Matthew 6:33 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Christianity is not a religion, but a living relationship with Jesus Christ—the King of the Kingdom of God. As children of God, we are called to seek Him first, desiring His will and direction for our lives. We do this through prayer, reading and meditating on His Holy Scriptures, listening to His voice, and by being led by the Holy Spirit. As we follow Him, and His Word, we trust that God, in His faithfulness, will provide everything we need according to His riches and His will. Below are foundational beliefs and spiritual principles that we follow as children God.

1. Salvation

Salvation is the saving of one’s soul from sin and its consequences—spiritual death and separation from God. Salvation is made possible only through Jesus Christ—His death, burial, and resurrection—and is received by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Through salvation, believers receive forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with God, and a new life in Christ Jesus.

• Romans 6:23 — “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
• Ephesians 2:8-9 — “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
• Romans 10:9 — “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”
• Acts 4:12 — “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”

2. Sin and Forgiveness

Sin separates us from God and results in guilt, shame, spiritual death, and separation from God. Through Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death and resurrection, God offers complete forgiveness, cleansing, and restoration of our relationship with God to all who repent and believe in Him. Forgiveness is received by grace, not earned by any of our works. As God has forgiven us, we are also called to forgive, or we will not be forgiven.

• Ephesians 1:7 — “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;”
• 1 John 1:9 — “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
• Psalm 51:10 — “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”
• Matthew 6:14 — “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:”

3. Jesus Christ and His Body

Jesus Christ is not only our Shepard, but He is the Head of His body, the church. Believers are united to Christ and to one another as members of one spiritual body. The church exists for worship, fellowship, discipleship, service, and the advancement of God’s Kingdom. Spiritual growth in Jesus Christ is encouraged through daily reading of his Word, the leading of the Holy Spirit, and through commitment, accountability, and participation in the local body of Christ.

• Colossians 1:18 — “And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.”
• Ephesians 2:19 — “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God;”
• Romans 12:5 — “So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.”
• Hebrews 10:24-25 — “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

4. The Word of God (the Bible) and the Holy Spirit

God reveals Himself and His will through the written Word of God and the active work of the Holy Spirit. Scripture is inspired, authoritative, and essential for teaching, correction, and spiritual growth. The Holy Spirit illuminates Scripture, convicts of sin, empowers obedience, and guides believers into truth. Believers are strengthened by being part of a local church that teaches the Bible and honors the work of the Holy Spirit.

• 2 Timothy 3:16 — “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”
• Psalm 119:105 — “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
• John 14:26 — “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”
• John 16:13 — “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.”

5. Communion: His Bread, Blood, and New Covenant

Communion, also called the Lord’s Supper, is a sacred ordinance instituted by Jesus Christ to remember His sacrificial death and celebrate the new covenant between God and believers. The bread represents Christ’s body broken for us, and the cup represents His blood shed for the forgiveness of sins and the new covenant. By participating in Communion, believers proclaim the Lord’s death, look to Jesus Christ, and are reminded of God’s love, grace and redemption. Communion is not only a time to remember, but a time to examine our hearts, confess sin, and draw closer to not only God, but one another.

• Matthew 26:26-28 — “And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and broke it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”
• 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 — “…That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.”
• John 6:53-54 — “Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”
• Luke 22:20 – “In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.’”

6. Purpose and Identity

Human beings were created by God with divine intention and purpose. Those who repent of sin and place their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ—believing in His death and resurrection—are forgiven, restored to a living relationship with God, and welcomed into His Kingdom as His children. Our identity is no longer defined by this world, but by our citizenship in the Kingdom of God. As followers of Jesus Christ and His ambassadors, our purpose is to seek Him, obey His Word, and make Him Lord of our lives.

• 2 Corinthians 5:17 — “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
• 2 Corinthians 5:20 — “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.”
• Luke 9:23 — “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”

7. Faith, Hope, and Trust

Believers are called to trust fully in God rather than relying on their own understanding. Faith is confidence in who God is and belief in His promises as outlined in the holy scriptures, the Bible. Biblical hope is a confident expectation of God and His faithfulness. It is through prayer, reading of His Word, faith and obedience to Him that we grow in trust and obtain hope in our Lord Christ Jesus.

