It has been an eye-opening and life-changing experience for me to serve with CBM this first year. I’m grateful for the way this experience has shaped me both personally and professionally, from adjusting to new situations and cultural differences to taking on challenging tasks and helping to improve the lives of others. I’ve been able to develop, learn from, and form enduring relationships with others from many walks of life. Furthermore, these experiences have given me the knowledge and skills to confront social concerns and advance equality and inclusivity in communities. 

I have seen God’s work and mission accomplished through our programs that empower widows in India (Alempang, Yimyu, and Sungkomen Baptist Churches in Mokokchung District of Nagaland) enabling them to transition from poverty to a sustainable lifestyle. The initiative has helped them become independent, secure income sources, and even encourages them to raise livestock, leading to significant financial, spiritual, and psychological benefits. 

One such widow has to provide for her two sons. She lost her husband after five years of marriage. He worked as a day labourer and was the only source of income for the family. She had to deal with a lot of difficulties after becoming widowed, including pressure from the paternal family, financial difficulties, and psychological trauma. Sungkomen Baptist Church, along with CBM, came to her aid. She was introduced to raising chickens through the program and she is now contentedly working toward a more sustainable life. 

She has made significant progress over her first nine months in the program and has triumphed over her challenges. She says, “through this program, I am now empowered economically as I am able to send my kids to school; socially, I am now recognized as a young entrepreneur; and spiritually, I am engaged in church activities without any hesitation.” By participating in this program, she has been able to get over the emotional traumas associated with being a single mother and accepted the death of her spouse which was once difficult for her. She further shares, “The widow’s program has given me an identity to be self-reliant and productive.” 

Chuchuyimlang Baptist Church’s Empowerment through Sports program has inspired 40 young people ages 15–25 to develop their football (soccer) skills. In this region of India, sports are more of a recreation than thought of as a possible career. But because of our involvement, young kids are really embracing this career-focused approach to sports. The program, which includes certified coaches, diets, and intensive training, has improved their abilities, personal development, community life, and faith. There’s much anticipation that these young students could be admitted to football (soccer) academies in the days to come.

Youth among the Mising tribe in Assam and Baptist Church of Mizoram in India have been able to develop their potential skills in beauty & wellness fields, basic computer applications, and tailoring. The women in Assam were provided with raw materials for weaving handlooms which has benefited them and the Church. Food security has seen its impact with our partners in Assam and Mizoram where the farmers continue to practice sustainability and escape poverty.

The strength of the Church in transforming local communities is evident in Alempang Baptist Church where many have been restored through the Alcohol Rehabilitation and Income Generation program. I have seen those on the margins of society become actively involved in church, with their families, and community. God’s work has also manifested through a program directed at youth who were once unemployed. These youths have found meaning in their productivity of organic food processing and pig rearing.  

CBM partners with Clark Theological College in supporting students with a scholarship program. They have also incorporated capacity-building programs in Creation Care.

I have found that working with CBM offers a unique opportunity to combine faith with skills. It provides avenues to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others, both locally and globally, by sharing the love of Christ through various humanitarian and spiritual endeavors.

As I look forward to working with CBM in 2024, I hope to see women at risk given meaningful alternatives towards transforming their lives and families. As well as see more of the work with the Church and theological community.

Thank You and God Bless.