Over its long history, Grace Iris Ministries has planted hundreds of small local churches throughout the region surrounding Bobbili. As is the goal of the ministry, most of these churches have become totally self-sufficient and are no longer in need of support. The ministry is currently working with the formation of dozens of churches as they begin to become established within their respective community. These churches are a tremendous light and witness to others within their village. These churches are not only places of worship, but are also used as a Community Center throughout the week. The churches are used for adult night classes, medical and dental camps, health awareness camps, food and clothing distribution, as well as a permanent concrete structure for a storm shelter during inclement weather.
As an additional ministry of these local churches, bore wells have been dug alongside many churches, making water available to everyone in the village (previously women had to travel sometimes several miles to obtain water). Grace Iris tries to identify villages where the need is the greatest and that could most benefit from these wells. These mountainous areas which require extensive drilling to reach the water, but this has been a great witness and help to villagers. In all these ways the churches are not only telling about, but also showing the love of Christ for the people of the village. Please pray for these churches as they seek to continue to be a witness to their neighbors. |