• Hebrews 11:6 — “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
• Proverbs 3:5 — “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”
• 2 Corinthians 5:7 — “For we walk by faith, not by sight”
• 1 Peter 1:3 — “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead”

8. Peace and Righteousness

True peace comes from being made right with God through Jesus Christ, not from the absence of trouble. Because of sin, we cannot become righteous on our own; righteousness is a gift received by faith in Jesus Christ. When believers are justified through faith, they have peace with God—a deep and lasting peace that surpasses all understanding.

• Romans 5:1 — “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:”
• Philippians 4:7 — “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
• Romans 14:17 — “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.”

9. Love and Compassion

God is love. His love is most clearly revealed through Jesus Christ, who although sinless, He willingly died for our sins that we might live, and have eternal life through Him. Through receiving Jesus Christ as their Saviour, believers can receive His lavish love, forgiveness of sins, restoration with God, and a new life in Christ Jesus. As He is love, we are also called to love God and others with the same selfless, sacrificial love that we have received. We are also called to be like Jesus who is compassionate and full of mercy. Compassion is a deep, God-given tenderness that moves the heart to respond with mercy and loving action toward others’ suffering. For believers in Jesus Christ, compassion reflects God’s own heart and is essential because it is how Christ’s love is made visible through us to a hurting world.

• Romans 5:8 — “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
• 1 John 4:9-10 — “In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”
• 1 John 4:19 — “We love him, because he first loved us.”
• John 13:34-35 — “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye

have love one to another.

• 1 John 3:17—“But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?”

10. Healing and Restoration

God’s desire is that none should perish, but that all come to life through Jesus Christ. Through His sacrifice on the cross, Jesus paid the full price for our sins, and He made the way for healing and restoration. He is the source of all life, and true healing—spirit, soul, and body—that flows from Him alone. While complete restoration will be fully realized in eternity, believers may experience healing, renewal, and wholeness now through faith in Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit.

• Exodus 15:26 — “For I am the Lord that healeth thee.”
• Psalm 147:3 — “He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.”
• Isaiah 53:5 — “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”

11. Prayer and Connection with God

Prayer is God’s gracious invitation to come to Him and commune with Him. Through the leading of the Holy Spirit, in prayer believers express their dependence on God, their needs and desires, grow in hearing His voice, and receive His wisdom and guidance to align their hearts with His will. There are various types of prayer that believers must develop through prayer with others and through their individual prayer time with God. A consistent on-going prayer life strengthens one’s faith, promotes sensitivity to the leading of the Holy Spirit, helps believers hear the voice of God, and deepens their intimacy with God.

• Hebrews 4:16 — “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”
• 1 Thessalonians 5:17 — “Pray without ceasing.”
• Jeremiah 33:3 — “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.”
• John 10:27 — “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me”

12. The Spirit Realm (Angels, Satan, Demons and Heavenly Hosts)

There is a spiritual realm created by God, existing alongside the physical world, and God is sovereign over all—both visible and invisible. Spiritual warfare is the unseen conflict between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness, which takes place in the spiritual realm, but affects this world and our lives. Believers must be taught how to take their God-given authority in Christ to rule and subdue the enemy. God’s heavenly hosts—vast armies under His command—carry out His purposes, while angels serve as individual messengers and ministers sent to help God and His people. Satan, a fallen high angel, is the adversary, and the ruler of this world. Satan rebelled against God, and now works with demons, also fallen angels, as an adversary to God and His children—to deceive, accuse, rob, kill, and destroy. Jesus Christ defeated Satan at the cross through His death and resurrection, but Satan remains active in this world until his final judgment before God. Believers do not fight against dark forces with physical weapons, but in the Spirit, with His Holy Word, and through divine authority in Jesus Christ. We are warriors, who war against evil forces in dark places, and who stand firm in faith, knowing we are victorious through our Lord Jesus Christ.

• Colossians 1:16— “For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him.”
• Hebrews 1:14— “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?”
• Psalm 103:20-21— “Bless the Lord, ye His angels, that excel in strength, that do His commandments, hearkening unto the voice of His word. Bless ye the Lord, all ye His hosts; ye ministers of His, that do His pleasure.”
• Luke 10:19— “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”
• James 4:7— “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
• 1 John 3:8— “He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.”
• John 12:31— “Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.”
• Ephesians 6:11-12—“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
• Ephesians 6:17—“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
• Colossians 2:15— “And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.”

