    |
Nairobi Chapel is a network of churches in Nairobi, Kenya that focus on global church planting, evangelism, personal transformation, and local social justice ministries. Pastor Oscar Muriu, the senior pastor of Nairobi Chapel, introduced us to the idea of strategic partnerships and invited us into our first strategic partnership. They have shaped our church in many ways, from leadership development, to internships, to church planting. We have worshipped together, climbed mountains together, wept together, and dreamt together.
Nairobi Chapel blossomed into five different churches several years ago, and we currently have a strong relationship with both the current Nairobi Chapel pastored by Oscar Muriu, and Mavuno Church, pastored by Muriithi Wanjou. Both churches are currently engaged in a number of fascinating ministries, including their newest discipleship material, Mizizi, which is spreading across the country as we speak.
Grace continues to host our Nairobi Chapel brothers and sisters when they visit the United States. Look for upcoming opportunities on Serving Central under Outreach Opportunities > Strategic Partners.
Shepherd Community Center is an urban ministry seeking to break the cycle of poverty on the near eastside of Indianapolis. Shepherd ministers to over 500 families by meeting the physical, social, educational, and spiritual needs of their neighborhood. This includes a food pantry, summer programs, after-school programs, non-traditional sports, music groups, church, and a medical clinic. Shepherd is committed to providing a continuum of care which is comprised of many services and programs allowing those they serve to become self-sufficient.
Shepherd has taught Grace a great deal about serving in the inner-city. They have been gracious to us as we have learned about the unique struggles of the urban poor and help us see the impact of racism in America.
We have committed to a very special and unique partnership with Shepherd and the families that Shepherd serves. Grace has many opportunities for individuals, families, and groups to get involved, including: the breakfast and health clinic, after school tutoring, and preschool assistance. We also collect food weekly through our Bag Hunger program which supplies countless families with food and supplies. Seasonal opportunities, like the Backpack Blast, also occur throughout the year. To start getting involved with Shepherd Community, check out regular Local Outreach serving opportunities or seasonal events on Serving Central under Outreach Opportunities > Strategic Partners.
Loving South Africa (LSA) is addressing the worst pandemic our world has ever faced, the scourge of HIV/AIDS. LSA has zeroed in on the epicenter of the pandemic: Kwazulu Natal, South Africa, an astonishingly beautiful corner of the globe. But it is also a place where people are dying by the thousands. LSA is focused on loving HIV/AIDS sufferers in Kwazulu Natal through partnerships with grass-roots ministries who cover the full spectrum of the pandemic including prevention and orphan care. LSA facilitates the raising of funds for these ministries as well as organizing short-term trips to the area. In America, Loving South Africa raises local awareness about AIDS, trains churches and provides opportunities to get involved.
Through our partnership with this ministry, Grace has the unique opportunity to impact Kwazulu Natal at the epicenter of the pandemic. There are several ways that Grace attendees can get involved with LSA: through Team LSA, impact evenings, meal/movie/prayer nights, and the HIV experience in Broad Ripple. These events and experiences are open to individuals and groups from Grace. To start getting involved with LSA, look for upcoming opportunities on Serving Central under Outreach Opportunities > Strategic Partners.
