Church and Community Transformation (CCT) is the principal way that Tearfund works to help release people from poverty. CCT equips, guides and supports local churches to identify the specific needs within their community. Then, using solid principles with foundations based in scripture, it helps them to come up with – and put into place – solutions to address those needs, using the resources the community has. This week, pray for the success and expansion of CCT programmes.
Sunday 10 September
More than 500 churches and communities across Africa have taken part in CCT programmes. Last year, Tearfund’s partner Africa Inland Church in South Sudan started training in two states in the country. ‘I am delighted that we are empowered with this knowledge,’ says Rev Mary. Pray for all of the church leaders envisioned by CCT training.
Monday 11 September
Rev Andrew was also inspired by the CCT workshops from Africa Inland Church. ‘This training has opened our eyes to see the current situation we are in,’ he says. ‘We need not continue in this poverty. We must wake up and mobilise our people to discover their God-given potential.’ Give thanks for Rev Andrew’s revelation of the role of his church.
Tuesday 12 September
Across Asia the CCT approach is delivered in a way that is relevant to the local culture. The process uses Bible studies to inspire people that they can change. ‘It helped me to see that the story of the Bible is not just some kind of history or facts,’ says Saren from Cambodia. ‘It is the living word of God.’ Ask God to help you read the Bible afresh today.
Wednesday 13 September
‘I would like to thank Jesus for taking care of, protecting and providing for me,’ says Men Sombo from Cambodia. Her aunt led her to faith in 2000, but life was still a challenge until she took part in a CCT programme and learnt to raise chickens for extra income. Lift up Men Sombo’s farming activities – she wants to expand her business.
Thursday 14 September
Bardan is a facilitator running workshops in his community in Chulachuli, Nepal. He says that the CCT programme ‘has helped our church to identify local resources to solve the main needs and issues facing the church and our surroundings’. Pray that more churches in Nepal – where Christians are a small minority – will be emboldened by CCT.
Friday 15 September
CCT empowers people to start new initiatives. When Meena, Pastor of Sinai Church of the Nazarene in Nepal, lost her husband to Covid-19, she found the strength to start a savings group for single women. ‘All this energy came through the CCT process,’ she says. Pray for Meena as she grieves for her beloved husband.
Saturday 16 September
‘CCT is the heart of Tearfund's work,’ says Nigel Harris, Tearfund’s Chief Executive. ‘It's our core calling to support the church. The church is God’s special agent of change and transformation.’ Give thanks for churches in South Sudan, Cambodia, Nepal and across the world, and pray that Church and Community Transformation programmes will spread to many more countries and communities.
