Church and Community Transformation (CCT) envisions and equips the church in practical ways to work with the local community. By identifying needs and mobilising resources, CCT can bring about restoration and transformation. It’s rooted in biblical teaching, and prayer, worship and fellowship are at the heart of the process. This week, pray for Zambia and for Tearfund partner Jesus Cares Ministries (JCM) to be able to help transform more churches and whole communities through CCT.
Sunday 10 December
Margaret is a CCT coordinator in Kaphale village. She used to brew and sell kachasu, a very strong alcoholic drink, but gave up ‘when God spoke into my heart’. She is now a tailor. ‘I'm really grateful to Jesus Cares Ministries for coming here,’ she says. ‘It’s true, God cares indeed.’ Give thanks for the transformation in Margaret’s life, and pray that her business will continue to be successful.
Monday 11 December
Pastor Banda from Kagoro, Zambia, now coordinates seven church CCT groups in his community. ‘Pastors like me should not only preach the word of God on Sundays,’ he says. ‘We should see that people are empowered because people need to feed and clothe themselves.’ Pray that Pastor Banda will be blessed in his work, serving his community.
Tuesday 12 December
Justina’s parents struggled to pay for her education. She’s now 24 and, thanks to CCT, she has learnt tailoring skills and is saving up to train as a teacher. She asks for prayer that this vision will come true and that she can get ‘a new sewing machine so I can work and help more people in the community’.
Wednesday 13 December
Richard Mukuka works in JCM’s offices in Chipata district. ‘There are so many children, so many underprivileged people in the communities and across Zambia who need help... we want to continue serving God and bringing transformation.’ Pray that JCM’s work will reach the most vulnerable, particularly children.
Thursday 14 December
Carolyn Chinyemba, the National Coordinator for Jesus Cares Ministries, says, ‘Our message to all of you who support Tearfund is to ask you to continue doing good work, preaching the gospel in this manner. Your efforts are not in vain, many lives have been transformed.’ Give thanks for Carolyn and her team and pray that their work will continue to be blessed.
Friday 15 December
Despite much progress in recent years, Zambia remains one of the least developed countries in Africa, with 54 per cent of the population living below the poverty line. Pray that God will move powerfully through the work of JCM to transform more people like Margaret and Justina.
Saturday 16 December
‘All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.’ (Acts 2:44–45)
Give thanks for how CCT is bringing transformation, just as local churches have done since the beginning. Ask God to inspire more pastors like Banda to take part in CCT training and bring life-changing transformation to their communities.
