20130811
Many cities of the world are growing as people from rural areas migrate there to find work. This presents an unprecedented opportunity for the urban Christian community to share the gospel and in disciple making.
It was in the early 1990s. We were a small group of expatriate professionals who met for Bible study in this city. Through God’s divine appointment, we came to know of some very active lo cal small Christian groups in another location about 8 hours drive away. Most of these people had been severely persecuted where they came from a nd had been in and out of jail because of their Christian faith. They were extremely poor. We decided to pool our money together to start a small business to provide work and skill training to them. We designed a small business model that could grow quickly, make enough money to expand and employ more people. This had to be simple enough for village teenagers to learn and earn a decent living. At the same time, the Gospel would be shared with them and those converted would be trained in the Bible. Through this process, we put through some 400 people, some of whom eventually became group leaders, pastors, and small business owners.
Time and Commitment: Many things would not have happened without time and commitment. A commitment of a minimum of 10 years is necessary.
Care for small groups: As migrants from rural areas normally have low self esteem, more effort was needed to care for them. A t the start, each of us took a small group and met weekly. We appointed group leaders and met with them on a regular basis to understand the needs of the individual members of their groups.
Provide housing: We housed them together. We even installed showers and encouraged them to shower daily (not a habit with them since supply of fresh water is limited in the villages). We taught them simple hygiene. But change takes time. Meeting needs: We offered assistance when they met with difficulties due to illnesses or the death of loved ones. We even conducted a Christian wedding for one couple in a friend’s home. Over ten years have passed in this city and the work continues. We responded to changes and learned. The model of this urban challenge to us has evolved into a different form but continues to meet its goals by God’s grace. God cares for people and so must we!
