FDMI Graduation in Tanzania
My name is Rev. Dr. Letema Saruni Laizer, and I want to take this opportunity to give glory to God for His faithfulness and mercy—both in my life and in the lives of our graduates—on this memorable day, Saturday, 29 November 2024.
The day was filled with joy and thanksgiving as we celebrated the great achievement of over 150 students graduating from Family Discipleship Ministries Institute (FDMI) with diplomas in disciple-making. These graduates, who come from various churches and denominations, have completed two years of training to become equipped disciple-makers for the Kingdom of God.
The graduation ceremony was held at the headquarters of Family Discipleship Ministries Africa, located in Monduli, Arusha, Tanzania. It was a beautiful and impactful event, with more than 250 people in attendance—pastors, church leaders, families, and friends from across different cities all gathered to honor what God has done through this ministry.
During the ceremony, we heard from three keynote speakers:
Dr. Jonathan King, Executive Director of FDMI, reminded the graduates that disciple-making is a lifelong journey that requires obedience, endurance, holiness, and commitment. He cited Titus 2:1–10, urging the graduates never to underestimate the power of a godly example and to go out as faithful and fruitful disciple-makers.
Pastor Craig Caster, Founder and President of FDM.world, delivered an inspiring exhortation. He gave glory to God for the graduates who had answered the call to make disciples, urging them to use what they’ve learned to bring transformation in their families, churches, and communities. He emphasized the importance of forgiveness, alignment with God’s Word, and being agents of reconciliation and healing.
Bishop Prof. Israel Voice Obayemi, from Immanuel Theological Institute in South Africa, delivered a powerful charge based on Matthew 28:19–20 and 2 Corinthians 5:20. He reminded the graduates that what they have received is not for storage but for action. He encouraged them to let their lives shine in their families and societies, changing systems and influencing others as ambassadors for Christ.
Graduate Testimonies
Many graduates shared moving testimonies of how the training has transformed their lives and ministries.
Richard Konga shared that the FDMI course has been a life-changing journey. Over two years, he learned foundational truths about marriage as ministry, leadership, discipleship, and parenting. He said, “I never knew these things before. I thank God for FDMI, which has brought so much light and transformation to my spiritual journey and leadership in my home.”
Zakayo Rasirasi began by expressing deep appreciation to FDMI for offering the course free of charge. He testified how he had already begun applying what he learned—starting with his own family—and has seen great change. “The courses are unique and clearly inspired by God,” he said, urging church leaders and laypeople to enroll in FDMI’s online programs.
Rose Emmanuel described graduation day as one of the most joyful and beautiful moments of her life. She shared how she now understands that marriage is a God-ordained ministry and that parenting is also a form of discipleship. “The world may say otherwise, but God created marriage between a man and a woman, and we must align our lives with His design,” she said.
In closing, I reminded the graduates of Christ’s example and our call to imitate Him. As Jesus said in John 13:15–17, we are to serve one another and go forward to make disciples, as Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 2:2.
We give thanks to God for this great milestone and look ahead with hope and expectation for how these graduates will carry the light of Christ into every corner of their communities.