BeFriend Choloma

BeFriend sparks empowerment in the Choloma community through the local church.

What is life like in Choloma?
Our church is in a small sub-community just outside of the larger city. Poverty is prevalent within the community. Most families work in factories, which have their headquarters in Choloma. Some families raise cattle too.

Education is difficult to attain, as the community lacks a local school. Students must travel to another area to attend school. During a normal day in Choloma, the young adults/adults go to work, children go to school, and the mothers/grandmothers stay at home to take care of the little ones.

  
What challenges does Choloma face?
Without basic public services, the people of Choloma encounter great challenges in daily living. There is no sewage system within the community, putting the hygiene and health of families at risk. People obtain water from a shared well within the community. However, water is only available every other day and the supply cannot meet the community’s needs.

Parents are unable to help their children with homework because of their own lack of education. Many of the children struggle in school and get discouraged when they cannot turn in homework. In addition, the children lack a recreational place in the community to play and have fun, which would contribute to healthy development. Teenagers are susceptible to negative influences, which promotes gang activity and addiction within the community.

Historically, the community has failed to unite for common purposes, establish committees for decision making, and organize themselves. People are skeptical that unity within their community is possible because of the divisions among community members.

About Choloma Christian Church

Choloma Christian Church is a congregation of around 40 members. There are people from all ages in the church. Their values are centered in serving the Lord Jesus Christ through serving others.

Although finances are limited, God’s miraculous provision continues to sustain them and provides for their projects and ministry. Historically, they serve those with the greatest need. There are people within the church who suffer from physical limitations and other disabilities, but they make sure that everyone is treated with love and respect.

They are confident that God guided them to establish their church in Choloma and they are looking forward to pursuing the mission.

BeFriend Project Goals
Choloma Christian Church will focus on 3 key areas of transformation:

Economic Empowerment

• Achieve self-sustainability for the church through the growth of a kingdom business.
• Restore dignity through economic empowerment for 3 families in the community.

Discipleship & Multiplication

• Engage the church leaders and members in the gospel foundations study.
• Form connections with people in the community through the dental clinic or homework center.
• Reach out to the community through bible studies led by members of the church.

Church Improvements

• Complete the construction of the church building.

How will BeFriend Choloma benefit the church and community?

BeFriend will allow Choloma Christian Church to achieve self-sustainability. The church continues its ministry and growth once the project is over! Investing in a kingdom business and individual economic empowerment will bless the community and church.

Choloma Church will demonstrate and proclaim the good news of Jesus by seeking the good of their community. People will not only restore a spiritual relationship with God, but also improve their quality of life.

BeFriend will develop strong relationships between people in other countries, creating opportunities to know another culture and strengthen the family of God.