As the year draws to a close, we’re reflecting on the incredible work happening in communities worldwide through our partners. We spoke with three community leaders — CHRISTABEL in Benin, and BERTIN and JACKSON in the DRC—about how their partnerships with the church are transforming lives...
How does your work support the church's mission?
Christabel: My work demonstrates Christ’s love in action. For example, during a menstrual health program, young girls learned practical ways to manage their health while understanding they are valued and secure in Christ. I have also seen mothers benefit from both spiritual and physical nourishment.
Bertin: The various churches in my area have benefited enormously from the work of the clusters in the sense that the clusters act as relays for the churches in the local communities. For example, Clusters raise awareness in local communities about how to prevent disease, teach on important topics such as entrepreneurship, education, drinking water and environmental sanitation, which demonstrate the love of God in practical ways.
Jackson: Our Cluster takes a personalized approach to evangelism. Our informal small group discussions and Bible studies have provided a safe space to ask questions and explore faith. In Clusters, it is also easier to disciple, and build each other up.
What have you noticed as a result of partnering your work with the gospel?
Bertin: The spiritual outcomes are remarkable. Many people have accepted Jesus as their Savior and even been baptized in their local churches.
Jackson: I have seen new leaders come up, ready to disciple others. And I have listened to many testimonies of lives transformed through prayer, love and the message of the gospel.
Christabel: One of the most impactful moments for me was meeting a 12-year-old girl accused of witchcraft because her mother suffered from uncontrollable bleeding. I built a relationship with the girl and eventually met her mother, inviting her to our health sessions despite her not coming from a Christian background. During a session focused on abnormal bleeding in women of childbearing age, I shared insights about causes, symptoms, and remedies. The discussion encouraged many women to open up about their struggles, with some being referred to the hospital and others advised on basic hygiene practices. The girl’s mother later met with me and realised that her condition was medical. Following treatment at the hospital, her health improved and she now hopes to concieve again. She has now become an advocate of the health program and even serves as my interpreter, translating from French into the local vernacular for other participants.
As a result, the community feels welcome at the church programs, knowing they will be treated with care and dignity. This openness has not only improved health awareness but also led many to embrace the faith. For this community, the church is no longer seen as a place for a select few but as a space where everyone is accepted.
In what ways can a community's faith impact its health? We put this question to a Professor of Global health and an expert on faith and health. Here's how the conversation went.
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