On March 7, OTM International held their first training of the year with their chapter volunteers. The first topic discussed was on teaching the Bible to teens.

In this first session, an overview of the training was provided as well as reviewing the importance of it. Then, OTM shared about the ministry vision. This was in order to allow potential leaders to have a better understanding of the ministry they are a part of.

Next, a lecture and workshop was given. The lecture, titled “Proclaiming God’s Word,” reviewed the necessity to preach the Word of God to teens and the importance of the Word for our lives. The workshop “How to Teach the Bible to Teens,” explained OTM’s strategy in delivering Bible studies to teens using their own Bible materials.

In their second week of training of training on evangelism. It was a strengthening time that chapters could unite and gain instruction on evangelism.

First, there was an evangelism lecture highlighting the calling that all believers have in following the Great Commission to spread the Gospel and not keep it to themselves. Volunteers were urged to inherit the dream of Jesus of building the Kingdom of God here on earth. It was emphasized that chapters ought to remember that it takes time to raise souls until the end, leading them with love and patience.

Lastly, there was a workshop on practically how to evangelize with the strategy of OTM. Step-by-step instructions were given on how to evangelize onsite and online. A key point was emphasizing having a regular program schedule that includes a Group Bible Study, Retreat, and Fellowship so teens know a clear schedule which can help invite their friends as well. It was especially emphasized that leaders prepare themselves through the Word and prayer in order to feed many souls.

On March 25, OTM continued their third week of Chapter Leader Training reviewing discipleship. Through this, chapters could look at what the Bible says on shepherding as well as review OTM’s strategy on discipling teenagers. 

The first part was a Biblical Lecture on Shepherding and Discipleship. Various passages were looked at reviewing how the Lord shepherded with deep serving and sacrifice. It was especially emphasized to guide teens with the Word of God instead of our own love or power.

Secondly, was a workshop, From Newcomer to Leader, chapters could go over the initial method of shepherding according to OTM’s strategy. The workshop explained the first steps from when one teen first comes to join Bible studies until they become a Student Leader.

The fourth and final week of training will be focused on administration such as planning, goal setting, website, and more. 

May all chapters gain passion and fervor with the help of the Holy Spirit to evangelize and disciple many teenagers to the Lord through this training!

The current OTM Korea leader first listed the objectives of the meeting. The first is “each department will unite with the headquarters of each ministry.” As teens, they are the next generation and when the time comes, they will be working in various ministries. What they can do now is to train in each department to prepare for their ministry beforehand. They should inherit the works of the first generation well. The second is that “all departments will have a direction for missionary work.” All departments in OTM US & Canada have the same mind, they were all eager to “convince one more teenager.” OTM Korea hopes to carry the heart in OTM HQ so that whatever department they are in, they can do it with the hope that a lamb of the Lord will return.

Next up, they revamped their previous department system. Leaders for Mission and Design Departments were reelected, while two new departments, Education and Prayer Departments, were set up. Media Department and Worship Department leaders were not altered. The new leadership team is expected to bring fresh strength into its operations.

The role of each department was reintroduced.

The Mission Department is where the children of the Lord with dreams of mission gather to plan and execute strategies on how to evangelize online. In the mission department, teens can learn what mission is, network with international missionaries, gather prayer topics from mission fields around the world, and strengthen the missionaries. The members also network with various teens around the world, connecting OTM members together.

The Design Department is a department that serves and supports the operations of the other departments. They gather teens with talent and passion for art and design to make OTM content accessible and beautiful. Their current works include making social media posts, supporting news, designing retreat & event flyers/schedules, finalizing resources, and helping with fundraising by creating merch.

The Education Department is the storage and armory of the member body. Teens who are thirsty for the Word of God can join this department. They collect and organize the Word of God and make resources to easily and quickly raise the sheep of the Lord. Currently, the US & Canada Education Department has already made multiple Bible Study resources with an effective recording and translation system. OTM Korea will follow them and start translating the resources from English to Korean.

