The Diocese of Kitgum believe that the local church is a ‘sleeping giant’ that, if awakened, could have a hugely transformative effect on communities in Kitgum. In 2014, the Diocese introduced an approach called Church and Community Transformation (CCT) to 28 of their churches.
Wilber and Priscilla’s church was one of those chosen to take part. They began following a course of bible studies and began to understand that God had given them gifts and abilities. Suddenly they began to see the assets they had, like the land they owned, and they began to hope.
A community gathered in Kitgum
CCT has been empowering churches across Uganda for many years. Initially the course of bible studies focus on the church and its members, transforming mindsets and helping to bring about whole life transformation. As individual lives are transformed, CCT equips churches to begin engaging with their local communities. Communities then move on to describe their history, gather information on their present situation, analyse it and identify local needs. Using this knowledge they make informed decisions to meet the needs they have identified, creating a brighter future for everyone.
After visiting some communities that had been using the CCT approach for several years, Wilber came back with a vision - to build his family a new house. After building the walls with bricks he sourced himself, Wilber used a tree on his family’s land to make the rafters. Finally he saved money from his farming activities to buy iron sheeting for the roof.
This is just one example of the success CCT is having in Kitgum. In fact, the Diocese of Kitgum has been so impressed with CCT, they are extending the project to include all 60 of its churches.
As well as training all churches in the Diocese on the CCT approach, they will use the course as a platform to deliver training on some of the more specific challenges communities face, to: improve livelihoods, prepare for disasters, reduce the transmission of and stigma surrounding HIV, and help communities advocate with local government.