A thriving community is more than a collection of people—it is a system where individuals have the resources, support, and opportunities to grow, contribute, and live with dignity. Communities flourish when basic needs are met, safety and health are ensured, and opportunities for learning, work, and connection are accessible to all. The following key areas outline what communities require to thrive, supporting both individual wellbeing and collective resilience.

• Proverbs 10:15-16 —“The rich man’s wealth is his strong city: The destruction of the poor is their poverty. The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: The fruit of the wicked to sin.“
• Proverbs 10:21 —“The lips of the righteous feed many: But fools die for want of wisdom.“
• Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 —“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”
• Jeremiah 29:7 —“And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the Lord for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.”
• Proverbs 14:34 —“Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.”
• Proverbs 31:8-9 —“Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.”
• Matthew 25:35-36 —“For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.”
• Jeremiah 33:6 —“Behold, I will bring it health and cure, and I will cure them, and will reveal unto them the abundance of peace and truth.”
• Proverbs 4:7 —“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.”
• Hosea 4:6 —“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.”
• Ephesians 4:28 —“Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.”

1. Health and Healthcare

Accessible healthcare, including preventive care, mental health services, and addiction treatment, is essential for a healthy population. Adequate nutrition, clean water, and timely medical intervention enable community members to maintain wellbeing, care for others, participate in the workforce, and contribute to social and economic growth.

2. Safety and Protection

Communities must protect individuals from violence, exploitation, and harm through effective leadership, laws, social protections, and emergency services. Safety, accountability, and protection build trust, encourage participation, and support long-term stability.

3. Education and Skill Development

Formal and informal learning opportunities help individuals develop knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for work and daily life. Education empowers people to pursue employment, retain jobs, innovate, and make informed decisions that support their lives and the community.

4. Economic Opportunity and Livelihoods

Access to employment, fair wages, and economic inclusion enables individuals and businesses to meet needs while supporting community prosperity. Encouraging small businesses, entrepreneurship, and attracting new economic opportunities that enrich the local economy and fosters community development.

5. Social Support and Community Connection

Communities thrive when members feel connected, supported, and valued. Building strong families, social networks, community organizations, and volunteer groups foster collaboration, inclusion, and resilience, strengthening both individuals and the community as a whole.

6. Housing, Infrastructure, and Public Services

Reliable housing, transportation, energy, sanitation, communication, and public spaces are essential for community prosperity. Well-maintained infrastructure supports economic activity, service delivery, and overall community health.

7. Good Governance and Leadership

Transparent, accountable, and effective leadership ensures fair laws, equitable service delivery, and public trust. Good governance fosters collaboration, responsible management of shared resources, and efficient responses to community challenges.

8. Equity and Inclusion

Communities thrive when everyone—regardless of gender, age, ability, or background—has access to opportunities and decision-making. Promoting equity and inclusion strengthens social cohesion and ensures all members can contribute their skills, knowledge, and talents.

9. Recreation and Environment

Access to safe recreational spaces, parks, cultural activities, and clean, healthy environments is essential for community wellbeing. Recreation promotes physical health, mental wellness, social connection, and inclusion, while a healthy environment supports sustainability, reduces stress, and fosters community pride and belonging.

The needy are those in urgent distress, vulnerability, or dependence.

The most needy in society are individuals and families who lack safety, stability, and access to essential resources—often due to systemic barriers, trauma, illness, or displacement beyond their control. Effective support must address immediate survival needs while also creating realistic pathways toward safety, dignity, and long-term stability.

• Deuteronomy 15:11 —“For the poor will never cease from the land; therefore I command you, saying, ‘You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor and your needy, in your land.’”
• James 2:15-16 —“If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
  And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?”
• 1 John 3:17-18 —“But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
  My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.”
• Psalm 82:3-4 —“Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.
  Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked.”
• Proverbs 22:9 —“He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.”
• Matthew 25:35-36 —“For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.”

