As I re-read the book of Byant L. Myers, Walking with the Poor: Principles and Practices of Transformational Development, I am reminded of the same goals of transformational development and Christian witness. Transformational development is making positive change in the whole of human life materially, socially, psychologically and spirituality while Christian witness include the declaration of the Gospel by life, word and deed.
The only difference between the two according to Dr. Myers is in their focus. Transformational development focuses more on physical while Christian witness on spiritual. And according to Dr. Myers, development and Christian witness can only become the same if we are to overcome the dichotomy between the physical and spiritual.
Gospel Empowerment Ministry is all about positive change – changed people and changed relationships. Our desire is for all people – the poor and non-poor be able to experience the lifelong process of recovering our true identity as children of God and the restoration of our true vocation as productive stewards in God’s creation.
We are trying to overcome the dichotomy between the physical and spiritual by ministering to the whole being of a person (physically and spiritually) as we believe God have saved us not only spiritually but wholistically, the whole being.
Therefore we are engaged in programs and projects that help develop and empower a person for positive change. We are committed in making positive change in every relationship we have as human being, most importantly our relationship with God and with other people. Our projects and programs are all designed to create an environment to effect positive change by teaching hard work, discipline and respect. Our desire is for others to experience God's love by being a Christian witness by engaging in transformational development.
To be a Christian witness (Matthew 28:19-20) is to engage in transformational development (Micah 6:8).
Go and make disciples and teach them to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly.
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