What Makes a Church a Church?

In the book of Acts, the beginning of the Christian church, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” Acts 2:42.

These things can happen in a designated building, in a home, or even on a street corner.

Nine years ago, we arrived here to plant a church. As you all know, our path changed, and we began to meet with women on the streets and in their homes. Praying, teaching the word, having fellowship and eating together. Nine years later, we have been joined by another missionary family who are part of Xingu Mission, intending to plant churches, but not in the traditional sense. Rather, they look more like the churches of Acts. Meeting in houses, with fewer people, eating together, learning the word together, praying for each other and fellowshipping.

One of these churches is happening in the home of the first woman we prayed for on the street, and another woman and their family. They have both been off the streets for more than three years now. We started with an Alpha and have now continued with an inductive Bible study. The transformation and new understanding we are watching bloom in them is a joy to be a part of.

Working alongside the Blaylock family (pictured above) in this joint venture is a true blessing. We are seeing things sprout out of the ground we have been breaking for nine years. We are grateful that God has sustained us in the valley moments when we wondered if we would ever see fruit or if we were just to spread seeds. Honestly, we had accepted this many times over. So to see the fruit begin to blossom is more than encouraging!

We are also participating in a church in their home, which is growing, and not just in numbers but in the faith and a deepening relationship with God of the people who are participating. What a joy and a blessing!