies for their Christian scouting organization, Trail Life USA. Their Dad, Shane, studies along with them and leads their discussion time. In addition, they’ve now been joined by their younger brother Athan. It’s so great to see a family grow together in their knowledge and love of the Lord by studying His word together and sharing what they are learning. |
Selah Ann, Fanny, Brigid with Charity behind her, Athan,
Tyndale (little guy),Grattan, Hudson, Bram, Shane (Dad).
Hudson, Shane (Brigid on his lap) Athan Grattan Bram
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25 YEARS STUDYING IN RALEIGH, NC
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Monday Night Bible Study started 25 years ago as the result of a burden the Lord placed on the heart of Johnny Evans to form a men’s Bible Study for the purpose of leading men of all ages to be “taught, trained, and transformed by God’s Word”. Assisted by his dear friend and mentor, Charles George, and with the generosity of Providence Baptist Church to host and provide facilities, the study started with about 100 men.
By God’s grace, Monday Night Bible Study grew over the years to the point many hundreds of men were studying God’s Word together weekly. Then 8 years ago the Lord placed it upon Johnny and his wife, Beth Evans - who had led women’s Bible Studies for many years, to transition the study to be Co-ed, and have groups of both men and women.
We have witnessed the evidence of God’s work in countless lives through this ministry over the years, including so many who came to a saving faith in Jesus Christ, marriages saved, lives transformed, and so much more.
Johnny & Beth Evens
Johnny and Beth Evans are our faithful leaders, and there are many committed individuals who serve our MNBS ministry as volunteers in a variety of capacities, without whom it would not be possible to conduct our study.
One of the beautiful things about Monday Night Bible Study is it can have an immeasurable impact on anyone’s life - no matter where they are in their faith walk. Whether a teenager who is a brand-new believer or a ninety year-old lifetime follower of Christ, lives are enriched through our study, and many meaningful relationships are formed.
Our longtime partnership with Disciplers’ Bible Studies has been invaluable to our ministry, as they have provided so many study materials, as well as guidance and support over the years. We at Monday Night Bible Study are ever-grateful to partner in ministry with Disciplers.
One of the beautiful things about Monday Night Bible Study is it can have an immeasurable impact on anyone’s life - no matter where they are in their faith walk. Whether a teenager who is a brand-new believer or a ninety year-old lifetime follower of Christ, lives are enriched through our study, and many meaningful relationships are formed.
Our longtime partnership with Disciplers’ Bible Studies has been invaluable to our ministry, as they have provided so many study materials, as well as guidance and support over the years. We at Monday Night Bible Study are ever-grateful to partner in ministry with Disciplers.
Book reviews
Suggested Reading by Suzie Klein and Susie Doyle
(Susie Doyle - Saltshakers, North Carolina)
(Susie Doyle - Saltshakers, North Carolina)
Jesus Followers by Anne Graham Lotz and Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright
Would you like to hear ideas from your friends on ways they are passing the baton to the next generation to encourage and empower them to know and walk with Jesus personally? Would you like to hear principles their parents and grandparents taught them on walking intimately with Jesus? Jesus Followers shares practical ways you and I can ignite faith in the younger generation. The book is organized into four major addresses by Anne, who takes us into a few select Scriptures to explain the What, Why, and How of this important call to pass on the baton of faith. Rachel Ruth supports each of Anne’s addresses with meaningful examples from life in their extended family. The chapters are short, and you’ll benefit from every one. It has been my dessert each evening after dinner to read a chapter and ponder the great truths I glean. Every parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, babysitter, teacher, minister, professional, coach, and leader in any capacity will easily identify with at least one teaching story so beautifully shared in this book. It will inspire and encourage you to make an eternal investment in the life of at least one young person at this crucial time in our history. |
Letters to Lindsey by Teri Brady
Terri Brady is a wife, mom, blogger, inspirational speaker, and committed follower of Jesus Christ. She is also the leader of a Disciplers class in Cary, NC . Her book is a treasure of short essays and personal stories, so you can read just one or a few at a time. Or, if you find it difficult to put the book down, as I did, you can dedicate your day to reading all the way through. If you are a wife, mom, husband, dad, grandparent or anyone who loves the Lord and honors family values, you will connect with Letters to Lindsey. I promise. In one way or another, you will relate to Terri’s honest sharing of struggles, joys, and hilarious life situations (especially with pets and children). As I read, I laughed, cried, rejoiced and grieved with Terri. I marveled at her brilliant writing style. She is obviously an intelligent, educated woman (a former engineer), with a great sense of humor. But most importantly, her writing reveals that she knows and loves Jesus and has the deepest assurance that she belongs to Him. Terri lets us know how important that is and her writing is an encouragement to make that true in our lives as well. |
Reflections on the Existence of God by Richard E. Simmons III
I had a hard time putting this book down. It is very well researched and contains a wealth of information which is all documented in sixteen pages of footnotes. I often refer to this book and have shared it with many friends, both believers and non-believers. Here’s what the author says about it. “This book is a series of short essays seeking to answer life’s most enduring question: Does God exist? I have attempted to craft a book that is well researched (I have been conducting this research for over 30 years) but also easy to read and understand. Each essay can be read in less than 10 minutes. In the end it is important to know whether God exists or He does not exist. There is no third option. What I am seeking to do in this book is to determine which of these beliefs is true and which one is not.” |
the holy bible
The Bible contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation,
the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers.
Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable.
Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy.
It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you.
It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s charter.
Here Paradise is restored, Heaven opened, the gates of hell disclosed.
CHRIST is its grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end.
It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet.
Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully.
It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure.
It is given you in life, will be opened at the judgment, and be remembered forever.
It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents.
the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers.
Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable.
Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy.
It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you.
It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s charter.
Here Paradise is restored, Heaven opened, the gates of hell disclosed.
CHRIST is its grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end.
It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet.
Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully.
It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure.
It is given you in life, will be opened at the judgment, and be remembered forever.
It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents.
DISCIPLERS INTERNATIONAL UPDATE |
prayers |
Nigeria Ministry UPDATE
Last year we introduced you to Samuel Dabang in Nigeria who leads Disciplers groups of adults, youth, and children. Here is an update on how the Lord is working in that ministry. Samuel now leads Disciplers studies in 4 different centers, including his home. He helps families by assisting with school fees and providing food and other necessities for needy families and widows. ♥ He has organized a prayer band for his Disciplers classes.
♥ He organizes a yearly picnic and occasional love feasts so class members may share needs and prayer requests to encourage and uplift each other spiritually. ♥ Five young people from his youth group have been baptized. ♥ Many have turned to Jesus Christ as Savior or affirmed their faith through the Disciplers Confidence Letter. ♥ Samuel has traveled to other Nigerian states to share about Disciplers. ♥ He also mentors youth individually. |
Samuel would
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DISCIPLERS thank you donations
Many thanks to all of you wonderful individuals and classes who have so generously supported Disciplers with your prayers, encouraging words, and monetary donations. All are greatly appreciated! We are committed to being good stewards of God’s provision and using your gifts for His glory.
Your donations are used primarily for printing and shipping studies, both in the USA and internationally, production of our newsletter, and maintaining our website. On the Disciplers’ website, disciplersonline.org, anyone may download studies and e-books FREE of charge. Recordings by Pearl Hamilton, founder of Disciplers, are available there as well. We have also used donations to send Bibles to needy Disciplers classes in Kenya, India, and Nigeria.
There are no paid positions in Disciplers ministry. Those who serve have been called by the Lord to freely give, as He has freely given to us. My heart is extremely thankful for Tamra Tomlin who has been a faithful editor of Disciplers studies for 22 years. She also oversees our prayer team, a group of committed ladies who serve as leaders in the South Bay, CA class. Dick Freeman, our chief financial officer, keeps track of our finances and serves as a trusted advisor. Mia Ellison, of the South Bay class, has joyfully taken on the task of managing our website, formatting our newsletter, and advising on all things technical. If you like the new look of our website, it is because of Mia. Tamra, Dick, and Mia are each a huge blessing to me, and with the guidance of the Lord, they make Disciplers the best it can be.
Your donations are used primarily for printing and shipping studies, both in the USA and internationally, production of our newsletter, and maintaining our website. On the Disciplers’ website, disciplersonline.org, anyone may download studies and e-books FREE of charge. Recordings by Pearl Hamilton, founder of Disciplers, are available there as well. We have also used donations to send Bibles to needy Disciplers classes in Kenya, India, and Nigeria.
There are no paid positions in Disciplers ministry. Those who serve have been called by the Lord to freely give, as He has freely given to us. My heart is extremely thankful for Tamra Tomlin who has been a faithful editor of Disciplers studies for 22 years. She also oversees our prayer team, a group of committed ladies who serve as leaders in the South Bay, CA class. Dick Freeman, our chief financial officer, keeps track of our finances and serves as a trusted advisor. Mia Ellison, of the South Bay class, has joyfully taken on the task of managing our website, formatting our newsletter, and advising on all things technical. If you like the new look of our website, it is because of Mia. Tamra, Dick, and Mia are each a huge blessing to me, and with the guidance of the Lord, they make Disciplers the best it can be.
We appreciate you and your support in helping us provide
Disciplers Bible Studies free of charge for God’s kingdom, to His glory.
Thank you for casting your bread upon our waters. May it yield a high return (Ecclesiastes 11:1).
Disciplers Bible Studies Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and all gifts are tax deductible.
Disciplers Bible Studies free of charge for God’s kingdom, to His glory.
Thank you for casting your bread upon our waters. May it yield a high return (Ecclesiastes 11:1).
Disciplers Bible Studies Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and all gifts are tax deductible.
