Community Awakening

Community Awakening through Churches

Since Pakistan’s independence, Christian communities are depressed and struggle to enjoy the fullness of life due to lack of visionary leadership, proper skills and education. The church has potential to contribute significantly for the development of communities, is needs better structure, vision, resources and skills to play its role to full potential. The aim of the Community Awakening Through Churches (CATCH) program is to provide relevant support to pastors, the church leadership and community, particularly the youth. Volunteer facilitators have been set up to ensure that the skills exist for further replication of the process in neighbouring and unreached vulnerable communities.

The main objective was for 30 churches to be educated of the Church and Community Mobilization (CCM) strategy; and for ten churches to implement it throughout the twin cities. This inspires the youth to enhance their exposure and capabilities through functional partnerships, networking and skill development; which will ultimately lead to better professional opportunities.

In order to achieve the set goal, church congregations were made to simply envision the mission, so that they can be inspired to be dedicated to it. Through this, the community will identify the causes and consequences of the low socio-economic status of the Christian community would develop action plans to address them. Gender empowerment was a highlight of this project as equal opportunities were provided for women to be a part of the various tasks, whereas the participation of the youth was also given high priority.

Achievements till 2017:

• 30 Local churches envisioned to be willing and prepared to be engaged in integral mission
• 10 churches and communities are mobilized to purposefully move together to deal with the needs in recognition of the God-given potential
• 50 fresh graduates (25 boys and 25 girls) are with enhanced capacities and capabilities to avail job opportunities.