
The renewal of people’s minds
Bill Rettie went to the Kerio Valley, Kenya, in 1986 to establish the church based
Community development work goes hand in hand with our desire to see Christ-centred churches among all African people. Not merely as an inroad to facilitate our mission work, but as a goal in itself. Our heart is to see people’s whole lives redeemed by the love of Christ, and communities changed as people understand their value in God’s eyes.
For some, that can mean adopting conservation agriculture practices as communities understand their role as stewards of God’s creation. Or, it can mean communities working together to provide education for their children, or sustainable healthcare systems. The list is probably endless. As we share the gospel, and seek to disciple new believers, it is a joy to share about God’s love, and then to encourage new Christians to demonstrate that love among their communities.
Often the people we work among see themselves as poor. We have the privilege of letting them know that they are not poor in God’s eyes but are valued and valuable. A transformation that can inspire communities to make positive changes for themselves. A change that can also mobilise communities for mission, as they recognise the gifts and abilities that God has given them to share his good news with their neighbours.
Could you be part of seeing community development and lives changed by the gospel?

Bill Rettie went to the Kerio Valley, Kenya, in 1986 to establish the church based

Karin Mende shares about transformational development in Madagascar. An approach to sustainable development that emphasises people’s God-given talents.

Christoff & Sarah Power share about their work in Mayotte and the hope they have that in working with the community, they can demonstrate Jesus and tell of his good news.

I work to reach unreached peoples in the Indian Ocean Islands with the gospel through literacy and numeracy classes.

Barry and Heather work with Growing Nations in Maphutseng, Lesotho. Barry is also AIM’s International Crisis Consultant.

We asked Graeme & Eli Mallett to discuss their thoughts on ‘community development’ as they adjust to life and ministry in Mahajanga, Madagascar.