Last year we started a DBS for two Indian families. It only lasted three sessions.  There were many reasons that is was so short lived.  Some of them were cultural landminds that we were not aware of.  Another was a lack of interest by the host's husband.

David Watson estimates that 85% of his groups fail. And he is the one who pioneered Discovery Bible Studies.

Shortly after the DBS fell apart, Anupam* and her husband moved to another suburb.  They did not cut off the relationship. In fact, they invited us to their housewarming.  This is a huge event in Indian culture, second only to marriage.  We came and met more of her friends.  I had fun at the party telling people the story we had discussed at our Discovery Bible Study the week before.

We continued to be involved in Anupam and her husband's lives, attending social events whenever invited.  This month Anupam's parents came from India.  She was keen to introduce them to us, so we arranged for afternoon tea at our home.  While Anupam and Chris were in the kitchen getting the morning tea ready, she confided to Chris, “ I just want to tell you I am ready to submit myself to Jesus. I know I have been born a Hindu, but I am tired of living this way.  I want peace and I know that only Jesus can give me this”.

I was outside talking with Anupam's parents, so I did not hear this conversation.  When Anupam returned I started talking about the Indian wedding that our family had been involved with during the previous three weeks. Some friends of ours had both a traditional Indian wedding and  a white wedding. I mentioned that my wife and I were ushers at the wedding and that I was asked to read a chapter from the Bible.  I told Anupam that the church was giving out free books to people and I picked up one for her.  I explained it was a biography of the life of Jesus.  You know it as the Gospel of Luke.

I was a bit aprehensive about giving this to her in front of her parents, but the cover was very neutral and the context seemed right.  Knowing now about the conversation in the kitchen, I see it was God's perfect timing.

It will be interesting to see what God's next step is for Anupam.  Will we restart a Discovery Bible Study in her home now that she has moved so far away? Or will we send her this video set, that is designed for Indians?

Remember: DBS is only a tool.  The goal is to connect people to Jesus so people change the way they relate to God and to the people around them.  If DBS helps you reach that goal, then use that tool.  It would not hurt to have a few more tools up your sleeve to use in situations where DBS may not work.