Jesus described His followers as the “salt of the earth” and “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:13-16). These are powerful images of the role of the Church to bring life, truth, preservation, and blessing to the nations. Yet in far too many places, despite the presence of a local church, they continue to face poor health, food shortages, unsafe water, lack of education, oppression, and injustice. 

Too many churches are in bondage to lies like “God only cares about spiritual things” or “There is nothing we can do; someone else needs to solve the problems.” Because of these lies, the Church “loses its saltiness”—Christianity has little impact in the daily lives of believers and their communities. Those outside the church see God as weak or uninterested, communities remain trapped in poverty, and God is not glorified. 

However, as believers learn of Christ’s authority over every area of life and His command to love our neighbors by serving their physical needs, the church takes on her God-given role as salt and light. Communities come to see the church as a source of wisdom and blessing. And God brings transformation out of poverty and into abundant life. 

Please pray with us…

• That churches would have opportunities for wholistic discipleship that breaks through crippling lies and helps them to bring every area of life under the lordship of Christ.
• That churches would be bold to be “salt and light,” demonstrating God’s love to their communities in ways that bring physical and spiritual transformation. 
• For pastors to know how to teach and lead their congregations to be “salt and light” in their communities. Pray especially for Majority World rural pastors, who often have less access to training and limited support.
• That many would taste the “salt” of God’s goodness, see the “light” of His truth and beauty, and give their lives to Him.
• For communities to experience transformation from physical and spiritual poverty to flourishing—that God’s Kingdom would indeed come and His will be done in these communities.