As the group of nine young women met for their first devotion in the discipleship programme in South Asia*, there was a flurry of excitement and a tinge of embarrassment in struggling to find the reference: the message on love required them to turn to 1 John 3. Some were in Genesis; others were pages ahead and were even as far as Matthew's Gospel!

How wonderful that such a group of young believing ladies has joined the three-month residential course: learning computer and office skills in the morning, while doing Bible study, memorisation of scripture and enjoying fellowship in the afternoons and evening.

One of the greatest needs of the slowly-emerging fellowships from the majority background in this region of the world is to see women come to faith and learn God's Word. Our training assists them in finding their place in the local fellowships, equipping them to take their stand in the expanding Kingdom of God, while giving them practical life skills all at the same time.

*country cannot be named