Joseph and Ruth Kaka recently completed a Send Network assessment. We are grateful the Lord has brought them to North Texas because they will be planting an Indian church serving Telugu-speaking families. God originally brought them to Texas for seminary and is now using them to share the gospel with the thousands of Indian families in our region.
I’ll be honest—I love Send Network assessments. I always walk away encouraged and excited about the next generation of church planters. For those unfamiliar, assessments are two-day events where a team evaluates a couple based on their calling, character, and gifting. Leading up to the event, the couples invest significant time: about 40 hours of pre-assessment work for the husband and roughly 10 for the wife.
Joseph completed a theological questionnaire, gathered references, took a personality test, articulated his calling, explained his strategy for reaching unbelievers and making disciples, and submitted a sermon for evaluation. Both he and Ruth also completed a marriage assessment. It’s a thorough process—but the investment is absolutely worth it.
Joseph shared, “We felt the whole assessment was well organized and systematic,” adding, “From the beginning to the end, we felt the presence of God.” That’s exactly what we pray for—an encouraging and enriching experience. Ruth echoed, “It was very encouraging and spiritually uplifting.” Overall, the Kakas said the assessment “basically challenged us to consider how to be equipped before even one starts a church plant. It helped us to understand various challenges we face in ministry.”
I asked Joseph if he thought the assessment was worth the time. His response was enthusiastic: “Yes, I would definitely recommend the assessment to others. It is very practical and helpful for successful church planting. It really equips you for the process and the challenges that come with it.”
If you’re considering planting, we strongly believe in the value of an assessment. Joseph advises others: “Be honest and transparent during the assessment, and trust the Lord for the next steps—no matter the outcome.”
Please pray for Joseph and Ruth as they complete the cohort, finish seminary, and continue taking steps toward planting a church for Telugu speakers in North Texas.
