When we  started our 40 DOC in 2005, a foundation wanted to work with our church for a social development program. It was providential because we were looking for someone who could help us implement a feeding program for children and a livelihood program for the mothers of these children in depressed areas. So we immediately looked for a mission house where livelihood lessons are taught.

While the children are in feeding sessions, mothers are taught entrepreneurial skills such as cooking, baking, dressmaking, beads making and other income generating activities. We brought in cooking equipment, sewing machines, and other equipment and provided a start-up capital. Parents are also encouraged to attend bible lessons and after three months, they are encouraged to attend church worship. This goes on for three months after which we move on to another underprivileged area.

People like to come to the church because they see Christianity in action—not only bible lessons but also skills development and entrepreneurial opportunities. For them, this is very real and a true expression of love. They are happy that their children are given proper nutrition while at the same time, adults learn new skills they now use and earn from. To say the least, business is good for families who benefited from these programs.

Because of the DOP two years ago, people were saved and became part of the church and these are the same people helping the 40 DOC. Our church is now waiting for the start of the PEACE Plan and we are hoping to start it soon.


What the 40 DOC Taught Us
Pastor Ramy Henares
Church of the Good Shepherd, Las Pinas

The 40 DOC taught church members to be outward-focused. We learned this is not about ourselves but about our church and people outside the church. Transformation has happened among the members. The love of God and the love for others, no longer  “me and myself” is the prevailing spirit in our church.

This has been a blessing for me because I see the change; the members’ concerns are no longer for personal benefit but how they can have an impact in the community. Our church is now seen by people as a community display but a church that helps, cares for and is involved with community life.

This is an exciting time for all  of us as we clearly the developments—from the successful 40 DOP where our attendance increased from 100 to 200 and small groups growing to 39, catering to unbelievers---to the 40 DOC where a self-centered lifestyle was transformed into a selfless attitude.
Caring In Community
Pastor Gary Sy
Cornerstone Community Baptist Church, QC

From 8 small groups in 40 DOP to 26 small groups in 40 DOC, every one is actively involved not only in caring for members in their own groups but we also had the opportunity to extend our influence in the community through the community project. People saw how they can  enhance their being together in the Lord, how we can worship,  fellowship, evangelize, serve better together. The impact

Members also learned that a church is really is community which fits our church – Cornerstone Community Baptist Church. I believe that in “community”, there is common unity among believers. It was the 40 DOC that strengthened that unity.

Involvement in all ministry activities gave people the excitement and the spirit to share God’s love. The church grew not only in quantity but also in quality. I always remind members that although this is a project of a small group, others should be involved because that is the essence of community.

A blessing was when a barangay officer of Payatas heard about a church ministry and pleaded for the repair of  a basketball court which has been neglected by the local government. This made an impact in the community as people saw there is a church that cares for them. One small group is composed of 25 members and I was surprised to learn that they have started to collect offerings for a ministry and members suggested they could start another church with this group. This shows how people are coming to the Lord and continuously growing. They see that they need to move to action. The bible tells us that every believer is a minister.

As we wind up the 40 DOC,  we are looking forward to the Global PEACE Plan. Through this plan, we can teach the small groups that they are not only limited to caring, ministering and nurturing others but that they can be used to start a church where they are.