Mission Possible – Increase Support of and Outreach from Local Churches: Organic

Key Verse

“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”

Ephesians 4:11-13 (NIV)

Short Reflection

We praise our living God for growing organic churches where the Word is shared in the weekly fellowship group meetings of CCT microfinance community partners. These hardworking women join the CCT multipurpose cooperative initially due to practical needs for capital for their livelihood activities.

But they, too, have been searching for lasting relief while struggling to make both ends meet. Stirred with hope in the Word that they hear, some join discipleship groups outside their weekly fellowship meetings. The process equips them as they want to know more, and to share to others, too, the design of God explained in the Bible, the restoration of broken lives. They excitedly narrate to their household members and to their friends what they learned – repentance and forgiveness of sins and new life in our Lord Jesus Christ. They urge the CCT Pastors to visit them regularly as they and their families gather every Sunday in a member’s house to listen to the Word of God, pray together and find comfort, encouragement, and new strength. Indeed the Holy Spirit continues to expand His Kingdom in the midst of massive socio-economic challenges.  “So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11 NIV)

This is the third in the “Increase Support of and Outreach from Local Churches.” series of blog posts on our Journey to Palpable Kingdom Presence and is submitted by Elizabeth Magalona-Veñegas, a long-term employee of our Filipino Partner, The Center for Community Transformation.