The Prayer Department collects prayer topics from all other departments and prays for many projects in the community. Teens who love to pray, want to become deeper in prayer, or want to have a closer relationship with God are encouraged to join this department. The Prayer Department brings spiritual protection and power to all the works of the member body. The prayer members will not be alone but will be connected to the local prayer ministries in order to themselves be protected and know how to pray in the Holy Spirit.

The Media Department’s current focus is on recording and reporting, training in the most foundational field. However, they will also be expanding to content-making as they unite with the local Christian media ministries. Teens who are creative and want to harness the power of media for God can find their place here.

The Worship Department is where teens learn how to worship the Lord in spirit and truth while serving in the service praise teams. Here, teens not only can learn technical musicianship skills but also play the important role of directing the hearts of teens to the Lord. Current Worship Department traditions include prayer & praise nights, music lessons, performances, and praising in all services.

With all this clarified, the departments will work on their specific plans and goals during winter vacation to be ready for operation in the next quarter. Leaders will be briefed on progress once a week by conducting weekly online meetings for follow-up. Department members were also recruited in this meeting.

May all members spend their vacation’s precious time doing the Lord’s work. It is also hoped that what they do will become a culture among the next generation while discovering and growing their talents in God’s. May they truly be a light in the world and draw the lost sheep of the Lord home.

During the conference, the teen leaders will share everything from the past year and the next. Each department will make plans and set goals, share obstacles as well as ideas on how to move forward. New leadership will be discussed, as well as new projects such as various resources. The main meetings will be held from December 26-28, while on the 29, the teen leaders will tour the nearby churches.

Teen leaders from OTM Student Council (SC) International, OTM SC US & Canada, OTM SC Amenia, Education Department, Prayer Department, Design Department, and Worship Department will attend the meetings. Already the leaders have begun to arrive and prepare for the conference, they pray that everyone can receive abundant grace during Christmas and joyfully welcome the new year in hope and power.

May the Holy Spirit personally guide and prepare everything in order for the conference to be held smoothly. May OTM dream big dreams and be empowered to fulfill them in the power of the Holy Spirit, marching forward strongly as the army of the Lord and win many more teens for Christ.

The training consisted of two lectures on discipleship: one meditating on the temptations of Jesus and the other on the cost of discipleship. Trainee teen leaders were encouraged to live more nobly, resisting temptation and sacrificing their lives for Christ’s will.

Additionally, TLT incorporated two small workshops. They learned how to use the Romans material for Amenia cell groups, and the essence of preaching accompanied with useful tips. The teen leaders received much practical advice from these two workshops.

As part of the program, a shepherd meeting was also held. Teen cell group leaders gave reports about their cell groups-activities of the cell group and the spiritual conditions of their members. Teen leaders could also share their struggles and receive guidance from senior leaders. The meeting strengthened and encouraged each leader to continue loving their members and direct them to Christ.

Participants shared their reflections after attending the TLT:

“I feel like this TLT meeting was very helpful for me because it talked about a lot of topics that I had been having problems and questions about recently. Usually, when people talk about temptations, it seems like something that doesn’t really relate to you, and you just distance yourself from that situation or that example. But for me, these messages really stood out and made me think about how that would apply to me. It was very helpful that it was about discipleship and preaching since I’m not the best at leading/guiding people and don’t have that much experience. A point that really stood out to me was maturity. It’s not only about growth. You may be able to do it, but you have to be humble and put that first, or else nothing is going to be able to work out. I am very thankful for this time that we could study these things. I hope that I can reflect on it in my life and help my cell group to grow in faith and that I can also learn a lot from teaching them. There may be many things that I’m not good at and uncertain of, so I pray the Holy Spirit can show the way.”

“This TLT helped remind me how much I am dependent on God. I could see that I am not on this path alone but God has set people up and given me the key to guide me along this difficult path of faith. Because of my cell group’s reactions, I was losing faith in my role as leader, but I came to see that God works through the least of us. He reveals His glory in our weaknesses, and that should be our testimony. That is so graceful. If we focus on Him, what else could we want? It’s truly the blessing of being a disciple.”

