Jubilee Centre

Jubilee Centre February 1st, 2009

Bringing outsiders to communities where people are living in material poverty is a complex undertaking especially when the outsider is from the USA and is perceived wealthy. Crossing cultures beyond one’s country is often to put oneself at risk of harming one another out of misunderstanding and ignorance. However, with the right kind of questions eyes are opened to the spiritual condition, poverty and injustices of those communities we seek to serve. When eyes are opened, the outsiders and the communities being served quickly learn that they both have something to encourage each other.

With this understanding Willow Creek has teamed up with Jubilee Centre to join and work with churches in townships, informal settlements and in rural areas. Through Willow Creek and Jubilee Centre partnership over 58 churches serving in communities where people live in poverty are finding a platform to pray, reflect, learn, plan together and  move in visible unity in mission, evangelism and in building just communities. Here are some highlights of what has been happening in the past two months:

• Three child headed households in Chibuluma and three in Lusaka where repaired. Pastor Namatama the chairperson of the pastors fellowship in Lusaka George Compound could not hide his joy when he said, “God has visited us and is blessing us with hearts of compassion.”
• A clinic has been painted and the tall grass has been cut. Edgar Chanda  a youth coordinator for Lusaka churches retorted, “We are the light of the world and today as youths we have demonstrated that light.”

• A police station was painted and had it grass cut. Howard from Covenant Church stated, “Chibuluma youths know that it is in serving  sacrificially that God will give us responsibilities over our nation. That is why we are here we want to demonstrate our leadership skills.”

A reporter from the Post Newspaper asked why should a church so far away be concerned to do this. Christopher told him, “The love of Christ compels us to do this as Christians.”

• 13 churches in Lusaka, Chibuluma and Ndola have been helped with building materials, paint and chairs. Pastor Bweupe on receiving the chairs said, “These chairs are a witness that Christ is alive. My people will be motivated to share about Christ love as a result of these chairs.”

• 12 church leaders from the four communities received 4 days training in how to run HIV/AIDS Programs in their communities effectively.
• Over K60 ,000,000 has so far been spent from a grant that Willow gave to JC. Praise the Lord.

1. Pray that this witness of compassion will open hearts of people to receive Christ.
2. Pray that they be deepened love and commitment to Christ by church members.
3. Praise God for Willow Creek Church generosity, kindness and burden for churches serving in poor communities.
4. Thank God for JC dedicated staff and pray that they continue to stay focused.

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