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

Key Verse

And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.

2 Corinthians 8:1-5 (NIV)

Short Reflection

The Lord grew an organic church in Tandang Sora (a densely populated barangay in Quezon City Philippines) using two CCT community servant leaders, mothers who joined CCT micro-finance ministry and became active in the CCT discipleship groups. After the local church they belonged to closed down, they felt the strong calling to continue to serve. During the pandemic lockdown in 2020, they initiated a weekly feeding program for some thirty children, using their own resources, and shared the gospel, also to the parents. More women joined and brought other children and youth who joined the Bible study and the fellowship. The CCT Senior Pastor dedicated a pastor to shepherd the growing fellowship of believers. At present, they have weekly Friday discipleship group, Saturday feeding fellowship for the children, Saturday youth group, and Sunday church service.

Our hearts leap up with hope and joy as we hear many similar stories in the communities being served by CCT – palpable manifestations of the Holy Spirit working and God’s kingdom expanding. “Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? (James 2:5 NIV)

This is the fourth 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.