One of our New Zealand team members, Brian, is empowering others to start Discovery Bible Studies (DBS) in Auckland. Ari, a former gang member from a remote Māori village, connected with one of these groups while experiencing the effects of a stroke and suicidal thoughts. Through participating in the group, Ari experienced significant personal transformation and was baptised late last year. He now speaks of “walking around with my friend Jesus, who loves me.”
Ari began walking alongside a neighbour who was already following Jesus, supporting her emotional healing journey and recently helping to baptise her. He now longs to return to his village and share God’s love.
Ari’s story highlights a simple disciple-making principle: as we learn to follow Jesus, we can begin helping others follow him too. Through everyday relationships, new disciples can carry God’s love into families and communities that others may never reach.