Kent Kiefer is the CEO & Executive Director of Scriptures in Use (SIU). He has over twenty-three years of International Ministry experience; in his eleventh year with SIU, and previously four years with a faith-based International Missions’ Sending Agency (“ABWE”) and eight years with a faith-based International Parachurch ministry (“Focus on the Family”).
Kent has a heart and passion for “reaching the unreached” and believes strongly that the oral arts, communication bridges training approach designed specifically for the indigenous men and women of peace around the world is one of the most effective means to reach the nations with the Gospel.
Kent is widowed after his wife Melissa (“Missy”) was promoted into Glory in November 2021 after a 14-year battle with Parkinsons Disease, and has four children (all college age young adults). The Kiefers are involved with two local churches with the body of Christ in Southeast Tucson (“Grace Church of Sahuarita” and “Pantano Christian”).
Can I participate in an SIU Bridges to Oral Cultures Training?
/by Kent KieferHave you ever thought, “Can I participate in a SIU Bridges to Oral Cultures Training?” Do you know someone who might like to join a training? Through our new partnership with TRAIN International, we have an opportunity for you. You are invited to participate in a SIU Bridges to Oral Cultures Training without having to travel overseas. This is a truly unique opportunity that doesn’t come along often.
Daniel, a participant in an SIU Bridges to Oral Cultures training event here in the United States wrote, “A few weeks ago, I participated in a ‘storying’ training….After the storying training, I decided…[to] give this simple storying method a try….The kids were engaged in the story, and when it came time to answer questions from the story, it became immediately clear that they had listened incredibly well.”
Whether you are interested in attending the training or not, I think you will be blessed to read the rest of Daniel’s story of his experience using the tools he gained through the Bridges to Oral Cultures training.
Tribute to those who were promoted to Glory in 2021
/by Kent KieferLast year was a difficult year for our SIU partners and SIU team members, even as we witnessed the continued advancement of the Gospel with new believers, new disciples and new church plants across the harvest fields around the world in 2021. Our international partners and US based team saw and experienced much grief with loss of life with immediate family and close friends. In the midst of loss, we hold on to the sovereignty, peace, love and goodness of our God.
Can you make a difference?
/by Kent KieferIn the last few Blogs, we have revealed a disheartening imbalance and shocking fact that less than 1/100 of .1% (which equates to .0001) of the world’s annual charitable giving goes to places in the world needing the gospel the most. Sadly, that is less than $1 of every $10,000 of charitable giving dollars going to those people across the world—currently estimated at 3.28 billion people (source: Joshuaproject.net) — who have NEVER heard about Jesus and His gift of salvation. This means that the people groups who are unreached are NOT receiving the resources needed to make an eternal difference in their lives.
How can this change?
YOU can play a key role in changing this trend by supporting our partners in prayer and financial support with a year-end gift to SIU.
Resources to Reach and Engage the Lost
/by Kent KieferIn last month’s blog, we revealed the disheartening imbalance and shocking fact that less than 1/100 of .1% (which equates to .0001) of the world’s annual charitable giving goes to places in the world needing the gospel the most. Sadly, that is less than $1 of every $10,000 of charitable giving dollars going to serve people across the world—currently estimated at 3.28 billion (source: Joshuaproject.net) — who have NEVER heard about Jesus and His gift of salvation. This means that ample resources are NOT going toward making an eternal difference in the lives of the most unreached. How can we change this?
Our partners at SIU play a key role in changing this trend….
Reaching and engaging the lost living among oral cultures
/by Kent KieferAs I briefly discussed in last month’s blog, an extremely small percentage of current faith-based funding and resources each year is getting to those regions and people groups who need it the most – the unreached and unengaged. Please watch this short video that clearly explains this challenging issue:
This imbalance is disheartening. However, through the power of the Spirit and with much prayer, it can be changed! Scriptures In Use (SIU) plays a key role in changing this trend…
The Persecuted Church: Counting the Cost
/by Kent Kiefer“We count our material possessions of no value as we have the Lord of the universe on our side! HE is our provider of ALL.” It is easy to believe these words when we are in a place of comfort, but what about from a place of great loss? Many of our SIU partners have lost their homes, communities, workplaces, and family as a result of following Jesus. Some will even have to flee their homes with nothing more than the clothes on their back. Right now, there are communities of believers huddled in safe houses worshipping and praising God while their persecutors search for them. . . .
Windows of Giving Opportunities with the COVID-19 Pandemic
/by Kent Kiefer“Are you qualified to receive Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) as charitable donations?” One of our faithful supporters asked me when I was contacted by them the other day.
“Yes, we are,” I replied. “We recommend you seek the help of your tax advisor in making your decision. If you decide to give to SIU, we are a qualified 501(c)(3) and can receive your charitable donation. We will put your gift to good use based on where you would like it go.”
Storytelling and Biblical Accuracy
/by Kent KieferThis month we continue a series of periodical posts focusing on the distinctives of SIU’s church planting and disciple-making approach written by our founders, Jim and Carla Bowman.
Anju has just finished telling the Woman of Tekoa story (2 Samuel 14) in front of the whole class. The participants clap enthusiastically calming Anju’s fears and greatly encouraging her. The Trainer speaks up. “Anju thank you so much. That was fantastic.” Turning to another participant he says, “Asha, I know you were Anju’s mentor for this story. Did she tell the story exactly as it appears in your Bible?” After a hushed silence, Asha smiles and says proudly, “I read the text silently while Anju spoke. Every word was perfect.”
Stories are the Language of the Heart
/by Kent KieferWe have had such a positive response and so much encouraging feedback from those who have recently received our 2020 Annual Report that we would like to share another story and some highlights. We continue to celebrate our God – the God who never sleeps and is never taken by surprise. Our God knew this global pandemic was coming, and He opened hearts, minds and new doors through the telling and retelling of HIS Stories in the heart language of His people…from the living, active Word of God! Read more….
Nothing can stop the advance of the Gospel!
/by Kent KieferWe are extremely excited to announce that our 2020 Annual Report has arrived and is in the mail to our faithful financial supporters! Our team spent much time praying and deliberating, collaborating on content and design, and searching through our partner field stories from 2020. We are celebrating our God – the God who never sleeps and is never taken by surprise. Our God knew this global pandemic was coming, and He opened hearts, minds and new doors to advance the Gospel! Read more….