Barry and Heather Mann
Barry and Heather work with Growing Nations in Maphutseng, Lesotho. Barry is also AIM’s International Crisis Consultant.
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?
Barry and Heather work with Growing Nations in Maphutseng, Lesotho. Barry is also AIM’s International Crisis Consultant.
James, Claire and their daughters Ruby, Jessica and Florence served with AIM in Kampala, Uganda,
Karin worked in transformational development and Aids ministry in Madagascar. She began serving with AIM
We asked Graeme & Eli Mallett to discuss their thoughts on ‘community development’ as they adjust to life and ministry in Mahajanga, Madagascar.
Working on an agricultural project in Lesotho is hardly where you would expect to find a photographer and an accountant, but this is where the Lord called Barry & Heather Mann to serve.
Stella is a presenter at the Voice of the Good News Radio station in Mandritsara, part of the Good News Hospital project. We also asked Phoebe (9); Jonah (7) and Barnaby (3) their thoughts on living in Madagascar.