Making Disciples that Make Disciples

“Look around you – we are the fruit of your labor. We are the result of your mission!”

Early in 2026, Elaine and I had the privilege of living in Bolivia for three months from mid-January to mid-April, while serving in an interim leadership role with the Low German ministry of MEM. Although most of our assignment focused on the MEM team and ministries, one of the rich side benefits of our experience was reconnecting monthly with pastors and churches from LIEAB (La Iglesia Evangélica Anabautista en Bolivia).

For many EMMCers connected to Bolivia ministry over the years, LIEAB may sound familiar, yet perhaps distant in recent years. Yet the LIEAB church continues to grow, mature, and expand its influence.

LIEAB traces its roots back to the initial EMMC mission efforts among Low German-speaking colonies in Bolivia. Back in the early 1970s, as the Gospel was shared among Low German Mennonites, seeds were also being planted among Spanish-speaking Bolivian nationals. Over the decades, those seeds bore fruit and gradually developed into a national Bolivian church conference with its own leaders, pastors, schools, ministries, and vision for discipleship.

Today, LIEAB is no longer simply a “mission field,” but an active and growing Bolivian-led church movement. LIEAB currently consists of approximately 20 churches and outreaches, each with their own pastor or leadership team.

One phrase that repeatedly surfaced during our recent time with LIEAB was the importance of “making disciples that make disciples.” That vision is shaping many of the conversations and ministries taking place today. The focus is not simply on church attendance or programs, but on discipling believers who will intentionally invest in others.

For 2026, LIEAB has chosen to emphasize two key priorities in each of their churches: missions and leadership development.

When I asked about their ongoing missions emphasis, Fabri, the LIEAB ministerial president, turned to me and said, “Missions is part of our DNA - we got from the mission [EMMC]!” As of January of this year, LIEAB officially commissioned their first Mission Director, Cristian Grageda, to give additional attention to the outreach efforts of the churches.

One encouraging observation was the ongoing strength of local leadership. In recent years, another generation of leaders has been stepping up. This younger generation often brings more formal education, stronger organizational skills, and fresh energy to ministry. This is especially powerful when combined with the wisdom and experience of previous generations of leaders.

While LIEAB leaders are carrying the primary responsibility of leading their churches and ministries, there remains a deep appreciation for their partnership with EMMC and others who have walked alongside them over the years.

One area where this becomes especially important is leadership development. Strong churches require healthy leaders. This includes pastors, teachers, administrators, evangelists, and missionaries. Throughout our interaction, I was reminded again how vital discipleship and leadership development are for the long-term health of the church.

Before we arrived in Bolivia, Elaine and I were invited to attend the LIEAB annual convention in January. I was asked to lead sessions with pastors and leaders. The topic they gave me? “How to Identify and Develop Leaders.” What a privilege to interact with approximately 100 leaders who were eager to continue growing in their effectiveness to fulfill the Great Commission.

Over the nearly three decades that I have known LIEAB, I have seen many different seasons of ministry. There have been struggles and challenges along the way, yet LIEAB has continued seeking to faithfully live out God’s call for His church.

The Gospel continues reaching people in Bolivia. While societal challenges including economic and political uncertainty certainly exist, there is also spiritual openness and opportunity for outreach and discipleship.

I’ve had to ask myself: What biblical principles can we learn from LIEAB that might also apply to the MEM Low German outreach in Bolivia? It is a very different culture and ministry context. The Low German ministry in Bolivia is much newer and is still emerging from a pioneering stage. Yet the goal remains the same – to go and make disciples of all nations – to make disciples that make disciples.

On a personal level, living in Bolivia for three months was both stretching and rewarding. Life moves differently there. Relationships often take priority over schedules. Conversations are longer. Hospitality is generous. Ministry happens formally and informally. At times, the heat, travel, language switching, and constant adjustment felt exhausting. Yet those same experiences also slowed us down to notice and appreciate people more deeply.

Elaine and I came away grateful for the people who welcomed us, for the opportunity to listen and learn, and for the reminder that God continues building His church in many places and through many kinds of people.

For EMMC churches that have supported ministry in Bolivia over the years, be encouraged. In one interaction between a LIEAB pastor and the visiting EMMC prayer and exposure team, the pastor turned and said with conviction, “Look around you – we are the fruit of your labor. We are the result of your mission!”

The work has changed over time, but the need for partnership, prayer, encouragement, and learning from each other remains important. Increasingly, the relationship is not simply about Canadians helping Bolivia. There is also so much the North American church can learn from the faith, perseverance, community, and spiritual hunger of believers in Bolivia.

The LIEAB church, and the broader church in Bolivia, is not standing still. It is growing, adapting, wrestling with challenges, and continuing to point people toward Christ by making disciples that make disciples. Let’s continue making disciples who make disciples - the work is not in vain.

“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” 2 Timothy 2:2

"Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:58

Darrell Kehler is the Founder of Scope Leadership and the Director of Discipleship for EMMC.