In Brief: Bigger city encouragement

Our partner church has been thinking for a long time about how they can make the biggest impact on their country, realizing that educated Christian workers have a big potential for influencing the development of the country.  As the country picks up more momentum in sending government workers and building infrastructure in its sub-regional capitals, the church has realized that they have focused a lot on reaching out to villages but not these small town/large village centers.  There was only an established Christian witness in 17 of these sub-regions, leaving 52 where there was no church.  In order to help the church members who are often transferred to these places and allow the church to build a witness and influence on the important growth of the country, our partner church launched an initiative to try to cover these 52 growing centers.

A pastor unloading his family's things.

The church has been sending out pastors to about an average of 5+ new towns the past 5 years now, but there are still only about half way to full coverage.  One of the most encouraging things has happened this year however, as two of the full regional capitals now have a church started there, both with experienced pastors who can be respected leaders in their new communities.  Both pastors have made significant sacrifices to start in new places, but are excited about the possibilities of starting schools, expanding radio ministry, and continuing to help the church see a bigger vision for what it can do.

One of the new congregations.

We’ve also been encouraged by news from a few of the more remote sub-regional capitals, where pastors have been having great struggles with travel and sickness.  But they've also come together with many young people who are seeking something more meaningful in their society and troubled families who have found a home in the church.  Trying to become bigger as an organization can have cynical power implications to it, but reaching out with the attitude of care for the hurt and help for the under-served is a great example of the potential of the church.

-- El Padre