Ginger Tea and Hospitality Help Grow Church in the DRC
A simple cup of ginger tea is helping to open doors for evangelism and church growth in Oicha, in the Beni region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This initiative, launched by Pastor Bauma, involves sharing the gospel over a cup of ginger tea.
The local Church of the Nazarene, which was established through the JESUS Film ministry, has developed a simple approach to reaching people in its community. Each morning, Pastor Bauma prepares ginger tea outside the church and offers a free cup to those passing by on their way to work or school, or while running errands.
As people stop to enjoy the tea, he spends time talking with them, sharing the Word of God and introducing them to the message of Jesus Christ. What begins as a small act of hospitality has become an opportunity to build relationships and share the gospel with the community.
This “cup of tea” initiative has borne beautiful fruit. Not only have lives been touched and people saved, but the initiative has also led to the creation of a development group called “TUJENGEANE,” which means “let us build one another up.”
Through this group, each member contributes one sheet of metal each month to help gradually provide the materials needed for a church building. This initiative demonstrates how evangelism can also foster responsibility and commitment among members in the life of the church. The congregation has begun constructing its own church building on land acquired by the district, using the materials collected, with church members actively participating in the construction.
The church gives thanks for the growth taking place in Oicha and asks the global Nazarene family to pray for the congregation as it continues to reach its community. Please also pray for Pastor Bauma as he continues to share the gospel over a cup of ginger tea.