“This is my first time joining, but it truly felt like a meaningful and graceful time. I was thankful to receive such insightful guidance, especially on discipleship. We really must go beyond the level of the physical world, the surface level, and look for the deep word of God in all situations. The only solution to our fundamental problems is the fundamental solution, returning back to God. I was reminded how weak humans really are, and I could not be helped but be embarrassed about the image that thought ‘I am fine, strong, and all right’. But it is because of Christ that I can be strong despite my weakness I wish to not forget that all of this is grace and love and focus on what is truly important: having a clear and direct plan pointing to the kingdom of God. Again we are vulnerable and are like babies who think they can walk by themselves. Even though I am a baby, I want to pray to be a wise baby that asks for their father’s help and follows his footsteps.”

OTM hopes that through TLTs, many teen leaders can be raised to shepherd teens for the Kingdom of God. Please pray that the Holy Spirit continues to work inside each trainee teen leader’s heart and ignites in them a passion for the heavenly kingdom.

Coordination was made about the program that will take place on Saturday, where there will be praise, the word of God, games, and at the end they will share a small snack.

It was a special afternoon where the members were motivated to evangelize and are excited and grateful to God for this time.

The meeting started looking at the Word of God in 1 Corinthians 9. Volunteers and leaders of OTM were reminded to undergo strict training in order to save numerous souls. Distractions can easily come, so chapters ought to keep their eyes on the goals by constantly challenging themselves to improve themselves in order that many souls can be saved.

Next, chapters were again reminded of the March and Easter goals, especially by region. They were encouraged that although it looks impossible, God makes all things possible, so each volunteer and leader ought to set up absolute faith and work wholeheartedly to see these goals being realized.

Lastly, each chapter had a time of reporting. Most chapters have expressed plans for retreats as well. They were encouraged to continue to hold regular programs for their members to invite their friends and as a way for discipleship. 

OTM international continues to look towards expanding and growing worldwide towards Easter. May God strengthen each chapter with the power of the Holy Spirit to evangelize numerous teens this month and towards Easter.

From this year, OTM has brainstormed ways for new members to grow in their faith as well as unite together. Through gathering together online, teen members gained encouragement through witnessing others their age also following God.

The monthly membership training will be a time for teens to delve deeper into foundational Bible studies. In this first gathering, the topics of Creation and Fall were explained more deeply. Teenagers could meditate more on the necessity of responding to God’s love and spreading it to others. Through looking at the Fall, they could study more how Satan tempts them and how to overcome the deeply rooted arrogance in man.

After the 2 Bible studies, OTM members had a short activity on Bible trivia and then talked about teaching and evangelizing. Many teens nowadays have a passion for evangelism and teaching their friends the Word of God. This lecture allowed them to look at the preciousness of teaching and the command that Jesus gave to each Christian in the Great Commission. OTM members could receive practical guidance on how to live it out in their lives to evangelize and teach their friends.

Lastly, teens were asked to think and pray for new ways to evangelize their peers and to help teens grow in their faith in the Lord.

May God use these gatherings to strengthen and unite all OTM members that they may be raised from a young age to be devoted to God’s Kingdom.

As a conclusion of the gathering, all leaders agreed to work together to create more resources to help teens grow in their relationships with Christ and train leaders to deliver the gospel more efficiently.

The OTM continental leaders will gather their strength to prepare Bible messages in various languages such as English, Spanish, German, and Korean. These will be used to teach teens the word of God and help them deepen their relationships with Him. 

As teens also need much guidance and people who can walk this path together with them, OTM will develop more resources and trainings that will assist current leaders to grow in ministry skills and form Christ-centered relationships with teens. 

OTM wishes to continuously guide teens globally to become future leaders of this world through everything they do and hopes that this will be accomplished through creating teen discipleship resources and various leadership trainings.