Tibebe Mengistu, a member of the Gladstone Adventist Church in Gladstone, Missouri, is responding to Jesus’s Great Commission in Matt. 28:19–20 by sharing his faith and teaching others—particularly young adults—and preparing them for baptism and discipleship.
Tibebe leads a group of 8–10 people in studying the Discipleship Handbook early on Sabbath mornings before teaching the Youth Sabbath School class. He also conducts an online Bible study every Sabbath afternoon with college students that focuses on the 28 Fundamental Beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Each week, participants write summaries of the topics, which Tibebe reviews and corrects before the next session.
On Friday nights, he hosts another Bible study for young adults and other interested adults. This group is currently studying Steps to Christ by Ellen G. White. In the past, they have completed the What We Believe series by Seth J. Pierce, including Daniel for Teens, Revelation for Teens, and Ellen G. White for Teens. Tibebe also studies with a young adult from a Muslim background over the phone. They use the Amazing Facts Bible Study series and meet during the week.
Tibebe believes that the Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in connecting people to these studies. Sometimes individuals seek him out; other times, he identifies a need and initiates a group. So far, six people have been baptized, and one member of the college afternoon group is preparing for baptism.
Strengthening faith
“Sharing my faith has made me a better person,” Tibebe says. “The questions people ask challenge me to study more deeply and find answers from the Bible, which strengthens my own understanding and faith. Witnessing others grow spiritually and transform their lives is incredibly rewarding and reinforces my belief in the power of God’s Word.” He also feels inspired by this quotation from Ellen White’s book Education, p. 278:
“The true teacher is not content with dull thoughts, an indolent mind, or a loose memory. He constantly seeks higher attainments and better methods. His life is one of continual growth. In the work of such a teacher there is a freshness, a quickening power, that awakens and inspires his pupils.”
When asked what advice he would give to encourage those who may feel hesitant or ill-equipped to share their faith with others, Tibebe reminds us that in Matthew 24, Jesus prophesied about the destruction of Jerusalem and the end times. He followed this with three parables in Matthew 25—the ten virgins, the talents, and the sheep and the goats—all of which emphasize the importance of being actively engaged in God’s work before the final destruction of this earth. “God gives each of us talents according to His will. (Ephesians 3:20; 4:12). As my former head elder used to say, ‘God doesn’t call the equipped; He equips the called.’ If you feel hesitant, start by trusting God to provide the tools and strength you need. Take the first step in faith, and you will experience His guidance as you serve.”
Alyse Kelsey is communication leader for the Gladstone Church.
