Results

The program has three goals:

God is glorified
Churches are growing in maturity and number
Communities are moving out of all forms of poverty

We did an in-depth midpoint evaluation of one area to learn what changes were happening in line with these goals. The statistics below are the results we found. Happily, we see similar results wherever the program is implemented properly. We’ve linked to stories from all over that illustrate the way God is bringing change.

God is Glorified

All recognise that God is powerful and good

In the area we evaluated, the government was hostile to Christianity. For decades, Christians had kept to themselves and tried to avoid problems. After three years, the people in both the community and government recognised that the Christian God is powerful and that Christians are good. They now appreciate the Christian influence in their area. Instead of trying to stamp out Christianity, local officials are trying to promote it in areas with no Christians.

Wherever churches are studying TCT, the community, the local government, and the surrounding areas all know that God is the reason the community has changed.

94% of churches reported that those in the community are much more open to the gospel
92% saw the government become supportive.

Churches grow in maturity and number

Increased church attendance and passion.

Many people have made a decision for Christ out of fear of hell, rather than a real desire to know God. As people learn more about Him, they start walking with God in all areas of life. As they do, they see God multiply their efforts, leading to stronger faith and increased excitement.

89% of churches reported an increase in church attendance.

Increased giving and serving.

At the start of the program, most churches receive only a few pennies in their offering each week. However, as they grow closer to God and learn about giving and stewardship, Christians become eager to both tithe and serve.

98% of churches saw a significant increase in tithing.
96% saw an increase in people willing to serve.

Increase in number of Christians.

Often, the church’s Acts of Love have resulted in people coming to Christ, and many churches grow as they implement TCT. Sometimes neighbours are convinced when they witness one person’s transformation. Other times, seeing the genuine love of the church attracts people.

Churches have grown so that an average of 80% of community members are active in the church.

Communities are moving out of all forms of poverty

Physical

Increased Incomes. In the area we evaluated, incomes had increased by 5-10 times, and as much as 20-30 times. Everywhere the program is being implemented, we see communities build roads and bridges that make markets and even their own crops more accessible. They learn basic money management so they are able to get out of debt. Most of all, as they understand that God expects them to work for Him, they look at the resources and skills He has given them, and begin to work hard to use them for His glory.
Improved health. Another area of significant change is health. As families understand the importance of caring for their bodies, they quickly start adopting healthy practices such as sanitation, nutrition and hygiene. They also learn how to appropriately treat common illnesses like fever or diarrhoea.
Stable housing. Building stable homes for the poorest families is a common Act of Love. These simple homes are often made of mud, bamboo, grasses, or wood that are easily accessible. Funds are raised for nails, roofing, etc. The church and sometimes other community members donate the labour for free (story).
- 83% of churches built latrines as an Act of Love.
- 85% of churches built wells or repaired water systems in their communities.
- 91% of churches built stable homes for the poorest families in their community.

Social

Improved relationships with the community As churches start to demonstrate God’s love towards their community, and especially the poor, they gain trust and respect. Non-believers often attend church to learn more about those who love others.
Communities work together on projects Initially, community members tend to watch the church as it serves. They are confused by such strange activities. However, community members quickly realise the church is doing something beneficial for all of them and start to work alongside churches to accomplish projects.
Improved family relationships We’ve heard countless stories of restored marriages, mutual forgiveness, and peaceful homes. Domestic violence decreases, and marriages grow stronger and happier.
- 96% of churches reported an improvement in their relationship with the community.

Mental

Communities value education

Churches typically take an active role in promoting education and many churches have built schools and classrooms. In the area we evaluated, children attending middle school jumped from 16 percent to 78 percent; high school attendance grew from 5 percent to 30 percent. Illiteracy levels dropped from an average of 67 percent to 32 percent as churches ran literacy programs in their communities.