1. Children (especially those alone, in poverty, or unstable homes)

Children need reliable access to food, safe housing, healthcare, education, and emotionally supportive caregivers to develop and thrive. Programs such as school support, nutrition initiatives, counseling, and family stabilization services are critical to prevent harm, support development, and integration into families and their community.

2. Women (especially single mothers, pregnant women, and survivors of abuse)

Women experiencing poverty often face multiple challenges, including caregiving responsibilities, financial insecurity, and exposure to violence or exploitation. Essential support includes safe housing, childcare, healthcare, legal aid, protection, and education that fosters long-term independence for women and their children.

3. Elderly

Older adults with limited income, declining health, or social isolation are at higher risk of neglect, housing instability, and abuse. Key supports include safe and affordable housing, accessible healthcare, income assistance, transportation, and community engagement to preserve dignity, ensure safety, and enhance quality of life.

4. Persons with Disabilities

Individuals with physical, mental, or developmental disabilities frequently encounter barriers to housing, employment, transportation, and essential services. Accessible environments, consistent healthcare, income supports, assistive services and technology, and inclusive opportunities are necessary to promote independence, reduce isolation, and enable participation in society.

5. Individuals with Mental Health Conditions, Chronic Illness, or Addiction Disorders

Untreated mental illness, chronic health conditions, and addiction disorders significantly increase vulnerability to homelessness, incarceration, and exploitation. Effective support requires timely access to healthcare, medication, counseling, harm-reduction services, and long-term treatment options within a compassionate, trauma-informed system of care.

6. Homeless or Housing-Insecure Individuals

Without safe and stable housing, individuals are unable to effectively address health needs, secure employment, or sustain recovery. Housing stability paired with consistent case management, access to healthcare, income supports, and social services provides the foundation needed to address underlying challenges, support long-term stability, and enhance social integration.

7. Individuals and Families in Financial Crisis (Working Poor / Financially Vulnerable)

Many individuals and families live with ongoing financial stress due to low income, job loss, debt, rising living costs, or unexpected emergencies. Although they may still be housed, they struggle to meet basic needs such as food, utilities, rent, transportation, and childcare. Without timely support, financial hardship can quickly lead to homelessness, poor health, family breakdown, and long-term poverty. Effective assistance includes emergency financial aid, food support, budgeting and financial literacy, job training, employment placement, debt counseling, and access to social benefits. Early intervention helps stabilize families, prevent deeper crisis, and restore dignity and self-sufficiency.

8. Survivors of Violence and Exploitation

Many individuals experience domestic violence, human trafficking, or other forms of exploitation, increasing vulnerability to poverty and health risks. Trauma-informed services, safe housing, counseling, legal protection, and economic support are essential to restore safety and autonomy.

9. Refugees, Migrants, and Displaced Persons

Displacement often results in loss of legal status, income, housing, and community support. Effective assistance includes legal advocacy, language services, healthcare, housing support, and employment pathways to support integration, safety, and dignity.

10. Marginalized Communities

Groups affected by systemic inequities—such as Indigenous communities, racialized populations, religious groups, and marginalized neighborhoods—require tailored interventions, including access to culturally sensitive healthcare, education, economic opportunity, and community empowerment initiatives. Addressing systemic barriers strengthens resilience and promotes equity.

GLOBAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

As ambassadors of Jesus Christ and His representatives on earth, we are called to live as faithful witnesses, seeking to see God’s will done on earth as it is in heaven. As a global movement, our mission is to proclaim the gospel, make disciples of all nations, and bring the message of salvation to every creature. We are also called to love God wholeheartedly and to love others as ourselves, demonstrating the love of Christ through compassion, justice, and practical service. God has called us not only to speak the gospel, but to live it—serving the poor, caring for the vulnerable, and meeting both spiritual and physical needs, so that through both word and action, the Kingdom of God may be revealed on earth.

• Matthew 28:19-20 — “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
• Mark 16:15 — “And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.’”
• Matthew 22:37-39 — “Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”
• 2 Corinthians 5:20 — “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.”
• Matthew 6:10 — “Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
• Matthew 25:35-40 — “For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me… Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.”
• James 2:17 — “Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”
• James 1:27 — “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.”
• 1 John 3:18 — “My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth