I heard about the wonderful work of CCDA a couple of years ago. However, it wasn’t until I went to their conference last year that I realized what a transforming work this ministry was having across cultures and across the nation. Below is a brief summary of their philosophy.
"Those back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down and its gates have been burned with fire." Neh. 1:3b. This describes the situation in parts of most American cities today. These desperate conditions call for a revolution within the church and cannot be solved without strong commitment and risky actions on the part of ordinary Christians with heroic faith.
The most creative long-term solutions to the problems of the poor are coming from grass roots and church-based efforts. They are coming from people who see themselves as the agents for Jesus here on earth, in their own neighborhoods and communities.
This philosophy is known as Christian Community Development and is based on the following principles: Relocation: (living among the people), Reconciliation, Redistribution (just distribution of resources), Leadership Development, Listening to Community, Church-Based Wholistic Approach and Empowerment.
There are over 600 organizations in over 200 cities practicing Christian Community Development. These churches and ministries are showing that it is possible that the church can live out the love of God and are the most effective agents for healing of the poor.
If your affiliate is involved in NRI/community development or just want to increase the effectiveness of the housing services you already provide, I would highly recommend connecting with the CCDA and their members in your community. Also, HFHI will be part of the CCDA conference Oct. 12-16 in Indianapolis, IN.
For more information check out the video below or go to ccda.org abwk habitat for humanity
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