Thursday, June 7, 2012

How to grow the church

For several years, a mother and daughter - both members of First Baptist Matagalpa - would take the time to teach the word of God to the people of Trentino. This village is located approximately 40 minutes outside the city of Matagalpa. These two ladies developed individual relationships between themselves and villagers. Others from FBC Matagalpa became involved, including the daughter's boyfriend.

The boyfriend became a fiance' and now a husband. The couple, married about a year and a half, now manage a nutrition center located just off the same road that leads to Trentino. The center provides rehabilitation for severely malnourished children. Also at the center is a church building where the young man, after leaving his occupation as an accountant,  is now pastor. The couple continue to spend time in Trentino, and also transport villagers to the church located at the nutrition center.

I am unsure if the people of Trentino, who attend church in their community or at the nutrition center church, are counted by FBC Matagalpa as church members or worship service attendees. I also do not know how this multi-year ministry was budgeted for, or which FBC Matagalpa committee was in charge of the mission. But it is apparent that the work which began with a mother and daughter several years ago has expanded His church. Without a doubt, souls have been saved and lives have been enriched.

There was probably more planning involved than I realize. For example, transportation from Matagalpa to Trentino is not a simple matter. There is a river which runs across the dirt road leading to the hamlet - too much rain prevents entry or exit from the community. Yet, the simplicity of making time to visit, teach, pray and love these people was just a matter of doing it.

As we begin to wind down another successful week of missionary training and discipleship education, my prayer is that FBC Cornelia will find ways to implement this same model for church growth back home in Habersham County. While the expertise of FBC Matagalpa will be lacking from our efforts, I am certain the Lord will guide the work of novices.

Dalton T. Sirmans

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