Global Baptist Training Foundation

Global Baptist Training Foundation Taking Biblical Education to Nationals


Invest in national church leaders who already live on site,

GBTF exists to take solid Biblical theological training, particularly to national pastors on mission fields, free of charge. The home/sending church is Ocean State Baptist Church in Smithfield, RI (osbc.org).

06/01/2026

New episode just dropped!

06/01/2026

What does it mean to leave a missions footprint? 🌎

Join us in our latest episode as we explore the Great Commission and the journey of impactful missionaries like Adoniram Judson. Link in bio!

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2570126/episodes/19172811

Episode 22 on Mission 21Are you part of a church that aims to make a difference? ⛪️ Tune in to our latest episode where ...
06/01/2026

Episode 22 on Mission 21

Are you part of a church that aims to make a difference? ⛪️

Tune in to our latest episode where we discuss how to leave a missions footprint and fulfill the Great Commission. 🌎

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2570126/episodes/19172811

Or watch on You Tube!

https://youtu.be/J3rtNspmD_c?feature=shared

Bruce Snavely Grace Melton Snavely Shinga Fidele Atusasire Naboth Atusasire Esther

Leaving a Lasting Gospel Footprint: A Church's MissionIn this epi...

Episode 21 🎉Join us as we share the miraculous story of Mambo Samuel, who faced life-threatening situations but was spar...
05/25/2026

Episode 21 🎉

Join us as we share the miraculous story of Mambo Samuel, who faced life-threatening situations but was spared by divine intervention.

Discover the importance of prayer in the livesof those serving in dangerous places. 🙏🏻



Watch HERE!

https://youtu.be/kHcYAcphsxA?feature=shared

Bruce Snavely Grace Melton Snavely Mambo Samuel Longa

In this episode, we share an incredible story of survival and divine intervention featuring Mambo Samuel, a dedicated servant in South Sudan. After experienc...

Intentional Multiplication WORKS!!Since the inception of Global Baptist Training Foundation in 2011, we have continually...
05/22/2026

Intentional Multiplication WORKS!!

Since the inception of Global Baptist Training Foundation in 2011, we have continually seen how multiplication of effort to spread the gospel is so much more effective than addition. In other words, by intentionally multiplying effort to spread the gospel by training national pastors and church leaders to train other national pastors and church leaders, the results are exponentially greater.

Here is what has happened in just the past couple of weeks through GBTF nationals trainers in their own words:

Kyela Branch, Tanzania

“GBTF Southern Tanzania, Kyela Branch. Classes took place on 05/18-22/2026 with 42 students. They studied Homiletics 1&2 (Expository Preaching] with the instructor Pastor Kennedy Mkala. The students were very much excited and encouraged with this subject. It was inspiring and well informative subject, therefore they have gained a lot of knowledge and skill.. But sadly we lost a fellow student. During a class time on Wednesday 20th of May 2026 our brother by the name Pastor Andrew Mwangosi fell down instantly, so we took him to hospital at Kyela and the doctor said he was dead. It is very painful to see your brother is dying in your presence. Therefore it is unforgettable story and we leave the situations in the hands of God. The burial day is tomorrow Saturday 23rd of May 2026, as a class we agreed to go to attend burial ceremony... As a class we thank GBTF faculty for providing us such teachings, it's really encouraging.. May God bless you!!!! (Please note that this is not the same Andrew who died during the Western Uganda class!)


Karonga District, Malawi

The class took place in a place called Uliwa / Chilumba in Karonga district (Mzuzu north). Men and women were so happy to learn about two courses. 1. Soteriology: The doctrine of Salvation and 2. Hermeneutics: Interpretation of Scripture. They were so inspired to understand the truth about regeneration (to be born again) and eternal security. They were overwhelmed to know how to interpret the Word of God. The class started on 8th of May up to 20th May 2026. Started with 20 people. This class was taught by GBTF Trainers Bortha Longwe and Glyn Mwale.

