Jesus transforming lives
Something amazing happens when people gather, study the Bible, pray and do life together with each other, and with God. Life Groups create a space for this to happen. The words of those involved convey the depth of transformation taking place through Jesus.
Uganda
‘I would have been among the criminals and taking drugs,’ Jthungu Ziresi explains, ‘but instead I’m sharing Jesus with the people around me.’
30 Life Groups formed around Kasese, Uganda after Bwambale Johnson helped people study Village Journey. More groups have started since. Group leaders and members recently gathered together (pictured). Jthungu and other members of these groups spoke of their experience.
Kahinda, a Life Group member for two years now, says that she and the 14 others in her group preach the word of God in the community, and help people on the outside of local churches to come along to study the Bible with them. She also sees how her life has changed.
‘If I hadn’t come to know Jesus, my life would have been one of sin. When I sin now, I ask almighty God for forgiveness, and I am set free.’
Zephunus came to know Jesus through a Life Group and now enjoys praying with people. His Life Group has helped three other groups to start over the last three years.
He reflects, “A healthy community brings people to Jesus, prays together with other people, and helps the needy one in any way.”
A prayer of Bwambale’s is that God will give people in the Kasese Life Groups a greater heart to help others: widows; families who face serious challenges; and those who are suffering from various forms of illness.
‘I might not be free to contribute practically,’ he says, ‘My focus is on making disciples! But I do have time to pray, and I know that this is helpful.’
Tanzania
In March, Frank Wilago Yumbayumba travelled 650 miles to Mtwara on the east coast of Tanzania to help a friend who had gathered people to learn about Life Groups.
‘It was a challenging trip,’ he said, ‘I’d come prepared to teach people how to start Life Groups. We were together for a few days but people expected me to provide not just food, but everything! However, I was encouraged that those I met with told me that they plan to start seven Life Groups.”
Zacharia Cibhura reports that in Geita he has been sharing the Life Groups ministry with pastors nearby and further afield.
‘What is happening in the groups is that people are coming to believe in Jesus,’ Zacharia says. ‘Some understand the Word of God and are being healed from illnesses. The number of groups is growing, and you can see the love between believers and how well they are able to work together.’
Malawi
Asaph Jeka reports that there are currently six groups in Mzuzu where knowing Jesus and engaging with scripture in increasing depth is transforming the lives of many. People have begun to relate to one another in deeper ways and have grown in meeting each other’s needs. One Life Group member has spoken of feeling valued; another of seeing herself as a tree bearing fruit that benefit others.
‘In a Life Group,’ Asaph says, ‘there are practical things to do. This calls on people to grow and gives them a tangible way to hear the word of God and put it into action. Our guiding principle is being Kingdom-minded. Life Groups shine the light into the community, and as a result the believers meet a wider group of people. The groups have given the church a means of reaching out and making disciples.’
What has surprised Asaph is how well the approach found in the Dignity resources works. The structure, (which, broadly, is story, scripture, explanation), is focused on the whole person - all aspects of the participants’ growth – and gives them the courage to move forward.
‘One thing I’ve realised as a result of my experience is that rather than simply reacting to circumstances, discipleship is about being consistent and intentional with people. And seeing it worked out has been really encouraging.’
