Commissioning Apostles

Peace be with you from the Adevarsi People Group in West Bengal.


Graduation day I share a few words, "If you don't want to serve your followers, then you don't really love them. If you don't love them, then you are not qualified to lead them!" Silence fills the room. "Love is the only lasting motivation for the Biblical model of servant leadership."
James, Nelson, and I begin washing the feet of our BELT participants with cultural mustard seed oil, water, and towels. Hearts are softened. Holy Spirit is a superfluous mystery. Definition of superfluous is "being more than enough; excessive, extravagant." We feel no pain, no worry, no stress, no sadness, no regret, no guilt, no shame, no fear, and no darkness when we are in His presence. Tears of healing and joy flow down faces. A peaceful tongue flows from my mouth. This sweet encounter with God does more than a lifetime of training could ever do. Lives are transformed.


These leaders may have never experienced the love of God expressed through leaders serving them in such a powerful way. They stand to their feet with a new motivation for leadership: Love. We then release them with authority to multiply everything they've learned these past few weeks, not as puppets, nor as students, nor as disciples, but as apostles! They are sent ones with a mission to bring the kingdom culture of LOVE to West Bengal!


Now you know why I have Joy inexpressible! My leadership and influence has just drastically multiplied, and this, this brings joy to the heart of my heavenly Father! One Sadri sister, Sanju, confessed the continual darkness that lurked within her, before this gathering around the Word of God. Revelation from the teachings led her half way and a divine encounter with our Loving God led her all the way into the light. With teary eyes and a stammered voice, Premika shared about her new friendship with God as a faithful living person. One of the older leaders proclaimed, "I've been to a 3 year Bible College, but my life did not change. I've come to this 3 week BELT workshop, and my life is forever changed because you came here."

I gaze into the eyes of my Sadri brothers and sisters, my family, and see memories of God encounters. Before I know it, I'm clasped hand in hand with my Sadri family dancing to Sadri songs of celebration. I'm lost in the lyrics but find myself communicating perfectly through smile. Rejoice with us as we claim Asia for Jesus!

Zach Hooley

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