By Bryson Haden, Pastor of First Baptist of Hattieville, AR

In the far northwestern corner of Uganda sits a small border town called Koboko. Most people in America have probably never heard of it. Koboko lies only a few kilometers from DR Congo and a short distance from South Sudan. It is a region shaped by hardship, conflict, refugee movement, and difficult living conditions. Yet in this often-overlooked place, God is doing something remarkable.

Recently, pastors and church leaders from Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo gathered there for several days of intensive biblical and pastoral training coordinated through BMA Global.

One of the moments that was  very impactful to my heart was a moment I noticed during a lecture taught by Brother Shadi Saad from Beirut, Lebanon. He was teaching on “How to Study the Bible” in English while an older deacon energetically repeated each section in Kakwa. At the same time, another man translated into Swahili for several brothers from Rwanda while another translated portions into Arabic for others gathered near the back of the room.

To many people, it probably would have sounded confusing.

To me, it was one of the most beautiful things I have ever witnessed.

This was a constant experience throughout the conference.

Men who had been sitting in sessions most of the day remained fully engaged. They were writing notes, asking questions, leaning forward, and listening carefully. These were not casual questions. These pastors were asking practical questions about shepherding churches, preaching faithfully, discipling believers, and leading people in difficult circumstances.

Over the course of four days, Bro. Anthony Crocker, Bro. Shadi Saad, and I taught on the subjects of Faithful Discipleship, How to Preach Evangelistic Messages, and How to Study the Bible. Even after the scheduled sessions ended, discussions continued late into the evenings over coffee, meals, and conversations scattered around the hotel grounds.

The stories shared by these pastors were humbling.

Some minister in refugee camps. Some serve in remote villages with very limited resources. Others labor in areas marked by instability, poverty, tribal tensions, and spiritual confusion. Yet nearly every one of them shared the same hunger — a desire to know God’s Word more deeply and lead their people more faithfully.

That is why this kind of training matters.

These men are already there. They already know the language, culture, and challenges of the places where they serve. Investing in pastors and church leaders like these may be one of the most effective mission efforts we can support because the Gospel continues multiplying long after the conference is over. This training was made possible by a very generous offering. Praise be to God!

Without special support, many opportunities like this simply cannot happen.

There are pastors and church leaders across Sub-Saharan Africa currently asking for this kind of biblical and theological training. Similar opportunities are either developing or waiting on funding in places like West Africa, South America, and even Russia.

Bro. Anthony Crocker, who serves as Regional Coordinator for Africa, is currently working to build several teams committed to helping train and encourage pastors throughout the region over the next few years.

The need is great. The opportunities are real. The hunger is undeniable.

And I believe many churches would gladly respond if they simply knew what God was doing.

I pastor a small rural church in Hattieville, Arkansas, and I know firsthand that God’s people care deeply about missions. I believe many pastors, churches, and leaders across the BMA would willingly pray, give, and even go if they could see the impact these efforts are making.

Sometimes all that is missing is awareness.

The heartbeat of the BMA has always been missions. What is happening in places like Koboko is a reminder that there are still open doors around the world and pastors asking for help.

The question is whether we will step forward to meet the opportunity.

Pastors and church leaders interested in learning more about future training opportunities and mission teams in Sub-Saharan Africa are encouraged to contact Bro. Anthony Crocker through BMA Global or email tony@bmaglobal.org.

One thing is certain — the pastors who attended this conference would say with gratitude:

“Asante Sana.”

Thank you.