Discussion groups

“I looked at my watch and realized that there’s only one hour left before the beginning. Today is my first meeting with the teachers at school ¹ 43. I have been looking forward to this day for so long. We’ve been praying that God would open the director’s heart and let us start a discussion group in this school. I’ve been waiting for so long…, then why am I so scared and worrying so much? Yesterday I was passing by the school yard when I saw several teenagers beating a boy of their age. These children need God, they need to understand what real love and mercy mean. Who will tell them about these things? Teachers are people that form a child’s attitude toward life. That’s why I now realize all the responsibility that God has given me at this school. I trust this meeting to God and believe that He will carry it through”.

Organizing and leading  Bible study discussion groups is one of the most important kinds of activities in “International Partnerships”. Each group consists of approximately 10 people. The session lasts from one to two hours, depending on the wishes of the participants. During such meetings we discuss various interesting, burning, important topics in the light of the Scripture. Participants may choose between “Thematic” and “Systematic” Bible study.

Thematic Bible study provides the opportunity to chose and discuss topics that are independent of one another. All discussions are based on the Scripture, whether the whole Bible or only one chosen extract are used.

Systematic Bible study is a successive reading and discussion of books of the Scripture. Our Lord opens the deepest truth for people through this study.

One of the values of such groups is a friendly, warm atmosphere. While drinking tea, people become more open and frank. This helps us to share Christ with them.