Manhica/Manyisa, Mozambique

This class took place in a Place called MANHIÇA/ MANYISA. This is 60 Miles from Maputo the capital of Mozambique. The men were very much excited to learn about two courses : 1. Pastoral Leadership and Church Administration 2. ⁠Ecclesiology - The Study of the Church.
These two courses were so inspiring and informative. The men benefited greatly in knowing about the importance of the church in their lives and skills to lead the church. Most of the people were in church leadership positions without any theological training.
Class had 38 people and all graduated both courses. I, Fidèle SHINGA (GBTF African Continent Director), taught this course. I would like to remind everyone that this class was supposed to be taught in last February this year but because of the flooding, I could not be able to travel there. I had to postpone it to May , 2026.


Western Uganda

From 11th–15th May 2026, the Global Baptist Training Foundation (GBTF) successfully conducted a theological training session in Western Uganda with a total attendance of 44 students. The training focused on the courses of Hermeneutics, Pastoral Leadership, and Church Administration, aimed at strengthening biblical understanding and equipping church leaders for effective ministry. The classes progressed well with much learning and fellowship among students. However, during the training period, the GBTF classes experienced a heartbreaking loss following the sudden passing of one of the faithful students who had continued attending classes to refresh and strengthen his biblical knowledge. This unexpected event deeply affected the class and wider ministry community. In the final part of the training, approximately one-third of the students attended the burial service to stand with the grieving family and honor the life and commitment of their fellow student. Despite this difficult moment, the training concluded in a spirit of unity, faith, and continued commitment to biblical education and ministry preparation. GBTF remains grateful for the dedication of the students and the support shown throughout the training period. [Note: We asked about the children in this class. Here is the answer from Ntare Rogers, GBTF African IT Director: They are pastors' sons, and our training centre administration agreed that they may attend the training together with their fathers provided they are 13 years of age and above...We pray that if they receive this practical training at an early age, they may follow in their fathers' footsteps and become preachers and servants of God. Regarding their ability to understand and master the materials, they often grasp them even better than many adults as evidenced by their quizzes. They receive junior certificates. When they turn 18, they can return and earn full certification.]


Chasefu, Zambia

The training that took place at Chasefu, Zambia from 20-25 April, 2026. I was teaching Homiletics 1 & 2. These classes help pastors prepare Biblically correct sermons and help the women to become better Bible teachers in their roles of teaching women and children. Twenty three students attended the training. This class started in 2024. I am expecting to do graduation in November this year. This course was taught by Pastor Brasswell Nkhonjera (Malawi), GBTF Southern Africa Director.

Dar es Salaam, Branch, Tanzania

The GBTF class at the Dar es Salaam Branch, located in the eastern part of Tanzania, officially ran from 27th April to 30th April, 2026. The class consists of a total of 24 students. Some were engaged in farming activities, Others were unwell. And some did not receive permission from their workplaces During this session, students studied the course of Eschatology (Study of the Last Things). The course was taught by the trainer Joseph Osila Wakilongo, who successfully guided the students through the completion of their studies. At present, the class has completed all required courses and the students are now awaiting graduation.

We also had classes in other locations like South Sudan and Kenya. We could send out a report similar to this almost every month. INTENTIONAL MULTIPLICATION WORKS! These classes lead to church plants which lead to many people coming to faith in Jesus Christ followed by baptism and training. We so appreciate our GBTF donors and partners who make all of this possible. Join us by visiting www.globaltrain.org today!

