What Happens When We Say Yes to God

A single yes to God is significant. It carries the power to revive hearts, awaken cities, and transform lives. From Botswana to Zambia to Zimbabwe, these leaders shared stories of transformation, challenge, and renewed vision. These testimonies are not just reports, they are personal invitations to live mission-conscious and a stirring reminder of Jesus’ command in Matthew 28:18-20: ‘Go and make disciples of all nations . . . .’ Whether through workplace evangelism, relational discipleship, or nationwide mobilisation, these stories reveal what happens when believers step out in obedience to an extraordinary God.

Discipleship Beyond the Altar Calls

George Banda | Botswana

No farmer prepares the ground, plants seeds, and then walks away hoping for a harvest. That’s just vain imagination. For a greater harvest, the farmer must be present, nurture, and follow up. Pastor George Banda from Botswana offers a powerful reflection on what often gets missed in global evangelism: the vital step of follow-up and discipleship. He shared how his mindset shifted from large, event-focused evangelism to intentional, relational ministry, walking closely with new believers long after they say ‘yes’ to Jesus. His testimony underscores a sobering truth: ‘evangelism without discipleship risks leaving behind spiritual orphans’.

For years, Pastor George saw evangelism as a numbers game, reaching as many people as possible through large gatherings and campaigns. But over time, God began to stir something deeper in him through his engagement with Storyweavers Global ¹ and the global church at Lausanne. He was deeply moved by the stories of others who prioritised long-term relational discipleship.

Pastor George likens evangelism without follow-up to a mother who gives birth but then walks away, leaving the child behind with midwives. ‘Many times we lead people to the Lord Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour, but we leave them to the streets. We don’t take care of what happens after that,’ he said.

He calls believers to shift from a one-time message to ongoing fellowship. ‘After evangelism, we must invest time, listen to people’s stories, understand their background, and give them reassurance.’ He emphasises a posture of deep presence: ‘Give them your ears. See double. Hear double. Let them feel heard.’

Pastor George’s story is a call to the global church to not abandon the seeds we plant. Discipleship is not optional; it’s the heart of the gospel. His vision is one of slowing down, of seeing people deeply, and of walking beside them long after the evangelistic event is over.

The Power of Availability and Connection in Mission

Elizabeth Okirora Akeso | Uganda

‘You may not have the money, but you have the voice. And there are people who are always willing to support the Great Commission. All they need is for you to share what the Lord has given in your heart.’

Elizabeth Okirora Akeso, a Ugandan living in Zambia, knows what it means to be available even when resources are limited. She shared how God used her personal connections, faith, and willingness to act to bring the gospel movement to her home district in Uganda, all while she was living outside the country. While with her husband in Kenya, Elizabeth first encountered stratified evangelism through African Evangelical Enterprise. This approach seeks to reach people at every level of society, through door-to-door evangelism, prison and hospital visits, and public crusades. She participated in a mission to Mombasa, a city in Kenya, and that holistic approach struck a chord in her heart.

Elizabeth’s story is a vivid reminder that the power to mobilise mission doesn’t always lie in money, but in availability, obedience, and connection. ‘You may not have the money,’ she said, ‘but you have the voice. Share what the Lord has given you. Speak out.’ Her testimony shows that relational networks, Spirit-led boldness, and a heart that says yes can ignite extraordinary gospel work, even across borders. ‘We may not have the resources,’ she added, ‘but if we make ourselves available before God, He uses what we have. Sometimes all we need to do is show up and speak up.’

Shining Light in the Workplace

Dawson Masugu | Zimbabwe

We are the light of the world (Matt 5:14). Light doesn’t hide, it shines wherever it’s placed.

Dawson Masugu, from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, believes the workplace is one of the greatest mission fields of our time. As a pastor and leader with the National Evangelism Council of Zimbabwe (NECOS), Dawson is equipping everyday Christians to become industry chaplains representing Jesus right where they work.

He shared how this ministry sends trained believers into offices and industrial settings to establish ‘chapel points’ gathering coworkers for prayer, counselling, discipleship, and gospel witness during breaks and lunch hours. Through the Industrial Chaplains of Zimbabwe, Christians are taught practical skills in workplace chaplaincy, counselling, and leadership. Once trained, they are commissioned to start small chapel groups in their companies, becoming a spiritual presence in places where people spend the majority of their lives.

‘We’ve seen the gospel go into workplaces, production increase, and good morality return,’ Dawson shared. Dawson’s vision is scalable and Spirit-led: train the 99% of believers to carry the light of Christ into their daily environments. Through collaboration with churches, business owners, and global partners, this ministry is transforming both individuals and workplace cultures across Zimbabwe.

The Fourth Lausanne Congress experience strengthened Dawson’s conviction to keep going and to share what God is doing. This is a call to believers everywhere: don’t dim your light at work; represent Christ boldly. Your mission field may be your workplace.

Will You Be Part of the Move of God?

These three testimonies are more than stories; they are calls to action, an invitation to say yes and participate in what God is doing across Southern Africa and in the global church. They remind us that discipleship starts where evangelism ends, that availability can move nations, and that our workplaces can become sanctuaries of light.

So we ask ourselves:

• Where might we be called to walk more slowly, listen more deeply, and invest in someone’s journey with Jesus?
• Where might God be calling us to use our voice, our network, or our simple availability? 
• What if our workplace, neighbourhood, or networks became our mission fields?

God invites us not for performance, but for partnership. Let these stories stir your spirit and remind you: God is on the move. The question is, will we move with Him?

Let us pray: Lord, open our eyes to the places you are already moving. Give us courage to join you in the harvest. Use our lives to disciple, encourage, and shine brightly wherever you send us. Amen.

Endnotes

1. Storyweavers Global is an organization that uses biblical storyweaving–a natural and immersive conversational experience that is relevant to where each person is at in their spiritual journey–to help people in diverse cultures connect well with God and with one another. Learn more at https://www.storyweaversglobal.org/