Nestled in the rural community of Segno, Ethiopia, Gununo Stadium Church has faithfully preached God’s word for generations.
But Pastor Mesfin Yacob knew something more had to be done. The poverty around them was overwhelming. Families in the community lived without adequate shelter, food, or education. He longed for a way for his church to minister to the “whole person” but didn’t know exactly how to start—until Tearfund’s Church and Community Transformation (CCT) training provided a way.
Thanks to donors like you, Pastor Mesfin and his church learned more about what the Bible had to say about the poor and what they could do to help. They were trained how to identify needs within the community and create an action plan to meet them. The impact was almost immediate. Within a year, the church helped 39 people with healthcare needs, provided education to 10 children, and even started a community garden! Each one of these initiatives demonstrated the love of Christ. But it was the story of a woman named Reta that transformed the entire village.
Recently widowed, Reta lived in a mud home that was falling apart. She was in dire need. In response, the church built her a new home, but tragically, she died a few weeks later. So, the church decided to organize her funeral.
Reta’s extended family attended the funeral but were skeptical of the church’s motives. But after witnessing the immense love they had for Reta and the grief they shared, their hearts were tremendously moved. As a result, 13 households—nearly 90 people—gave their lives to Jesus that day!
Your support and prayers provide churches like Gununo Church the tools and training they need to reach beyond their walls and meet the physical and spiritual needs around them. Thanks to you, we are seeing thousands of lives being transformed.