Bruce and Grace Snavely
Global Baptist Training Foundation

Videos:

Singing in Class Completion Day Mozambique May 2026
https://youtu.be/ET1OrK4g4KA

Singing in Class Mozambique May 2026
https://youtu.be/wETNoX8i3B8?feature=shared

Thank you from Dar es Salaam. April 2026
https://youtu.be/JDtJwRFsEsk?feature=shared

Singing in Dar we Salaam. April 2026
https://youtu.be/KLgX1P-8h_g?feature=shared

Singing in Mbozi Branch, Tanzania May 2026
https://youtu.be/bHtvkqLVRBE?feature=shared

Bruce Snavely Grace Melton Snavely Shinga Fidele Atusasire Naboth Atusasire EstherPastor Brasswell Global Baptist Training Foundation Lorelee Siemens Ntare Rodgers

Episode 20 🎉🎉If you watch, comment “YES”-we’d love to know who is viewing and say thank you!!!  And say hi to Fidele! To...
05/18/2026

Episode 20 🎉🎉

If you watch, comment “YES”-we’d love to know who is viewing and say thank you!!! And say hi to Fidele!

Today, us as we share the remarkable journey of Fidele Shinga, a pastor from Rwanda who has become the African director for the Global Baptist Training Foundation. His story is one of growth,faith, and leadership.
Don’t miss it!



Watch HERE!
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2570126/episodes/19112928

Or watch on YOU TUBE

https://youtu.be/bpQ2kw1BmGs?feature=shared

Bruce Snavely Grace Melton Snavely Shinga Fidele

From Translator to Trailblazer: The Journey of Fidele ShingaIn this inspiring episode, Bruce Snavely shares the remarkable journey of Fidele Shinga, ayoung p...

AndrewThis is a GBTF Class (Western Uganda) update sent from Uganda:We began our classes on Monday, and today is Day 3. ...
05/14/2026

Andrew

This is a GBTF Class (Western Uganda) update sent from Uganda:

We began our classes on Monday, and today is Day 3. The training sessions are going on well, but we have received a very shocking and heartbreaking report.

One of our faithful students, Nuwataho Andrew, suddenly passed away. Andrew had already completed all GBTF courses and was only waiting for graduation. Even though he had already taken the courses being taught in this session, he did not want to miss the classes. He chose to attend again so that he could refresh and strengthen his understanding.

In fact, on Monday morning, he was the very first student to arrive in class. He attended the morning session, but I did not see him in the afternoon. When I asked another student about his whereabouts, I was informed that he was not feeling well and had gone to one of the rooms to rest.

Later that evening, he was discovered in the room unconscious and unable to speak or understand anything. He was rushed to the hospital and admitted on oxygen support. Sadly, the following day, he passed away.

Nuwataho Andrew was among the very first students when GBTF classes were first introduced in Western Uganda. Before GBTF extended classes to the western part of Uganda, he even attended GBTF classes in Entebbe because of his love, commitment, and passion for learning the Word of God. This sudden loss is truly shocking to all of us.

His dedication, faithfulness, and love for learning will always be remembered.

Please keep his family, friends, and the entire GBTF community in your prayers during this difficult time.

Note from GBTF: Andrew was raised by Naboth (GBTF East Africa Director) and Esther (GBTF Co-Women’s Director) Atusasire. They are, understandably, very saddened by this loss. We ask our GBTF family to please surround them with prayer as they observe Andrew’s funeral today.

05/11/2026

Why do we no longer need to send missionaries to live on the field? 🙋🏼‍♀️

Bruce Snavely breaks down five compelling reasons in our latest episode.

Join the conversation and rethink
mission strategies!


Global Baptist Training Foundation began in 2011 as a dream to take college level theological training to pastors and ch...
05/11/2026

Global Baptist Training Foundation began in 2011 as a dream to take college level theological training to pastors and church leaders in developing nations. God has grown that dream into a movement that is impacting 32 nations with the gospel of Jesus Christ. How does it work?

Beginning:
National pastors and church leaders are trained in week-long modular classes for a period of two and a half to three years until the entire curriculum is successfully completed.

What does the training include? 16 courses:
-Hermeneutics (Interpretation of Scripture)
-Bibliology (Study of the Bible)
-Anthropology (Study of Man)
-Christology (Study of Christ)
-Soteriology (Study of Salvation)
-New Testament Survey
-Old Testament Survey
-Church History
-Pastoral Leadership and Church Administration
-Evangelism and Church Planting
-Homiletics (Expository Preaching), -Homiletics 2
-Eschatology (Study of End Times), -Acts (Bridging the Gospels and Epistles)
-Apologetics (Defending the Gospel).

New courses coming soon: Angelology (Study of Angels), and Muslim Evangelism. These course are translated into about 20 languages. The notes are given to each class participant to take home and use to continue training others.

These are intensive course of about 30 hours of instruction and include assessments of mastery of the content of each course.

We have a brand new class just starting in South Sudan as well as ongoing classes in many countries. These training classes are taught by one of our 220 national trainers. A national trainer has completed the GBTF curriculum, showed exceptional communication skills in addition to a solid grasp on all theological concepts as well as additional training to be a trainer. Our next email will highlight several trainees and classes across Africa.

Launching:

At the end of the studies, Global Baptist Training Foundation honors these national pastors and church leaders with a graduation ceremony. For most, this is the only formal graduation ceremony they will ever experience. These graduations are filled with joy and rejoicing with family and friends coming to cheer on the graduates. Two recent graduations occurred in Burundi and Central African Republic.

Our African Director, Fidele Shinga, attends all graduations. Unfortunately, he was unable to attend the Burundi graduation due to political sparring between Rwanda and Burundi, two nations that are geographically next door to one another. As a Rwandan, Fidele was prohibited entrance into Burundi even though he has taught many classes there. Bruce, Grace, and Lex attended a graduation in Burundi in 2025. One of our faithful trainers from Uganda traveled to Burundi to lead the graduation.

What happens next (after graduation) is perhaps the most exciting! These graduates go on to train their own church people, to train other pastors and church leaders, and to plant new churches themselves or to send out a GBTF-trained pastor from within their church to plant (start) a brand new church! To date, GBTF-trained pastors have started almost 2,000 churches. In 2025, GBTF church plants, many supported for one year by our partner, ADVANCE, reported over 108,000 people coming to faith in Christ. In the first quarter of 2026, about 22,000 people came to faith in Christ through our GBTF network. Most of these new believers go on to be baptized and then discipled through the churches.

Global Baptist Training Foundation exists to theologically train nationals to train nationals. Your giving covers the cost of taking this training free of charge around the world. Visit www.globaltrain.org to invest in eternity!

Videos:

Southern Burundi Graduation Procession:
https://youtu.be/9VtyMBkeJLU?feature=shared
Class in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania:
https://youtu.be/KLgX1P-8h_g?feature=shared
Class in Mzenga, Malawi
https://youtu.be/Hu-frLBXI40?feature=shared

Bruce and Grace Snavely
Global Baptist Training Foundation

Shinga Fidele Bruce Snavely Grace Melton Snavely Atusasire Esther Atusasire Naboth Pastor Brasswell Global Baptist Training Foundation

Episode 19 🙌🏻Rethinking Missions: Why Permanent Presence is Outdated.  In this thought-provoking episode, Bruce Snavely ...
05/11/2026

Episode 19 🙌🏻

Rethinking Missions: Why Permanent Presence is Outdated.

In this thought-provoking episode, Bruce Snavely tackles the pressing question: why is it no longer necessary to send missionaries to live permanently on the mission field?

As the landscape of global missions evolves, Bruce outlines five compelling reasons that challenge traditional methods.

From the effectiveness of training local nationals to the advent of swift travel, this episode encourages a re-evaluation of how we approach missions today. Join us as we explore these insights and consider the implications for the future of missionary work. 🙌🏻

Watch HERE!
Arrow⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rethinking-missions-why-permanent-presence-is-outdated/id1866585739?i=1000767130896

Or watch on you tube!

https://youtu.be/KVyixZrfSwY?feature=shared

Bruce Snavely Grace Melton Snavely

Rethinking Missions: Why Permanent Presence is OutdatedIn this thought-provoking episode, Bruce Snavely tackles the pressing question: why is it nolonger nec...

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