Come away....and learn from me

In Mark 6:31 Jesus said, “Come away with me…” and in Matthew 11:29 He added, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me.” Jesus’ invitation reminds us that transformation begins in His presence. And while nothing can replace time with Him, those who learn from experienced Sowers also grow in skill, confidence, and effectiveness.

The SOWERS Field Academy (SFA) — Malawi 2026 is providing exactly that: good, quality time with experienced senior Sowers, learning from them so that each participant can return to the place God has called them and serve with greater clarity, confidence, and ability.

The Great Commission in Matthew 28 calls the church to go and make disciples of all nations. The SOWERS Field Academy is embodying that call in a remarkable and practical way. For one concentrated month, twenty‑five Sowers from Ethiopia, Ivory Coast, Malawi, and Namibia have gathered for intensive training—learning, practising, and strengthening their ability to take the gospel beyond the church walls and out into the community.

On August 28, most will be commissioned as Level 5 Sowers by SOWERS President Rodwell Masanga. Then, on August 31, they will return home equipped with a deeper understanding and renewed conviction to go, sow, and grow in their nations. Two Sowers administrators from Zambia are also attending for two weeks to increase their knowledge and understanding of how the Mission works (as opposed to the Program), so they can serve more effectively.

This strengthening comes at a crucial time. With only two Regional Advisors overseeing twelve countries, the need for trained, competent, field‑experienced leaders is great. These newly equipped men and women will help carry that load, providing support, guidance, and momentum across the continent. The SOWERS Field Academy is broadening and stabilising the foundation of SOWERS in a way we have long prayed for.

The Academy is also teaching us something important: Malawi is an excellent base for hosting such events. Nineteen of those present are Malawian Sowers—many at Level 3 and 4, with a handful at Level 5. Their experience is enabling them to assist Godfrey and Emmanuel in training the Level 2 and Level 3 Sowers, keeping groups small and therefore providing every Sower with plenty of focused time and experience.

In the first two weeks, the teams conducted 36 open‑air meetings, giving new Level 2 and Level 3 Sowers valuable experience. Then, as the men and women work towards Level 4 (where they learn to teach the Level 2 seminar, among other things), six Level 2 seminars are being held. Not every country has these resources, opportunities, or experienced personnel available. Malawi does—and it is proving to be a strategic, fruitful training hub.

During their third week, eight teams of Sowers went out to different villages to put into practice the skills they had been learning. They taught seminars, held open‑air meetings, and promoted the SOWERS ministry in the churches they visited.

One Sower sent me the following message. "The practicum is going very well. I'm very delighted that I've not missed it. God is helping me and I can't find strong enough words to express my gratitude."

Yet the Great Commission continues to call us forward. Sowers from DRC, CAR, India, Kenya, Mozambique, Nepal, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe are still waiting for this same focused, transformative training. Much remains to be done, as the harvest is plentiful, but God is raising qualified and capable workers who are ready to go.

To train these men and women costs money, and we cannot do it without the faithful partnership of friends who believe in the Great Commission and the ministry of SOWERS. The expense of travel, lodging, food, teaching facilities, local transport, and ministry opportunities over a full month is significant — but every dollar invested into the lives of these leaders becomes a seed of grain that multiplies many times, reaping a harvest of souls for the Kingdom of God.

Future Academies will likely train six to ten Sowers at a time - each one returning home equipped to evangelise, disciple, teach, and raise up others.

Even as I write this, I have a real sense of excitement and thankfulness. Kenya is a possible venue for our next Academy, as Sowers can be drawn from Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Emmanuel and Godfrey would lead this, assisted by one or two of the Ethiopian men currently being trained. In this way, Paul’s words to Timothy are being obeyed: “And the things you have heard me say… entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” (2 Tim 2:2).

However, we recognise that training new workers and sending them into new areas and nations comes at a cost. Finance for travel, materials, and ongoing support will be required. Yet we serve a faithful God, and He has called us to Go.

When we step out in obedience, He proves again and again that He is able to supply everything we need. Our part is to be faithful and go; His part is to provide faithfully. As Scripture reminds us, “The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.” (1 Thess 5:24).

Prayer and Praise Points

Give Praise for...
- People wanting to be undergo training so that they can serve more effectively
- The opportunity to reproduce the SFA in other parts of Africa and Asia
- God's faithful provision

Pray for...
- Safety and protection for Sowers everywhere who are faithfully sowing and reaping
- That the 25 Sowers at the SFA would return home with a renewed passion for the ministry in their regions

Murray Suisted
Director, SOWERS International NZ