Community Transformation Training Lima, Peru

Meeting people’s needs starts with actually noticing people, as well as what needs they have. It is important to distinguish between perceived needs and core needs. (the man wanted money; the apostles knew what he really needed was healing – physical and spiritual) Meeting physical needs has an impact on the unbelieving community. All strategies (including CTT) must point people to Christ or they’re worthless. When “ordinary men” have been with Jesus, God takes them and does extraordinary things. Strategies that revolve around meeting physical needs cannot be argued against by the authorities or those of influence in the community.

Definition: The training of nationals in the use of community development lessons (basic, preventative health care lessons) for the purposes of: Preventing common physical and social problems in the community Improving the overall health of the community Establishing legitimate relationships with non-believers in order to tell God’s story

Reasons to Consider the Implementation of CTT

ACCESS YOUR PEOPLE GROUP. access: “the ability, right or permission to approach, enter, speak with, or use; admittance”

GET BEHIND CLOSED DOORS. CTT allows you and your team to share your faith in a safe, non-threatening, private environment.

Why should we care for the needy? Because Jesus did. Because it authenticates our faith. Because it shows the world the love of Christ.

MAKE DISCIPLES. “An authentic disciple does not need to be prodded to replicate. His passion is the same as that of the Holy Spirit, and he is constantly developing the mind of Christ. He finds practical ways to reach out to family, friends, community, and nation…Disciples must be able to see their mentors working among the people sharing the Gospel of salvation, and relying upon God for all ministry needs.” (Preach and Heal)

EMPOWER THE CHURCH. CTT provides an avenue in which the church is strengthened to make a difference in their own communities with a minimum of outside resources.

How does CTT fit into an overall evangelism/church planting strategy? Three Phase Approach

Phase One: Initial Training M M BELIEVERS PRESENT NO BELIEVERS PRESENT NB NB NB NB MP MP

Phase Two: Implementation BELIEVERS PRESENT NO BELIEVERS PRESENT NB NB NB NB MP MP

Phase Three: Gathering M M BELIEVERS PRESENT NO BELIEVERS PRESENT X NB NB NB NB MP MP X X X X X X X X X

HEALTH LESSONS

Nationals being trained Orality Development is better than relief 4 Core Values: Nationals being trained Orality Development is better than relief PART of an overall comprehensive strategy (process vs. project)

Seek out the homes of the sick in the community to go and pray over those individuals. Helps you determine what diseases tend to plague the community. Allows you to begin to build relationships with those in need. Shows the spiritual nature of your team (as opposed to NGO health-based lessons). Provides a tangible opportunity to touch a sick person (physically and spiritually). Provides an opportunity for God to bring supernatural healing.

Kick Off Events To publicize what you will be doing in the community. To provide needed services for the community. To establish contacts for home to home follow-through. To strategically use volunteers (U.S. and nationals). To further identify needs in the community.

Use of Volunteers in CTT Research felt needs within the community. Kick Off Events Training in specific medical issues for national team members of existing health care personnel. House to house visiting praying for the sick and simply listening to the concerns of those in each house. (communicates care and concern as well as spiritual basis of project)

Use of Health Care Professionals (Nationals or Missionaries) Training in specific medical issues for team members or local health care workers. Can lend credibility to your project in the eyes of community leaders. Evaluation of the overall process and continued “tweaking” to increase effectivity.