From learners to leaders: the global impact of TELL

Welcome
“Hello, Arase. Hello, Ayorinde. Hi there, Effiong.”

“Welcome, Tawose! Glad you are here. Hi, Rwakilembe. Hello, Wangaya. Welcome.”

Learning to pronounce foreign names correctly is a small challenge—one of many faced in global ministry. But as I greet each student signing in for our third TELL Student Recognition Celebration, I’m reminded of something greater: the diverse, determined students who are stepping up to lead others to Christ.

Maybe I could have welcomed them with “good morning,” but for many, it was already evening where they live. Maybe I should have said, “Howdy,” “Hiya,” “Yo,” or “Sup.”

Maybe not.

It’s a small challenge to personally greet so many students. One hundred and fifty of them, to be exact!

But each student signing in represents a bigger challenge they’ve embraced—the challenge of learning to lead. That’s why we’re here today: to recognize students who have completed more than eight TELL courses and are stepping forward as Christian leaders in their communities.

What does it mean to learn to lead?
It means becoming part of a movement—one that equips believers to share the gospel and plant churches worldwide.

TELL, a program of Multi-Language Productions, follows the TELL method: Think, Evaluate, Learn, and Lead others to Christ. The curriculum includes 20 online courses designed to equip students to share the gospel and start churches in their communities. In short, TELL is a church multiplication program. More than 1,500 students have enrolled in TELL so far. Of those, 149 have gone beyond the basics, dedicating themselves to deeper learning and leadership. That’s a reason for celebration!

These students join TELL classes online from their homes and offices in places like Africa, the United Kingdom, parts of Asia, India, and Trinidad. But TELL’s reach extends even further—into countries where WELS missionaries cannot safely go, like Pakistan and Nigeria.

Stories of impact
Binyameen, a TELL student from Pakistan, shares: “TELL has given me knowledge to share with others. We go to villages and teach women and children. TELL has made me brave.”

TELL prepares students to gather and lead groups through a curriculum that begins with 13 Discipleship courses followed by seven Multiplication courses. Students committed to the program are assigned a TELL counselor who, in turn, is committed to them—encouraging them to gather groups and share the saving message of the gospel with people in their communities.

Effiong from Nigeria says: “I really appreciate the invaluable work TELL is doing for Nigerian students of the TELL Bible teaching method in Nigeria. Your commitment to raising Christian leaders in Nigeria through this program is commendable. The TELL USA initiative is truly empowering individuals like me to spread the Word of God effectively.”

WELS does not have on-the-ground missionaries in Nigeria. That’s where TELL provides essential training and support through our online curriculum, preparing Nigerian men to learn and spread the gospel on their own. Watch a short video featuring some of our accomplished Nigerian students here.

TELL students from around the world are sharing God’s Word even in challenging places!

Kurapati, a TELL student from India, describes the social pressure as a Christian in his country: “It is not popular being a Christian in India. I profess my faith through witnessing, friendship evangelism, and through my deeds. We are carefully watched by Hindu extremists. But TELL changed my life in an effective way. It changed my understanding about Scriptures in a wonderful way. Thanks to all of you for giving me this opportunity.”

Overcoming challenges together
TELL does not come without its own challenges. Keeping up with the growing demand for teachers and instructors is tough—but what an incredible challenge to face! Every day, I feel blessed to be working with TELL students, sharing God’s Word, to help them overcome their own challenges.

Emmanuel from the United Kingdom shares: “TELL has increased my confidence, helping me achieve milestones and overcome earlier challenges. I now have greater self-assurance in my abilities.”

Congratulations
“Congratulations, Percy! Great job, Pierre! So proud of you, Ransford!”

As I recognize each student one by one, I’m amazed at how God is working in ways I had never imagined. As these students go forward, carrying the torch of faith into their communities, we celebrate not just what they have achieved but the lives they will impact for Christ.

Written by Rev. Nate Seiltz, director of Multi-Language Productions