February 2024 MAP Update

In This Issue

Growing in Christ Academy                                                The Plowman's Academy

New Beginnings Homestead                                             Step Out of the Boat Conference 

I’m Jonas Brenneman. Tyler Dick and I are instructors with Growing in Christ Academy. It is an honor and joy to help get this school up and running! We take studying Scripture seriously since Jesus desires all people to know Him and follow His teaching. Our goal is to remove barriers and make the process of grasping Scripture as easy as possible so people can grow in their relationship with God, and, in turn, disciple others. We meet people right where they are and help them learn more about the Scriptures and how to live out those teachings in their everyday lives. 

We have taken several students through the course, Dynamic Christian Spirituality, and are now engrossed in a second course, Prayer Foundations. It is going great! We will continue to add courses of study as we build the Academy. The teaching is a combination of scripture reading, video teaching, and sharing what is learned by way of a weekly group video chat.

The students love the content and the simplicity of the layout but consistently say their highlight is the group discussions. This is where learning comes to life! One student said, "I'm so thankful for this group, where we can learn together and pray for each other. I love the unity here!" Other students report that they feel the commitment level for these courses is manageable for busy people with a job and a family to juggle.

It is a privilege to be a part of these students' faith journeys.

Are you interested in knowing more? Please visit our homepage at mapministry.org and scroll down until you see Growing in Christ Academy!

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What an exciting year for The Plowman’s Academy! Our students have indeed been busy. They doubled the number of completed courses and sent us five times the number of referrals over previous years, which significantly impacted doubling the number of new students who signed up in 2023. 

Another blessing was seeing the completion of stage one of a long-hoped-for project.  Because of the generosity of one individual, we sent out the first Bible lesson in the ABCs of Christian Growth course right into the mailbox of 33,000 Amish homes.  Praise the Lord; we are still receiving completed lessons; some are already on their fifth lesson in the course!

We thought you might like to hear what our students are saying about studying the Bible:

“This lesson was very great on making me realize how important it is to know that we do not deserve eternal life.  Just to give myself up and live in faith and trust.” – C.P.

“This lesson has been a wonderful blessing and comfort to me going through adversity.  Even though it feels I’m so alone, I know God is right here with me, and that is all I need!” – E.C.

Please pray that our students would be faithful in studying the Word of God and that they would “…grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ…” (2 Peter 3:18).

To learn more, please visit us at: mapministry.org/ways-we-serve/the-plowmans-academy               

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What a busy year for New Beginnings! We began slowly with two girls living in the homestead, but the pace picked up quickly. During 2023, we were blessed to provide a haven for eight women. Each young lady came with various needs and was in a different place in their relationship with Christ.  

Throughout the year, six of the girls enrolled in MAP’s GED program, three of whom have graduated. Two are pursuing higher education; one attending community college in Indiana, and the other obtaining EMT training. We are excited to see where these opportunities take them!  

We could only have gotten through this year with the partnership of Beyond Measure Market. Seven girls who lived at New Beginnings Homestead started in the market as their first job. Each girl could get on her feet and prepare for her next step because she didn’t have to be concerned about finding employment.  

As we look back at each girl’s story, we are overjoyed to see the progress she has made. Each young lady pushed herself to set and accomplish several personal goals. We are so proud of each of them.  

Thank you to everyone who has supported New Beginnings Homestead and has partnered with us in prayer. Please pray as we step into 2024 that the girls who come here will grow in their spiritual walk and accomplish much throughout this year.

Visit: mapministry.org/ways-we-serve/new-beginnings-homestead

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