Community Transformation Programme: Church Leaders get oriented on the new Spiritual Evangelization Project Cycle in Jalawe, Rumphi
By Chikumbutso Constantine Mwale
27th August, 2024.
The Diocese of Karonga Pastoral Office oriented the beneficiaries of Spiritual Evangelisation Project in Jalawe in Rumphi District, one of the Northern parts of the Diocese of Karonga. Spiritual Evangelisation Project is one of the eight projects in the Community Transformation Programme (CT Programme) in the Diocese of Karonga funded by the USA Cross Catholic Outreach organisation (CCO) based in Florida. The other projects include Agriculture, Nutrition, Health, Education, WASH, Economic Empowerment, and Management. Community Transformation Programme was officially launched by His Lordship Bishop Martin Mtumbuka in 2022 at Chankholombe, one of the Community Transformation impact areas. The programme is in three places namely; Jalawe in Rumphi North, Chankholombe in Karonga South, and Kopakopa in Chitipa South-East (Nthalire East)
With a visionary goal set for 2024-2025, the programme seeks to increase spiritual growth of at least 3,000 people in the CT targeted areas of Kopakopa, Chankholombe and Jalawe by June 2025 with two objectives, that is, to increase the number of children undergoing spiritual formation in various church denomination in the CT target areas of Kopakopa, Chankholombe and Jalawe by 2025 and to increase platforms for interreligious dialogue among at least 3,000 people in the CT target areas of Kopakopa, Chankholombe and cross catholic outreach 2021 Jalawe by June 2025.
The orientation, which took place in Jalawe, was attended by 27 church leaders from various denominations, including the New Baptist Church, New Apostolic Church, African Church, Emmanuel Church, Assemblies of God Church, and the Catholic Church. This diverse gathering of leaders fostered the program’s embracing, inclusive, and collaborative approach to community transformation. The orientation included the introduction of systematic Sunday School in all churches found in the CT Programme area of Jalawe.
The Community Transformation Programme is built on the belief that true development must encompass all aspects of life, particularly the spiritual and social dimensions which eventually addresses the needs of both body and soul. By focusing on spiritual evangelization, the programme aims to cultivate a more morally and spiritually grounded community. While the first object targets the very younger generation especially children through its ambitious Sunday school initiative, the second objective targets youth and adults.
With the first objective, the project emphasizes the importance of early spiritual education. Sunday schools serve as vital spaces where children can learn about their faith, develop moral values, and build a sense of community. Increasing the number of children in these programmes is seen as a key strategy for ensuring the long-term spiritual health of the community.
The orientation at Jalawe was a platform for church leaders from various denominations to come together, learn, and plan their evangelization efforts. The diverse attendance highlighted the programme’s commitment to unity and collaboration across different Christian traditions. These leaders, who represent a wide spectrum of the Christian faith in the area, were equipped with new strategies and insights to lead their congregations through the spiritual evangelization project.
This collective effort across denominations is crucial for the programme’s success. By working together, these church leaders can create a unified front that addresses the spiritual needs of the entire community. The orientation sessions also provided an opportunity for the leaders to share experiences and ask questions, fostering a sense of shared mission and purpose.
Looking ahead, the Community Transformation Programme’s vision for 2024-2025 is clear and focused. The goal of increasing the number of Sunday school children to 2,000 is not just about numerical growth but also about ensuring that more children have access to quality spiritual education. This vision reflects a deep commitment to nurturing the next generation, equipping them with the moral and spiritual tools they need to navigate life.
As these church leaders returned to their congregations, they carried with them the knowledge and inspiration gained from the orientation at Jalawe. Their task now is to implement the strategies discussed, engage their church communities, and work towards the shared goal of spiritual evangelization and holistic development.
In conclusion, the Community Transformation Programme’s orientation at Jalawe marked a pivotal moment in the journey towards a spiritually and socially transformed community. With church leaders from various denominations united in purpose, the vision for 2024-2025 is well within reach. The focus on increasing Sunday school attendance is a testament to the program’s dedication to building a strong, spiritually grounded future for the children and, by extension, the entire community. Similar activity will be done in Chankholombe and Kopakopa.