A famine is spreading across the globe and if it remains unchecked, the consequences will be devastating. In fact, the repercussions are already being felt. The famine I am referring to is not likely what you are thinking of. While half of the world lives in poverty (living on less than $2 per day) and one billion in extreme poverty (living on less $1 per day), I am not speaking about a famine of finances or food (though this is true). I am concerned about the theological famine that is spreading across the globe.

It is believed that 75% of all Christians live outside of the US in the “majority world” (Latin American, Africa, Middle East, and Asia) (Weymann Lee, Training Leaders International). By God’s grace, the gospel is flourishing in these parts of the world. Yet, it is estimated that there are 5 million pastors outside the US, and an overwhelming majority of them (85%) have little to no theological training or even access to it (Lee).

To understand the theological famine in the “majority world,” let these ratios sink in:

            The ratio of theologically trained pastors to people in the US is 1:230

            The ratio of theologically trained pastors to people outside of the US is 1:450,000 (Lee)

For this reason, we are making an intentional effort to mobilize pastors and church leaders across the Kentucky Baptist Convention for the purpose of equipping pastors in the “majority world” for great gospel impact. Recently, we led a team of five to Africa to train pastors and church leaders throughout the country of Zimbabwe. In partnership with the Moore family from Kentucky, our team was able to assist in training around 100 church leaders in three different topics: doctrine of salvation, biblical interpretation, and expository preaching.

Kentucky Baptist church leaders can truly make a difference by investing in “majority world” church leaders what was invested in them through their theological education here in the US. The need for theological training outside the US is real and Kentucky Baptists have a genuine opportunity to partner in this great endeavor.

As one Zimbabwe pastor said to me, “What you are teaching us is needed for all of our pastors. When will you be back?” The solution to the theological famine across the globe is simple yet complex. It is simple in that the tide will turn as church leaders are trained to “rightly handle the word of truth.” However, it is complex in the sense that we need more co-laborers who will take Paul’s words to Timothy seriously: “The things which you heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Tim 2:2). So, let’s push back the famine.

In early 2001 Linda Otterback was scheduled for a mission trip to El Salvador.  When the trip had to be cancelled, Linda received a phone call asking if she would like to go to Fleming-Neon instead.  “What country is that in?” Linda asked.

Linda soon learned that Fleming-Neon is in Eastern Kentucky.  She said “yes” to that mission trip, which began the Eastern Kentucky SONrise ministry that is still active today.  Linda and her husband Larry poured their hearts into the Eastern Kentucky area, where they have led prayer meetings, women’s and men’s conferences, gathered much needed resources (clothing, diapers, household furniture, Christmas gifts), and led mission teams to the EKY area.  They have also been such encouragers for many residents, as well as missionaries that serve in eastern Kentucky.

Larry and Linda were married 51 years, grew up in church together, and served together as North American Mission Board MSC Missionaries.  Larry served in this position for 10 years until health issues forced him to step down.  However, he continued to pray for eastern Kentucky and support the work of his wife Linda.

As his health allowed, Larry attended the annual Kentucky missionary retreat with Linda.  One interesting memory about Larry was the Missionary Retreat of 2015 when Larry and fellow missionary Greg Whitetree had a two-lap wheelchair race around the entrance to Dupont Lodge at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park.  As the two rounded lap one, Larry was in the lead, however Greg came back to pass Larry for the close win at the finish line.  It was a lot of fun, with missionaries cheering for both of their missionary friends.  That retreat proved to be Larry’s last, as his health continued to decline.

With the 2016 retreat being in Louisville, Linda was able to attend some of the sessions, while sitters helped with Larry.  Linda shared a video, recorded by Larry and his pastor from Simpsonville Baptist Church, in April 2016.  Larry shared about the good life he and Linda have had together, shared about their family & ministry, and basically had a chance to say “goodbye.”  He shared that, even during his illness, their home had become a church for many people, as he did not let them get out without asking about their relationship with the Lord.  “I’m ready,” Larry said.  “My address is going to change.”

On September 30^th, Larry’s address did change, as he went HOME.  Thank you, Larry, for your friendship, your encouragement, and for your service.  Many have been blessed through your service.  We will miss you.

Please pray for Linda and the family.

To see Larry’s video, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x45J7RvBtkk.