The church is the single most effective agent of societal transformation that benefits children and their families. God appointed the church to minister to all people, especially children. The church stands for God’s justice when the poor and the least of these are oppressed and abused. As an integrated part of the church, NCM Child Development programs share a long-term commitment to strive for the wellbeing of children in hurting communities.
LOCAL CHURCH PARTNERSHIP:
KIEV, UKRAINE: The Church of the Nazarene in Ukraine has embraced compassionate ministry to children as a part of the foundation of their congregations. They include children in worship, and many young people who were once a part of Kids Clubs or Sun- day school now minister in these same programs. Adult church members also participate in the children’s camp every year as team counselors, preachers, and organizational leaders and give special offerings weekly for the child devel- opment programs.
The church recognizes that all children, regardless of their race, religion, educa- tion, or wealth, have dignity and value before God. NCM Child Development staff and volunteers aim to show children in word and in deed that God’s grace is available to them.
REDEMPTIVE:
AMMAN AND ZARQA, JORDAN; DAMASCUS, SYRIA; BEIRUT, LEBANON: Four Nazarene schools in the Middle East serve nearly 1,000 children from pre-kin- dergarten through 10th grade. These NCM- assisted schools, centered in low-income neighborhoods, serve diverse populations including children who are Christian and Muslim—some who are refugees from Iraq, Sudan, Palestine, and Egypt. Each child attends daily chapel services and receives an excellent education from caring teachers.
NCM Child Development staff and volunteers show the hope of Christ by facilitating transformational change in their communities. They live out Jesus’ fulfillment of the words of the prophet Isaiah in Luke 4—to bring good news to the poor
TRANSFORMATIONAL: , to proclaim release to the captives and recov-
ery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
.
SHALGRAM, BANGLADESH: In Bangladesh, many Child Development Centers are in com- munities where the church provides additional transforma- tional programs, such as micro-economic development. In the village of Shalgram, 81 children, including a sixth grader named Monjuri, attend a CDC where they receive education, nutritional support, and teaching about Jesus. Monjuri’s mother is part of an NCM Self-Help Group where community women save and loan out money among the group to start small businesses. She can now buy clothes and food for her family and support her daughter’s education.
22 NCM MAGAZINE
SPRING 2011 17
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